Photography by AIZHAN AIMENOVA
Styling by JESSE SCOTT
Hair by AIDA BEKBERGENOVA (QUEEN BEE SALON)
Makeup by SALTANAT KABYLMATEN (QUEEN BEE SALON)
Talent: JESSE SCOTT & GIGI ZHULDYZ ZHUMAN
Completed in 2022, the dazzling Astana Grand Mosque stands as a testament to Kazakh prosperity. The largest mosque in Central Asia, it is an important center of religious and social life for a country with a populace that is 70% Muslim.
The mosque is a symbol of how Astana harmoniously synthesizes national tradition with contemporary sensibility. Thus our protagonists were styled in pieces from Dala, a “neo-Kazakh” brand. Committed to celebrating Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage among a new generation, Dala creates handcrafted limited-run pieces that merge national motifs with modern urban trends. These photos showcase their festive chapans, a style which has been traditionally worn in Central Asia for almost 2,000 years.
The landmark most synonymous with Astana, the gilded Baiterek Tower symbolizes an ancient Kazakh folktale about Samruk, a sacred bird of happiness. Legend tells us that the bird laid a golden egg containing light and hope between the branches of a poplar tree, safeguarding it from a mythical dragon that dwelled beneath.
Baiterek is located in the center of new Astana; it’s surrounded by the vibrant chaos of urban life as the city’s residents go to work, attend school, or enjoy leisure time. Here our protagonists are seen “off duty” in versatile Dala pieces that are perfect to throw on for a busy day of running errands but maintain a distinct local sensibility.
Built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence, the 20-meter tall arc centers one of the most important squares in Astana. While a symbol of the new state it is also a tribute to Kazakh folklore and tradition; statues represent Aksakal (an elder who represents wisdom) and “Mother”—keeper of the hearth.
Winter temperatures in Astana regularly reach -30°C or -40°C, a bone-chilling cold that is magnified when the ferocious winds of the steppe sweep through the city streets. Thus, just as in the nomadic period hundreds of years ago, fur coats are an essential part of winter life. Today, Astana residents use them to blend practicality and glamor, whether they prefer to channel old-world princess or contemporary urban swagger.
The teahouse (chaikhana) remains one of Kazakhstan's most cherished cultural institutions. At Sandyq, Astana's acclaimed new restaurant, traditional elements are masterfully reimagined for contemporary life. Hand-woven carpets showcasing regional Kazakh motifs adorn the walls, while custom tableware and lighting honor traditional craftsmanship within a modern architectural setting. Here, our models participate in a traditional tea ritual, enjoying Kazakh tea with baursak pastries, their ensembles spanning different eras of the country's history. Gigi's chapan evokes the nation's nomadic heritage, while Jesse's sweater cleverly transforms a Soviet-era photograph from old Almaty into contemporary streetwear.
Our models were styled in pieces representing different eras in the country's history. The women's chapan is reminiscent of nomadic times while the men's sweater transforms a Soviet-era photo (taken in Almaty, the former capital) into a modern streetwear silhouette.
Kazakhstan has a profound appreciation for the performing arts, particularly classical ones such as opera, ballet, and Russian drama theater. The grand plaza in front of the Astana Opera House becomes a catwalk dozens of nights a season, as people ranging in age from 5-85 (including a who's who of the city's young and beautiful) don their most glamorous attire for an evening of high drama in a spectacular setting.
Here the pair brave an impending snowstorm, Jesse in a custom-made pinstripe suit—no coat required—and Gigi in a red-carpet ready white dress with heels. The dress is from Malli, one of Kazakhstan's most famous brands and a gold standard in luxury women's fashion here for the past ten years. The epitome of Astana masculinity and femininity, our protagonists are a poised power couple in this city of dreams.
