M7 presents Woven Legacies: Uzbekistan’s Living Heritage, a captivating exhibition that celebrates Uzbekistan’s rich textile traditions and the vibrant craft communities that sustain them. Organised by the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan with the support of Saida Mirziyoyeva (Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan), the show will remain open to the public until 3 January 2026.
At the heart of the exhibition are 12 unique garments, including traditional chapans (embroidered coats) and contemporary dresses, by leading Uzbek artisans and designers. These creations embody centuries-old techniques and contemporary reinterpretations of national textile heritage.
Madina Kasimbaeva, recognised as one of Uzbekistan’s foremost embroidery masters, is a central figure in the exhibition. Through her atelier, Suzani by Kasimbaeva, she combines rigorous historical research with modern design sensibilities, training nearly 200 young women in traditional stitching techniques and ensuring that suzani embroidery continues to evolve as a living craft. Her works demonstrate the symbolic language and refined craftsmanship that make Uzbek embroidery globally admired.
Also on display are exceptional garments by SAADI Couture, the fashion house founded by designer Diora Usmanova. A highlight is a couture gown crafted in silk and organza and richly embroidered with motifs from Kasimbaeva’s atelier. This piece bridges heritage and haute couture, presenting Uzbek textile artistry through a contemporary fashion lens.
Iroda Agzam, another participant whose collection enriches the exhibition, showcases a specially curated series of garments developed in collaboration with SAADI Ethno. Her work fuses ancestral craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. It reflects the dynamism of Uzbekistan’s cultural identity and the creative potential of heritage-inspired design.
Beyond the garments themselves, the exhibition situates these works within a broader cultural narrative. It uses immersive displays to tell the stories behind the textiles, from the shimmering ikat silks of Margilan that were treasured along the Silk Road to the richly embroidered fabrics that carry meaning across generations. Through this blend of past and present, Woven Legacies offers visitors a compelling portrait of Uzbekistan’s living heritage and its ongoing contribution to global craft and design.
To learn more about the exhibition, please visit its official web page.
Additionally, you might be interested in exploring Motherhood: An Art and Photography Exhibition and The Only Way Out Is Through: The Twentieth Line.
