Crafting Elegance: Bibi Hanum's Journey of Tradition and Innovation
Founded by Muhayo Alieva, Bibi Hanum is a socially responsible brand that specialises in crafting garments and accessories using hand-woven ikat fibre. With a mission to provide economic opportunities for artisans and preserve Uzbekistan’s textile and ethnographic heritage, Bibi Hanum has been a stalwart in this market for eighteen years and continues to evolve its work.
This year marks a significant milestone for Bibi Hanum as it moves into its new building nestled in the heart of Tashkent's old city, Chorsu. Situated in close proximity to the iconic Blue-domed Grand Bazaar, Chorsu is a bustling hub, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
Reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, Bibi Hanum's new architectural marvel boasts exterior staircases and fortress-like walls. Comprising three stories, the new building features a ground floor shop where a diverse array of unique garments and accessories crafted by Bibi Hanum are available for discerning shoppers. The second floor houses the workshop, the very nucleus where the creative magic unfolds. As for the third floor, currently under construction, it is envisioned to serve as a gallery or a hall for hosting Bibi Hanum's much-anticipated runway shows featuring its latest collections. It's on the second floor that designs for textiles, including fabrics and suzani pieces, are conceptualised before being sent out for production to various regions of Uzbekistan.
Upon their return to Bibi Hanum, master artisans meticulously assemble the original designs into exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces. As the seasons transition, Bibi Hanum is diligently crafting its 2024FW and 2025SS. In addition to its signature black and white tones, the brand is introducing a captivating range of fabrics centered around serene blue and verdant green hues, an homage to the precious resource of water. These colours are intended to infuse a sense of tranquility into
our daily environments.
Furthermore, Bibi Hanum is embracing the power of contrasts with another set of fabrics, juxtaposing light and dark shades to reflect the turbulent emotions of our times. Through this bold interplay, the brand seeks to foster a sense of connection and hope by bridging opposing forces. Expect to encounter transcendent purples harmonising with luminous green-yellows, offering beacons of light amid darkness. Incorporating traditional floral motifs interwoven with geometric patterns, Bibi Hanum is introducing a new element to its fabric repertoire: the butterfly.
Symbolising transformation, hope, and rebirth, the butterfly embodies qualities of freedom and earthly beauty, adding a poignant layer of symbolism to the collection.
These enchanting patterns and colors will grace Bibi Hanum's garments, with embroideries inspired by the aforementioned themes adorning long maxi kaftans and delicately accenting sleeves and belts on select dresses. Complementing these apparel pieces, accessories such as bags and clutches will echo the same color tones and feature harmonious embroideries, creating a cohesive and captivating ensemble.
Win a Silk Ikat Robe by Bibi Hanum as part of Selvedge Magazine issue 117: Irresistible competitions. Enter a prize draw HERE with a chance of winning.
Find out more:
bibihanum.com
@bibihanumuz
On Saturday 8 June 2024 at 14:00 BST, we will be holding an Online Symposium inspired by issue 117: Irresistible of Selvedge Magazine inviting a discussion around the irresistible nature of resist-dyeing techniques around the world. Join us to discuss batik and its history and legacy. Book your tickets now: www.selvedge.org/products/-online-symposium-irresistible