The exhibition titled “Uzbekistan Fashion Blue and Green. Endless Silk Road” showcased rare samples of Uzbek national fabrics, a traditional costume show and a music programme with the participation of leading performers from Uzbekistan.

The event which took place at Lotte Hotel in Seoul was attended by almost 600 people: officials, diplomats and public circles, representatives of textile and sewing enterprises, culture and art professionals from Korea and all those interested in Uzbek culture.

Oriental fabrics and costumes have long been considered not only as a way of self-expression but also a reflection of a particular nation`s culture, traditions and spiritual world. Exquisite patterns and ornaments of national fabrics have always drawn a keen interest across the world. As of today ikat fabrics are equated to other works of art of international significance.

The Uzbek ikat exhibition included samples of han atlas, adras, shoi – fabrics with extraordinary colours and patterns, thereby enabling the visitors to discover the entire palette and diversity of traditional Uzbek fabrics. The showroom presented rare exhibits as well as modern fabrics made with the use of restored ancient technologies. Each sample was accompanied by a technical description and additional information on how it is made, natural dyes used and the history of its making. The exhibition also demonstrated ancient national costumes symbolizing historical traditions, lifestyles and centuries-old traditions.

Of particular interest was the traditional costume show composed of around 100 models in 14 collections by prominent and young designers from Uzbekistan. The show of ‘ethno`-style costumes with traditional elements offered an unrivaled combination of national traditions and modern trends in fashion, demonstrated a unique legacy complemented by the mastery of Uzbek fashion designers.

The music part of the event featured prominent musicians from Uzbekistan - a folk instrument band under the guidance of Abdukhoshim Ismailov as well as Zulaikho Boykhonova, a People`s Artist of Uzbekistan. Judging by the guests` ovations, the musicians were able to convey to the audience the breath of the Uzbek land and the Uzbek nation`s originality and soul.

Yeong-Chul Zhang, Korean Federation of Textile Industry:

- At this point Korean-Uzbek joint ventures are working on the manufacture of fabrics, knitwear and ready-made goods. We collaborate with Uzbek partners from Uzbekistan`s Ferghana Valley. I am well aware of Uzbek fabrics and as a specialist I can say that I have discovered new facets of traditional textile art of Uzbekistan. It is remarkable that the development and support of textile receives a lot of attention in Uzbekistan. We are aiming to boost our cooperation in textile production by increasing the number of joint ventures both in Korea and Uzbekistan.

Lee Keng-Sik, president of the Korea Post manazine:

- The demonstration of Uzbek models was wonderful and it was a big discovery to all those who are indifferent to fashion. Big frilled collars with black-and-while patterns on black silk dresses struck many people`s eyes. The colours, the hues, the styles and the ornaments we have seen differ greatly from those used in Korea. I believe some of the Korean fashion designers would love to meet with Uzbek colleagues and discover something new and extraordinary. Korea`s interest in Uzbekistan continues to grow and this is good news. I am hopeful that in the future there will be more collaborative cultural events of his kind which will contribute to stronger links between Korea and Uzbekistan.

Kyu Sik Shim, General Manager of Shinhan Bank:

- Each nation attaches a lot of importance to their roots as this defines national culture. What we have seen today is a bright example which has given the Koreans a great opportunity to get to know Uzbek culture better. This sort of events allow for mutual spiritual enrichment and stronger international cultural ties. And I think that today I have found something shared by our two cultures and this probably because we are Asians and are historically bound by the Silk Road.

In collaboration with Korean partners the Fund Forum has organized a series of cultural events in Tashkent. Among these are a major exhibition “Korean Herbarium”, a Festival of Korean Culture in Tashkent and performances by prominent Korean musicians among others. Seoul, in turn, hosted a Festival of the Cultures of the Silk Road Countries, which also demonstrated national fabrics and models from Uzbekistan. A Festival of Cultural Exchange between Korea and Central Asia has seen Uzbek musicians perform in Korea. Currently, the National Museum of Korea is hosting an exhibition titled “Crossroads of Civilizations of the East and the West: The Ancient Culture of Uzbekistan” organized within the framework of the Cooperation Memorandum signed by the Museum and the Fund Forum.