✅ Kazakh Designer’s Dresses
Kazakh designers believe that national style should become available and recognizable all over the world. And they are succeeding in spreading the local fashion, because once you have entered the designer’s pop shops, you would become addicted to hunting for some nice outfit (at least I did). The fashion here is feminine, a lot floral patterns, lace, velvet and silk. You can find local designers collections in their showrooms or pop shop events that are held every now and then in Kazakhstan cities. Also, it’s very common to order dresses in atelier. The photos above show some examples of gorgeous dresses from Medina Saktaganova atelier. Decoration, embroidery and paintings are custom handmade.
✅ Photoshoot in Kazakh Steppe
From my own experience, professional photoshoot is a great way to keep your memories. Kazakh steppe is a spiritual and even mystic place. It has a very unique landscape, that was carved by moving ice million years ago. You can find fantastic sceneries for photoshoot, for instance, we drove 100 km from Aktau city to an artificial town Abasta, that was used for filming a movie earlier. Our idea was to make a photoshoot inspired by “Mad Max” movie. Use some imagination and maybe you will come up with a great idea for something like post-apocalypses photoshoot. If you want to rent a national costume for your photoshoot, you can do it in the theater or order a custom one from local atelier.
✅ Handmade Accessories (leather, wood, beads)
I found lots of talented people in Kazakhstan. Handmade artists follow the latest trends and incorporate traditional ornaments into their design. Don’t be surprised to find a leather belt influenced by Dolce&Gabbana or tassel beaded earrings made by local artisan. Beaded brooches, bracelets, leather belts and many other things you can find at the local markets or order from the artisans directly.
✅ Silver Jewelry with National Ornaments
Eastern and Western Kazakhstan jewelries differ by ornaments and details. When you are buying a piece, make sure you choose the correct one, because the shape and pattern have certain meanings. Bird’s beak shaped ring is common among married woman, decorated and more complicated jewelry are worn by bride. Gem placed into the jewelry has a sacral meaning and act as an Eye of Providence giving power and protecting the owner. For example, earrings decorated with turquoise will bring happiness. Amber is also known to have a powerful healing effect. The most popular gem is carnelian, “sun stone”, which brings luck and health.
✅ Accessories for Interior/Home
On the markets (bazars), you can find anything from typical Uzbek painted ceramics to white and bright blue Russian Gzhel. Felt accessories such as coasters, cup or bottle holders, are also very original and useful gifts from Kazakhstan. For those who cannot imagine their life without cute boxes (I’m obsessed with them), you can find leather ones that replicate a small version of “yurt” (traditional tent). They are great to keep accessories, keys and other small things. “Empire” is Kazakhstan brand that produce many high quality authentic items, usually located in any major shopping centers and airports. More artesian and cheaper gifts you can get at pop shops and markets. One entertaining accessory to get in Kazakhstan is a whip, also called “nagaika” in Russian. It’s made by braiding leather strips and handle can be richly decorated by stones and silver.
✅ Scarves
If you want to surprise your friends from abroad and get a memorable accessory, buy a silk, felt or wool scarf. They are beautiful and very authentic here, you won’t find any similar one in other part of the world. Colorful and with traditional patterns, I like to get such things as a good memory of the place. The popular brand that produces leather bags, belts and scarves is Adili, can be found in major shopping malls.
