HOLLYWOOD
Meet Gaziza Shabdarbayeva: The Creative Force Behind INCLOVER
Fashion, Femininity, and Empowerment at the Heart of Her Vision
In this exclusive interview with The Hollywood Magazine, we sit down with Gaziza Shabdarbayeva, the brilliant designer behind the luxury fashion brand INCLOVER. Her journey, marked by passion and resilience, has taken her from custom tailoring to the red carpets of Cannes. Gaziza’s designs are renowned for their focus on femininity and classic tailoring, and her approach to fashion is rooted in empowering women through style. Here’s what she had to share about her journey, her creative process, and the future of fashion.
- What initially sparked your interest in fashion? And what made you go into fashion design?
Gaziza: I have loved sewing clothes since childhood. It was and still is my passion! I devote every free minute to this activity because I believe clothes are a form of self-expression.
- What would you consider the most important components of your style? And do you feel you have a signature style?
Gaziza: The clothes I create emphasize femininity. When a woman highlights her nature, she respects, values, and loves herself, thus presenting her best to the world. Our brand is distinguished by high-quality tailoring, attention to detail, and classic femininity.
- How has your work evolved since you launched your brand, and have your pieces become more appealing to people as a result?
Gaziza: We have worked in custom tailoring for many years, providing a solid foundation for our brand. By thoroughly understanding our clients’ preferences and perceptions, we present each dress as unique in our collections. Launching the brand has expanded our customer base, making it more appealing for clients to purchase ready-made outfits. While some may not always have the time for custom tailoring, the value of bespoke orders has also increased.
- How do you define success for yourself as a fashion designer?
Gaziza: Recognition is deeply appreciated! It brings me joy when people see our dresses and recognize them as Inlover designs. They admire our style and craftsmanship, and we receive more feedback than we did with individual orders.
- What advice would you give a budding fashion designer trying to find their niche in the fashion industry?
Gaziza: Don’t be afraid to express yourself. While trends exist, it’s crucial to insist on your unique vision and strive for uniqueness.
- Out of all your collections, which is your favorite and why?
Gaziza: I love each of our dresses because every piece is born from painstaking work and the creation of beauty.
- Do you think style and fashion play a larger role in today’s world?
Gaziza: Style and fashion are essential in the modern world. Through external appearance, people can make statements about themselves. A person who knows how to dress to make the right impression already possesses certain communication skills, which are vital today.
- What do you want your legacy to be?
Gaziza: I want our brand’s dresses to always evoke delight and admiration. As for our legacy, I wish our dresses to be so desirable that women want them in their wardrobes, assured of their exclusivity.
- What sort of aesthetic do you bend towards? How does color influence you, or how does it affect your designs?
Gaziza: Clothes should serve the person, not the other way around. When a woman wears our dress, she should feel beautiful and comfortable. Color is crucial, as is exquisite tailoring. I always follow color trends and consider buyers’ market preferences.
- How big a role does fashion play in your life?
Gaziza: Fashion is the essence of everything I do. While I adhere to my understanding of style, fashion’s multifaceted nature allows for endless self-expression. I cannot imagine my days without it.
- Where would you like to see the fashion industry go from here?
Gaziza: I appreciate the variety of fashion directions today, where every woman can find something that suits her preferences and individuality. The influx of new talents and the opportunities they have to express their views are inspiring.
- You have an exceptionally unique style. Where does your style savvy come from, and where do you get your inspiration?
Gaziza: My style is rooted in personalized client work. I am inspired by diverse women and aim to create looks that highlight their best features, align with trends, and provide comfort.
- How would you describe your brand aesthetics and personal style?
Gaziza: I love minimalism that emphasizes rather than distracts. I enjoy highlighting femininity and blending trends with individuality.
- In your own words, what does the term “Women Empowerment” mean to you?
Gaziza: Empowering women means encouraging them to express themselves confidently and believe in their strengths and abilities to create and build.
- My favorite saying is “we rise by lifting others up.” What more do you think women could do to support each other, especially in this day and age where animosity thrives, especially on social media?
Gaziza: Self-respect is crucial and often lacking. Before showing negativity towards others, one should consider whether they’d like to receive such treatment themselves.
