Brunello Cucinelli Unveils Fall-Winter Collection at Historic Tashkent Madrasah

Italian luxury fashion house Brunello Cucinelli staged a unique runway show in Uzbekistan's capital, presenting its Fall-Winter 2026 men's and women's collections in the courtyard of Tashkent’s historic Abulkasim Madrasah. Handmade carpets were laid across the open space, where models walked against the backdrop of 19th-century Islamic architecture, accompanied by traditional local music and performances.

Organizers emphasized that the event was crafted to unite Italian craftsmanship with Uzbekistan's rich heritage. Carolina Cucinelli, Vice President and Co-Creative Director of the brand, highlighted the shared values of handcraft between the two cultures during her visit. "Artisanality is one of the most important key points between Uzbekistan and Solomeo," she noted, adding that exploring local pottery, jewellery, and fabrics had been an inspiring experience.

The Abulkasim Madrasah is a protected cultural monument that dates back to the 19th century and underwent expansion in 1864. Rather than serving purely as a preserved site, the madrasah functions as an active artisanal hub, where former student quarters now house craftsmen specializing in ceramics, wood carving, engraving, and miniature painting. The venue mirrors the fashion house's headquarters in Solomeo, Italy, where the brand restored the village and founded a school dedicated to traditional tailoring and artisanal skills.

The show was organized by luxury retailer Glamour Avenue as Uzbekistan’s domestic fashion industry increasingly looks toward the global market. Dmitriy Maschenko, CEO of Podium and Glamour Avenue, described the concept as bringing Italian and Uzbek cultures together, projecting that more international luxury houses will enter the Central Asian nation in the coming years as regional interest in high fashion expands.