Fakhriyya xanim, looks like you have a lot of work to do for creation of a new Uzbek collection. How could you rate your spiritual state? I know, I read a lot about you, the whole world knows about you. And I would like to hear how Azerbaijani citizen Fakhriyya Khalafova, perceives Uzbek culture, Uzbek silk, Uzbek fabrics, Uzbek colors and Uzbek spiritual world?
- Oh, thank you very much for such kind words. I’ve always been interested in Uzbek fabrics and ornaments. Uzbek silk, it has always been interesting for me. I have several samples of it at home and in the office. Whoever came from Uzbekistan, I have always asked tobring me the fabrics. Therefore, I have gathered a small number of tissues. This summer I set the goal-to make a collection using Uzbek silks. That's why I need fabrics to make this idea come true. I'm very glad that my friends brought them at my request. They chose them to my taste and I have already begun work on creation of a new collection. And I can say that I moved into another world. I discovered something completely new, new space for myself, a new color, new combinations of it.
I always wondered how it’s possible to synthesize several colors in one as Uzbeks do. It needs great skills and talent, especially all national traits accumulating over the centuries. It’s remarkably that those traits are keeping in its original state. It is very good material to work with and a big source of inspiration for me.
What do you feel about Uzbekistan when someone speaks or writes about Uzbekistan, when you the movies or TV-shows about this country, how do you perceive it?
- I’ll gladly tell you about my feelings and how they were formed. Of course, the most vivid impressions are children's and young people's impressions. Unfortunately, I have not been able to visit Uzbekistan yet, but we have a lot of pictures in the house and I'll tell you the history of these photos. My mother and sister spent their holidays in Uzbekistan, and it was their great desire.My mother wanted to go to Uzbekistan.
My mom wanted me to go to Uzbekistan. I studied at school, my sister in the university and my mom was a teacher at the university, so we didn’t have the holidays at the same time. Hence, my mom and sister left to Uzbekistan. I remember how eagerly they prepared for this trip and I was very sad because I could not join them in that trip.
They went and got acquainted with all the sights and brought lots of photos. Mom was a big fan of photo art. The camera was with her all the time. She made a lot of pictures with the backdrop of all these beauties and made them in very artistic way. They were in Samarkand, and there were many beautiful pictures. It was my first impressions.
Literally, I was stuck in these photos and certainly it affected my feelings. It turns out that my mother and sister went there, but I did not and I wanted to go there more than anybody. Now I'm close to the goal and understand that. I feel that soon I will visit Uzbekistan. I will be glad to come to Uzbekistan not just as a tourist, but as a creative person to share my art. This art is international and has no language. On the podium, we demonstrate our creativity silently, models walk with the beautiful music, but during this period, it can be 15-20-30 minutes. We, as theater directors, can talk without words. The designers also work that way. And the most important thing for me is reflect all my childhood memories in my work.
I know that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are close and friendly countries but it’s not easy to present the new collection from Uzbek silk to the whole world. Please tell me about that.
- At the very beginning of my career I tried to demonstrate my art in Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku. But I always set challenging tasks. I wished to put a fashion show in Paris. Obviously Paris is the centre of fashion. And my first show in Paris took place in 1997 as part of the festival of Ethical Fashion, “demonstration of ethnic trends”.
Of course, all ethnic trends should be transformed in the synthesis of modern fashion. In Paris, you must show fashion, and this is an axiom. I have already started work on a collection of Uzbek fabrics, from Uzbek silks. I believe that I will show this collection on the podiums of the world. I want to share this with the world. But before that, I will definitely make a presentation in Baku and in Uzbekistan. I believe that it is necessary to share the original national art with to the international community.
Apart from the designer Fakhriya Khalafova, there is also perfumer Fakhriya Khalafova. You are the creator of many women’s and men's fragrances. Can you tell me please how it happens?
- In 2010, I set up a perfumery company called “FX Beauty company”. After creating the company, I started to produce fragrances for women and men. At present, I have presented 5 women and one men fragrances. Undoubtedly, as a perfumer having 5 years of experience, as well as, as a business lady in this area, I have an idea of my own fragrances and, in principle, of perfumery business. Therefore, I am trying to develop this direction, create new fragrances and shape my own business. I also try to present my fragrances in other countries too. First and foremost, I trust to countries that we know as close to us. So, Uzbekistan, I think seriously about how to present my fragrances there. I want to present myself both as a designer and a perfumer. So, I thought about it very seriously. It seems to me that my next step in the perfumery sector in Uzbekistan will give me material and moral satisfaction. Because I will share my perfumery art with beautiful Uzbek friends and women. I hope they will like my fragrances. My greatest wish is that all people live in peace, and there is always peace and tranquility as this is very important. When the state develops, culture and art also develop there. Progress is observed. Talented and intelligent people can show their potential. Therefore, I wish happiness, tranquility and prosperity to the entire world. All the states that gained independence went through a certain historical stage and achieved great success - this is an unquestionable and important fact. It is nice to pass such a modern independent development stage and achieve certain achievements. I wish the citizens of Uzbekistan great luck, success, prosperity and happiness. I wish women women happiness because it is very important. Women are a beautiful half of humanity who create beauty and give life. That is why I wish my Uzbek friends happiness, health and beauty. I am convinced that there is enough beauty in Uzbekistan. I want that beauty to shine even more. In the end, I would wish everyone such beauty.
Dear Fakhriya xanim, thank you for the interview. We are waiting for you in Uzbekistan, thus, not saying goodbye.
Shukhrat Salamov
Photo: Samir Sadikhov
