The Showroom Gallery frequently hosts exhibitions of exclusive works created by skilled artisans with golden hands and refined taste. We had the good fortune to discover the creations of three highly accomplished craftswomen at once.
Designer Senem Berdiyeva presented a large collection of fashionable women’s clothing. Her designs are created in a national style with modern elements, as well as in a modern style incorporating national motifs. These outfits are well suited for women both in everyday life and on festive occasions. In most cases, Senem uses traditional cuts (yanly)—based on rectangles and squares—which allow for ease of movement.
For the comfort of customers, the craftswoman most often uses fabrics such as gül-yüpek (cotton) and atlas (often sourced from family heirloom textiles), thus harmoniously combining vintage and modern elements in her collection. For example, satin appliqués (gurama), sewn onto garments, are a fashionable element that has transitioned from the past into contemporary style.
Another distinctive feature of Senem Berdiyeva’s collection is the use of painted designs on fabric. Notably, these items can be washed and ironed multiple times without damage. When the designs depict national ornaments, they are difficult to distinguish from embroidery. In addition to traditional patterns, landscapes and portraits are also used. Items with such designs are in high demand.
The author of these designs is also Senem herself. She is a graduate of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, though from the Faculty of Architecture rather than design. Fashion design remains her hobby.
Jewelry designer Leyli Seyidova from Turkmenabat has achieved a high level of mastery in her profession. The collection she presented demonstrates that Turkmen jewelry art is unique and has no equal. Leyli is the founder of the jewelry house brand “Emerald.” In her designs, she uses ancient ornaments, antique details, and rare stones, achieving distinctive and unrepeatable pieces through her craftsmanship.
By education, Leyli Seyidova is a philologist. She has a deep interest in history, particularly as it relates to ancient jewelry art. Many pieces from Leyli Seyidova’s brand have gone beyond Turkmenistan and are now part of private collections.
“I have jewelry pieces that are so dear to me that they are not for sale,” shares Leyli. “They are displayed in the showcases of the ‘Emerald’ jewelry house as exhibition items so that visitors can admire them.”
Sona Khalustova dreamed of enrolling in an art school from childhood, but she was unable to realize this dream. Instead, she became passionate about handicrafts—a passion that has accompanied her throughout her life. She presented at the exhibition a collection of beautiful women’s handbags in various shapes, wallets, eyeglass cases, passport and document covers, a medicine organizer, and more. All these charming everyday items are created in a unified color palette that is, on the one hand, bright and cheerful, and on the other hand, restrained and not overly flashy. Sona’s creations stand out for their filigree craftsmanship.
At art bazaars, where Sona Khalustova actively participates, her creations are in great demand, especially among foreign visitors seeking souvenirs that remind them of their visit to sunny and hospitable Turkmenistan.
As noted by the head of the Showroom Gallery, Tazegul Gurbanova, one-day exhibitions often give rise to cooperation between entrepreneurs. For example, at this exhibition, fashion designer Senem Berdiyeva received a business partnership proposal that proved beneficial for both parties. In addition, visitors to the Showroom Gallery can enjoy spending time over a cup of tea while engaging in conversations with like-minded people about folk and applied arts.
