Tashkent to Host Next Designer Award Final for First Time

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The final of the seventh season of the Next Designer Award empowered by Visa international competition will be held in Tashkent for the first time. The organizers explained the decision to move the final stage of the competition to the capital of Uzbekistan by the development of the regional fashion market and the desire to unite the largest fashion venues in Central Asia.

The competition, founded in 2023, has transformed over three years from a local initiative into an international platform supporting young designers in the region. According to the organizers, the project helps aspiring authors transition from their first creative ideas to creating their own brands and integrating into the global fashion industry.

Previously, six seasons of the competition were held in Almaty. Now, the final will take place for the first time in Tashkent, which in recent years has been hosting Visa Fashion Week shows and is becoming one of the centers for the development of creative industries in Central Asia.

As noted by Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, General Director of the Next Designer Award empowered by Visa, holding the final in Uzbekistan reflects the project's development strategy, which is aimed at supporting young designers in the region and creating conditions for the emergence of internationally competitive brands.

The project provides comprehensive support to participants. The winner receives a grant from the Visa company in the amount of US$10 thousand to launch or develop their own brand. In addition, the finalists receive the opportunity to present their collections at Visa Fashion Week, undergo a mentorship program involving industry experts, attract the attention of international specialized publications, and enter the platforms of premium segment concept stores.

According to the organizers, representatives from five Central Asian countries participated in the competition over the six seasons. Each season, the project gathered more than 400 applications, and over 80 young designers received support.

The changes in the competition format were presented at a press conference held on 4 July 2026 at the Namuna art residence.

The final events will take place on 21 August 2026 at the Fine Arts Gallery of Uzbekistan. The central event will be an exhibition that will combine the works of winners and participants from past seasons, as well as the competition collections of 15 finalists of the current season.

The organizers note that the exposition will demonstrate the development of young designers and present projects dedicated to the cultural identity of Central Asia, the reimagining of regional heritage, as well as environmental issues and sustainable development.

During the opening of the exhibition, the finalists will present their competition looks on models and defend their collection concepts before the competition jury.