A few weeks ago I was sent for an assignment in Taskent, Uzbekistan to document a fashion week. It was an amazing experience and truly eye-opening.

If you think Central Asia is only about covered up women with no sense of style, think again.

Uzbek women have a strong sense of identity, feminine and free to wear whatever they want.

Chorsu textile market in Taskent. Photo © Zarina Holmes/Sojournposse

Outside work and away from the runway shows, I visited Chorsu textile market several times. I like to see how the real people conduct day-to-day life.

I never been to a place where you can find wonderful Angora scarves, knitwear, cottonwear, fur hats and silk in one place. They call it the Silk Road for a good reason.

I love the fact that I was never hassled to buy anything.

Textile is a huge industry in Uzbekistan, not only for the export but also for local consumption. Observing traditional fashion is still a big thing. The Uzbeks wear specific attire for every occasion.

Uzbek scarf merchant at Chorsu market, Tashkent. Photo © Zarina Holmes/Sojournposse

Uzbekistan is one of five countries involved in The New Silk Road trade and creativity programme initiated by The British Council.

Other participating countries are Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Iran, which had their share of political upheaval.

Unfortunately when we think of Central Asia, we imagine war torn regions and female oppression.

Instead of a happy alternative, such as the colourful Chorsu textile bazaar.

Whenever I wear my wool Uzbek scarves, I think of the old ladies who sold them to me.

It makes me feel hopeful.

Haggling for an angora scarf. Photo © Zarina Holmes / Sojournposse

I have never knitted anything in my life before, so maybe this winter I should start with p/hop.

My mother is fantastic at haberdashery. She used to knit, makes her own curtains and dresses, on top of being a working mother.

It’s hard to compete with her.  So I took up design and photography instead.

The best thing about what I do is I get to travel and look at how other people live. And how they wear their scarves.

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You can see more Chorsu market photos on Sojournposse.

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