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The 34th International Fashion Exhibition, Central Asia Fashion Autumn-2024, alongside the 5th International Exhibition of Footwear, Fur, Leather, and Accessories, Elite Line

The 34th International Fashion Exhibition, Central Asia Fashion Autumn-2024, alongside the 5th International Exhibition of Footwear, Fur, Leather, and Accessories, Elite Line ended in Almaty

The event featured 158 participants from Kazakhstan, China, Poland, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the UAE, the USA, Germany, France, Italy, and Hong Kong, showcasing around 40 groups of fashion goods. The main segments included new collections of women’s and men’s clothing, night dresses, fur, and footwear for the Fall-Winter 2024/2025 season. Over 6,770 buyers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan attended the exhibition.

The Elite Line exhibition was organized as part of a partnership between Euro Shoes, Elite Line, and Central Asia Fashion. With the support of Euro Shoes, over 25 footwear companies from various countries participated in the exhibition. The presence of 41 major players from the fur market greatly expanded the range of fur brands represented in Central Asia. Notable participants included the Turkish Fur Industrialists and Businessmen Association (KSIAD) and the HONG KONG FUR FEDERATION, supported by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

Metin Arslan, Director of CATEXPO, highlighted that each season brings new participating countries, and the B2B format is maintained, enabling Central Asian buyers to purchase collections at wholesale prices. He stated, «Thanks to consistent efforts in this direction, Kazakhstan has confidently secured its leading position in the region, and the exhibition continues to be the largest fashion event in Central Asia. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in this project, whose dedication year after year helps it grow, attracting attention and investment to our country.»

Many of the guests at CAF have been involved in the project since its inception and have witnessed its growing international recognition. Cooperation with Turkey has been a crucial factor in this success. At the opening ceremony, the Consul General of Turkey in Kazakhstan, Evren Muderrisoglu, welcomed the audience and highlighted the active economic development of both countries. Additionally, Ali Yavuz Boynukısa, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Fur Industrialists and Businessmen Association, noted that while only three companies were represented at the exhibition three years ago, the Autumn-2024 season now features 14 companies.
Jan Belyaev, Director General of the National Footwear Union (NFU) of Russia and the Euro Shoes Premiere Collection Exhibition Mr. Yan Belyaev, Director General of the National Footwear Union of Russia, wished participants and buyers successful orders, swift shipments, and timely payments. He remarked: «The partnership between Euro Shoes and Elite Line is undoubtedly fruitful. Not all exhibitions offer a comprehensive total look segment, where buyers can order both clothing and footwear in one place. This unique feature promises stability for the future. In today’s turbulent world, stability is hard to come by, but here at the exhibition, it’s present. I hope this sense of stability will always be with us!»

Creative Premiere at the Exhibition

The opening ceremony, always vibrant and full of surprises, showcased the latest trends in Central Asia’s fashion world. A standout trend for the Fall-Winter 2024/2025 season is the incorporation of ethnic motifs. Modern, comfortable clothing that reflects the distinctive ethno-color of various countries and cultures is in vogue. Designers are placing greater emphasis on cultural identity and the preservation of traditional folk costumes. Historically, many of these elements served not just as decorative pieces but also as symbols of one’s place and role in society.

At the opening ceremony, Kazakhstani designer Zhadyra Zhamansarina, with her brand Sara Fashion, and Kyrgyzstani designer Tolgonai Baira, with her brand Baira, showcased their collections created especially for CAF Autumn-2024. Using ethnic motifs, they crafted stunning pieces for both women and men, offering an elegant and subtle way for individuals to stand out and capture attention.

Business Conference at a New Growth Point

The business program of the exhibition this autumn marked a new and enhanced phase of its development. Throughout the three days, visitors had access to a variety of resources, including a free consultation center, an Internet marketing school, a job fair, and educational initiatives like the «Salesman & Buyer School» and a mini MBA program

The CAF Business Conference, a unique event with no equivalents in Central Asia, has expanded to an inter-country level. In the Autumn-2024 season, it featured 24 sessions with distinguished speakers from the Netherlands, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

The future, both in the short and long term, was a key focus of discussions at the business conference. During the panel discussion «How the Global ‘Forecast-2050’ Will Affect Business and Customers», experts explored major societal trends such as global aging, hyper-urbanization, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The discussion centered on the impact these global challenges will have on businesses. Projections suggest that by 2050, there will be 4 million people over the age of 100 worldwide, with the population over 65 expected to rise from 10% today to 22%. Additionally, 80% of the global population is predicted to live in large cities. Experts highlighted that each of these trends will have both positive and negative implications, significantly influencing business operations and societal dynamics.