An invite to discover Caucasian culture with debuting womenswear designer Alexandra Salamakhina

If you wish to know more about Azerbaijani culture and traditions without having to go through history books, then the work of designer Alexandra Salamakhina is the best option to do so, under the lense of fashion. Her work is an ode to the culture of Azerbaijan. Rather it is in reference to the Empire Ottoman, or to the Azerbaijani literature, all of Salamakhina’s creations refer to a specific area of Caucasian traditions, and offer the wearer an opportunity to embrace that culture by wearing inspiring designs.

“Motives and ornaments to be seen are taken from multicultural history of Azerbaijan”

From the creation of her brand in 2012 in Azerbaijan, Alexandra Salamakhina started as a textile designer in 2013. She will hold her debut run at Paris Fashion Week with Oxford Fashion Studio this season at Hotel d’Evreux, to showcase her very first prêt-a-porter womenswear collection Salam!. In autumn 2013, the designer took part in the “Strengthening the creative industries” project, her designs were presented in Georgia, and then selected for an exhibition in Italy.

The Azerbajiani designer takes a lot of inspiration in the “Art Nouveau” movement, and associates these influences with her personal heritage. Her upcoming collection is a straight attempt to transfigure national dress for daily wear, adjusting it to current trends. Motives and ornaments to be seen are taken from multicultural history of Azerbaijan. Salamakhina mostly uses her own printed fabrics. The looks are accomplished with hand-made or limited edition accessories. In fact, Alexandra Salamakhina has specialised so far into designing accessories and silk scarves, the fabrics being printed with the designer’s own patterns, and locally produced textile; every single print reflecting an element of Caucasian culture.

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