Uzbekistan, Bibi Hanum, Ikat & Clothing Design

Aiming to be socially and culturally responsible, Bibi Hanum presents a beautiful collection, handmade by Uzbekistan’s most skilled artisans from some of the remotest regions of the country. They employ techniques of hand-tied, resist-dyed ikat, as well as suzani stitch work, whose style and ornamentation reflect centuries of cross cultural trade along the Silk Road network. Bibi Hanum was founded by Muhayo Alieva in 2006 in her mother’s garage. Formerly a member of the Uzbekistan Cultural Affairs department, Alieva discovered the intricacies and processes of silk ikat while working on community development and artisan engagement programmes for the U.S embassy. In 2016 she decided to devote herself to the brand, which has since grown from strength to strength.

Besides creating beautiful clothing collections and showcasing the art of ikat to the world, another of Alieva’s objectives for Bibi Hanum is to bring new opportunities to the women of Uzbekistan. Approximately 50% of Uzbekistan’s female population aged fifteen and over are in employment, due to economic, religious and societal factors. The Bibi Hanum workshop in Tashkent offers women support and flexibility in an inviting, relaxed and modern workplace. As an enterprise respectful of history and customs Bibi Hanum looks to the past to revive the traditions of a rich and vibrant Uzbek culture, while simultaneously striving towards recognition for the women and artisans involved in making these beautiful clothes. 

Bibi Hanum was featured in Selvedge Magazine issue 95, Heritage.

To further follow the story of Bibi Hanum, please find them on social media here.