ZHANAR’s “Fully Loaded,” Spring-Summer 2019 asyk drop is a tribute to Velvet Underground and a jubilant incorporation of (Andy) Warholesque, pop art stylings celebrating ordinary cultural artifacts and found treasures. Devotees of this period of transformative art may also recognize in our collection the influence of Roy Lichtenstein’s eccentric, pixelated creations. Altogether, we aim through these pieces to communicate in brilliant colors the most free and fun aspects of the 1960s counter-culture movement. But don’t take our word for it: “Peel Slowly and See.” 

Although we really enjoyed creating our light, vibrant, forward-thinking “Pop Asyk” pieces, we wanted also in this collection to include a few items suitable for spring-time wear for those days that just won’t let winter go. Our “Baccara” Collection is inspired by the rose of the same name—a lovely flower-noir with shades of crimson red and deep purple. And just as baccara’s beauty persists through changing seasons, so too does our appreciation for our friends of ZHANAR grow with the passage of time. 

Our “candy”-flavored attire is meant to evoke memories of our most joyful childhood summers at leisure—whether chewing bubblegum and swapping stories with friends, chomping down on bite-sized pieces of saltwater taffy and cruising the mall, or savoring cotton-candy and waiting in line for a favorite ride at the local amusement park. 

Our latest collection is a tribute to Kazakhstan’s rich heritage of nomadic peoples & and their enduring commitment to quality-made, functional attire. Our Fall-Winter 2018-2019 coats trace ancestral roots to the regional shapan-style while occasionally wandering into more expansive themes familiar to fans of the Japanese kimono. As is customary with ZHANAR creations, our ‘New Nomads’ Fall-Winter Coats Collection embraces a feminine form that projects supple beauty and durable power.

Recently, we brought our new collection of natural Italian wool & cashmere coats to the Alatau Mountains, a mere 45-minute drive from our office in Almaty. In this majestic, open-air space, we captured in a series of images a spirit that embodies our “Here Is Beautiful”-approach and communicates our understanding that beauty, like love, begins at home.

This collection is characterized by a commitment to accentuating the female form through a variety of materials and signature moments. For starters, we select fine Italian fabrics—notably cotton and silk—along with an array of interesting patterns intended to meet the preferences of our diverse clientele. We endeavor through our choices to develop a line of wholesome, yet breezy garments. Take for example our sun-spot (polka dot) dresses which blend timeless cuts with a contemporary flourish, and our chiffon dresses which exude a mystical pulse and electric flair. Through these lively creations, we ensure that our ladies are comfortable and confident in ZHANAR’s latest in warm weather attire.

This collection boasts an array of styles from the Kazakh-nomadic, regional shapan, and the Japanese kimono. Additional influences include, but are not limited to Star Wars (our tan, ‘Desert Rose’ jacket) and Pablo Picasso (our bold, sculpture-like, contoured jackets & office wear). The latter also invites us to consider in the lapel area an artistic incorporation of ram horns. It’s a reminder that today’s woman derives strength from a bold heart and a generous spirit. Through these fall & winter offerings, we encourage our friends of ZHANAR to overcome obstacles and project other-worldly beauty for all to admire.

“Necessity is the mother of all invention.” –English proverb.

When Zhanar needed a new dress for her vacation to Goa, India, she day-dreamed about her previous visit there. She recalled the welcome peace that she found along the long, isolated, pristine beaches and among the luxurious lagoons nestled against the temporary coco huts, offering panoramic views of exquisite sunsets & sunrises over the ocean.

ZHANAR’s “Sundarata” (meaning ‘Beauty’ in Sanskrit) dress is meant to evoke memory and invite renewal.

In bringing this dress to life, we used breathable, 100% Indian cotton and incorporated artistic elements that recall drum circles and live music, along with balance-inducing activities like meditation and yoga. Our Sundarata dress channels the roaring waves and resultant, watery foam of the Indian Ocean, and delivers us from need into Mother Earth’s calm embrace.

This wool jacket is a Kazakh, feminine reimagining of the classic, leather aviator’s coat. As with all ZHANAR creations, our emphasis here is on the quality inherent in natural beauty. Our “Victory” jacket’s golden zip-details evoke the sun’s brilliance, and our broad lapels simulate a butterfly taking flight. The olive green, gray & black colors remind us that it’s important to stay rooted in earthen gratitude as we strive toward greater heights. Finally, our layered wool design provides added warmth as fall changes to winter, while our bright red interior fabric is a wave to our home in Almaty (translated: “Apple”), where we retain our vitality in even the most challenging climes.

Our “Black Orchid” blouse evokes sensuality, mystery and magic. Made from 100% imported Italian silk, this blouse envelops a woman in a soft and elegant cloud while preserving her confidence, mystique and power. Fans of our ZHANAR blouse have told us that they feel more daring and confident in our unique creation. But to complete this most intoxicating look, we advise adding a pair of ZHANAR gold or silver cufflinks to the mix. ;-)

ZHANAR finds inspiration in natural & human-made creations.

Our “Lake Shore” dress is an homage to both, and to one of our favorite global cities: Chicago (USA). For years, Zhanar marveled at the vibrant culture pulsating alongside beautiful Lake Michigan and the world-class art and architecture that defines the city.

Recently, Zhanar gained an appreciation for local architect Jeanne Gang’s superb Aqua Tower, the tallest standing structure in the world designed by a woman. Like ZHANAR’s own creations, Ms. Gang’s Aqua Tower honors the natural environment while transmitting the beauty & strength of the female form.

The blue and white cross-currents that delineate our “Lake Shore” dress are head-turning tributes to Aqua Tower and to the gorgeous flag of “The Windy City.” The flounce, or ruffles occupying the top of our dress is another wave to this breezy town, but also a salute to Chicago’s substantial & spirited Latin-immigrant population.

It was therefore a thrill to take this dress to Chicago, and to receive so many compliments from passersby. We hope, of course that many other women will experience such happiness in our dress…wherever they may roam.)

Imagine that you are departing the hallowed halls of Vatican City or ascending the stairwells of Rome’s grand Colosseum. Here and elsewhere within The Eternal City, you’ll meditate on the uneven perfection of Rome’s enduring cobblestones and delight in the historical significance of the very ground beneath your feet.

Enter our “Kazakh Holiday” skirt—a name playfully derived from the classic 1950s film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Our skirt incorporates ZHANAR’s signature asyks ‘cobbled’ together in a warmly asymmetric swirl that resembles Rome’s famed streets and epic roundabouts. Notable also are the skirt’s bright and optimistic colors, suggesting the cool flavors residing in gelato shops in Italy and around the world—including Kazakhstan!