- What are the qualities of an empowered woman, and how can women be empowered while maintaining their femininity?
Gaziza: I believe that the qualities of a woman in power are the same as those of men. This is determination, energy, the ability to manage people, a certain rigidity in decision-making, and strategic thinking. But women in power use a special soft power, which is characterized by empathy, friendliness, and the ability to compromise.
- What would you say has been the most defining moment of your career as a fashion designer so far?
Gaziza: Participating as a designer at the Cannes Film Festival was a significant milestone. The support from the showroom organizers, especially Greg and his office, was fantastic. Seeing our outfits on world stars on the red carpet was a huge leap for us.
- What does a “typical” day in your life look like?
Gaziza: I’m in our workshop almost daily, creating and participating in the creation of our masterpieces. Sports and social activities are also crucial for my inspiration and energy.
- What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your brand?
Gaziza: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Fear blocks possibilities. When you have an idea, pursue it, and the right people, opportunities, and insights will appear.
- There’s so much talk these days about inclusivity and diversity, but is enough really being done?
Gaziza: Demand creates supply. People often fear expressing their individuality and prefer conformity. It takes time and the persistent efforts of trendsetters to promote a diverse approach to life.
- What are you fascinated by at the moment, and how does it feed into your work?
Gaziza: Currently, I am into music and sports. Music inspires new designs, and sports give me the strength and energy to implement them.
- If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?
Gaziza: “You are great, believe in yourself, believe in what you are doing, dare, and trust that it will work out!” I repeat this mantra to myself regularly.
- What are your latest and upcoming projects? Tell us about a project or collection which has been your greatest achievement.
Gaziza: Our latest projects include creating the FW24 collection for Saks Fifth Avenue Almaty, participating in Visa Fashion Week Kazakhstan, and having our evening dresses worn by stars at the Cannes Film Festival. Seeing celebrities in our designs is incredibly exciting and fulfilling.
- What are your latest and upcoming projects for the year 2025?
Gaziza: Our immediate plans include presenting our products in Tashkent showrooms and participating in Paris Fashion Week in January 2025.
- What would you like to achieve before the end of the year 2024?
Gaziza: By the end of 2024, we aim to prepare a remarkable collection of evening dresses for the Paris show.
- Are you superstitious, or do you have any rules you live by?
Gaziza: I am not superstitious, but I believe in certain principles: be grateful, love yourself, respect all work, and believe that everything happens for a reason.
- What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Gaziza: Social networks play a crucial role in shaping reality. They make it easier to adapt and keep up with trends. Despite the clutter, they teach us to discern valuable content.
- What motivational quote or saying keeps you grounded and focused?
Gaziza: There is a hidden blessing in everything. When things don’t go as planned, I remind myself of this, helping me to either change my perspective or adjust my plan without giving up.
- If you could change anything about the fashion industry, what would it be?
Gaziza: I believe nothing needs to change. The fashion industry is developing dynamically and sustainably, offering a wide selection of products that allow everyone to create their unique wardrobe.
- Any last words you’d like to add?
Gaziza: I am happy to be part of the fashion world and to create worthy clothes for women, the better half of humanity.With a career filled with passion, creativity, and a keen sense of purpose, Gaziza Shabdarbayeva is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fashion designers of our time. Her brand, INCLOVER, not only celebrates the beauty and individuality of women but also empowers them to express themselves confidently. Her dedication to classic femininity, attention to detail, and commitment to creating timeless pieces have earned her a place in the global fashion scene. From the red carpet at Cannes to showrooms in Paris, Gaziza continues to leave her mark, one beautiful dress at a time.
As she looks forward to the future, Gaziza’s vision for INCLOVER remains clear: to inspire women, embrace new trends while maintaining timeless elegance, and to always stay true to her core values of empowerment and creativity. Her message to aspiring fashion designers is simple yet profound—never stop believing in yourself, stay true to your unique vision, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The fashion world awaits even greater things from Gaziza, and it’s safe to say, we are all excited to see what she does next.
Press Office: Méphistophélès Productions
@mephistophelesproductions
