Kyrgyz Culture Inspires Innovation

Design partners Altynai Osmoeva and Aidai Chochunbaeva have come together in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to create a line of innovative textiles, clothing, and home decor deeply rooted in Kyrgyz culture. They partner with a vast network of master artisans who are prolific in sewing, weaving, patchwork, and of course felting. Their items are adorned with traditional block patterns from nomadic Chapans, Koinoks, and Chyptamas, and Kyrgyz oimo motifs.

An innovative pairing, Altynai and Aidai prioritize playing with new shapes, forms, and color combinations that will appeal to a global audience. They are known for carefully selecting traditional motifs and patterns and contrasting them with minimal backgrounds, an artistic choice that differs from the saturated richness of traditional Kyrgyz aesthetics. The patterns and motifs they gravitate to are often floral designs, or patterns like the “Umai Ene” which is a symbol of a mother and protection, or “It Kuyruk”, a symbol of loyalty and friendship. Altynai and Aidai have also innovated their creations to include three-dimensional oimos (patterns) and a dyeing technique that produces a “mother-of-pearl effect.” In addition to silk, many of their creations utilize felt, a material used since time immemorial by nomads in yurts, for flooring, and of course as clothing.

Altynai graduated from Central Saint Martins Art College in London, and Aidai graduated from the Faculty of Design at the Architectural University in Bishkek. The love of folk art runs in their blood as their male ancestors were famous craftsmen in leather and silver, and their female ancestors were experts in Kyrgyz textile techniques. Altynai has established Altai Osmo, a sustainable and slow womenswear label that works and collaborates with both regional and international artisans. Aidai has launched her accessories label Akbara which produces handmade felt and Nuno felt accessories.