Recently, New York Fashion Week featured a taste of Central Asian culture on the runway through Sadri Couture. A women-owned small business that celebrates culture through fashion with each hand-painted minora and thread of silk.
In the bustling neighborhood of Midwood, where most Jewish-owned businesses are, Sadri Couture exists. It stands out as one of the rare fully Brooklyn-based businesses that sews special occasion ensembles for Central Asian women. The women of the atelier strive to preserve the rich heritage of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Imported authentically from Uzbekistan, the remarkable stitching of ikat and suzani is what makes Sadri Couture the buzz at weddings. Weddings are a principal component of Central Asian cultures. The traditions and customs are modernizing as the diaspora grows. Contemporary cities, like Brooklyn, are experiencing the joyous occasions of the East. A fascinating case of East meets West
The motherland may be far away to purchase traditional pieces. However, businesses like Sadri Couture make it easier for the diaspora.
The atelier is owned by Vazira Sadrieva, a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna, seamstress, and designer of Tajik heritage. Originally from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Sadrieva has almost 20 years of experience stemming from family members.
“My dad bought me my first sewing machine when I was 10. My mom taught me how to sew,” says Sadrieva, “Sadri is my grandfather’s name. Though I didn’t intentionally name the brand after him, it just sounded right. At first, I considered calling it ‘Vazira Sadri’ since my last name is Sadrieva, but I wanted to drop the ‘-eva’ part as it felt too Soviet.”
In October of last year, Sadri Couture was officially open for business through the help of Sadrieva’s mother. Another seamstress/designer and the owner of Minara. A small business that designs elaborate traditional dresses, ensembles, jewelry, and tiaras. The same vow to preserve culture is existent in her mother’s brand.
As the now co-owner of the atelier, Sadrieva’s business is intertwined with her mother’s 8-year-old business, Minara.
However, Sadrieva wants to expand down the line.
“I envision expanding into a much larger studio where we can focus on the creative process, from design to production, all under one roof. This would give us the freedom to explore new ideas, experiment with materials, and bring even more innovation into our collections,” says Sadrieva.
In this year’s NYFW, the runway had a diverse array of fashion brands and designers such as Sinéad O’Dwyer, Christian Siriano, and JUZUI, among others. Sadri Couture was one of many showcasing its splendid culture to the world.
Sadrieva says, “My hope is that Sadri Couture will grow into a successful brand and eventually join the ranks of the top fashion houses. Having my own retail space would allow me to curate the full experience of Sadri Couture and bring the brand’s vision to life.”
Visit Sadri Couture and Minara on Instagram and purchase via direct message, knowing that both worldwide and nationwide shipping are available.
