Felted beauty

Aidai produces in Bichkek, Kyrgyzstan, offering artisanal felting designed by Aidai Asangulova and according to the age-old practices of Kyrgyz nomads. Her works are the result of the fusion of silk and muslin weavings, generally from Uzbekistan, with wool fibers via manual felting techniques.

Aidai uses a century old hand-rolling process in an entirely novel manner. There is no stitching in her unique scarves. Felt is the oldest textile in the world. It takes advantage of the natural properties of wool: warmth, softness, adaptability. Felt is both traditional and highly contemporary. It can be molded into any shape and is used in hundreds of applications in fashion, home décor and industry.

Aidai has worked with felt since childhood, and as an expert and teacher she possesses a thorough knowledge of traditional Central Asian textile work. Her grandmother excelled in the production of Shyrdaks, applique felt carpets, while her father was a felt yurt-maker whose work was used by Kyrgyz sheperds in the high mountain pastures during summer months.

"Kyrgyzstan was a very isolated country during the Soviet era. I am one of the first generation of artists in a country that has not been independent for more than a century".

Now Aidai is determined to contribute to the preservation and growth of the textile traditions of her people, and has dedicated herself to the creative adaptation of these traditions to the contemporary world.

Text Stanislav Zimin