‘Underground’ Youth Fashion Show has become an annual celebration of innovation. No one knows what kind of surprises the participants and organisers are will present. Underground serves as a platform of absolute freedom for creativity and flight of imagination.

The requirements for collections to be showcased are restricted neither in terms of theme, nor in terms of fabrics, form or structure. The only rule that comes into play is: the clothes must be interesting and unusual. This way, ‘Underground’ puts the spotlight on the country’s youth fashion potential. What has also remained somewhat traditional is the way the show is staged; i.e. it will be held in the form of a colourful and expressive show with the participation of young performers and dance groups.

The creations by the young artists will be judged by world-class professional masters, representatives of the fashion industry and major textile enterprises, editors of fashion magazines, prominent TV show hosts and art specialists. The criteria that will “score points” are innovative concepts, originality, quality, and high-caliber workmanship.

Now in its fourth year, ‘Underground’ was first held in November 2006 as part of the first Art Week Style.Uz and has, thus far, introduced to the Tashkent public local, now famous, designers such as Artem Drobyshev, Marat Negmatov and Ellina Hairullina among others.

Many fashion designers view ‘Underground’ as an excellent opportunity to showcase their skills and talent to the broad public and to meet experts and specialists. As previous shows have shown, making it to ‘Underground’ opens new avenues for the participants. The designers with collections, found to be the most interesting, meet partners and set up links aimed at bringing their ideas to fruition and producing their collections on an industrial scale, and are invited to attend international competitions and shows.

‘Underground’ Youth Fashion Show has grown into more than just a colourful and unique spectacle; it now symbolizes innovation and modern trends in Uzbek fashion, and comes as a strong impetus for young promising designers to grow and move forward.

This year, front-row attendees at Underground include a young and famous Japanese designer Naoshi Sawayanagi as a special guest.