Silk, traditions, and ecology: How Turkmenistan is rethinking “Sustainable Fashion” at RES 2026 EXPO
On April 23, as part of the international exhibition of environmental technologies RES 2026 EXPO, the first international eco-fashion show — Green Runway Fashion Show — will take place. The event will bring together leading designers from Central Asia and Azerbaijan. It will become one of the key cultural highlights of the exhibition and, for the first time, present regional fashion in the context of sustainable development on an international platform.
The main feature of the show is its unique scenography using live plants and natural elements, creating the effect of a “living space” and emphasizing the connection between fashion and nature. The format reflects a new approach to the industry, where aesthetics are combined with environmental responsibility and the cultural identity of the region.
Participants include Tatiana Vorotnikova (Kyrgyzstan), Gulnara Khalilova (Azerbaijan), Leyli Khayidova (Turkmenistan), Elena Ladik (Uzbekistan), Khurshed Satorov and Nafisa Imranova (Tajikistan), and Aidarkhan Kaliyev (Kazakhstan). Each designer will present collections of 10–12 looks across three conceptual directions:
• Eco-Heritage — reinterpretation of traditional costume using natural fabrics and dyes;
• Upcycling & Recycling — creation of garments from recycled materials;
• Bio-Design — use of natural prints and materials, including motifs of rare plant species listed in the Red Book.
The Green Runway Fashion Show will serve as a platform for dialogue between designers, environmentalists, investors, and government representatives, and will demonstrate the potential of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in developing sustainable fashion and creative industries.
It should be noted that RES 2026 EXPO will be held in Astana from April 22 to 24 and will become one of the largest international platforms dedicated to green technologies and sustainable development. The exhibition will feature companies from 30 countries (around 300 companies), and the expected number of visitors will exceed 20,000.
