Images of Azerbaijani Karabakh horses, and designs derived from Karabakh carpets, have featured on a new range of top-quality ties, pocket handkerchiefs and scarves, handmade from Italian silk, by the long-established German fashion house EDSOR Berlin, working in collaboration with The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS).

These were launched on 19 June at the historic Hotel de Rome in the heart of Berlin during an outstanding sound and light show, attended by around 500 people from the worlds of fashion, business, politics and society. This high-profile event was covered by German and Azerbaijani television and numerous journalists.

Jan-Henrik Scheper-Stuke, Manager, EDSOR Berlin, stated: “The inspiration for the collection is the Azerbaijani region of Karabakh. This project and the recent Eurovision Song Contest in Baku have stimulated our interest in Azerbaijan. We need to know more about this country. I did not believe that an event of such elegance could be held in Berlin, and we had to reach out to Azerbaijan to make such an event possible. I am delighted by the Karabakh-Azerbaijan range, and hope that this joint venture will be the first of many between EDSOR Berlin and TEAS.”

Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, explained: “EDSOR Berlin has supplied its products to politicians, film stars and the public alike since 1909. It’s this sense of heritage that makes EDSOR Berlin the ideal partner for the new Karabakh-Azerbaijan range of scarves, pochettes (pocket handkerchiefs) and ties. Tonight, we are celebrating this new collection, which represents Karabakh, one of the most beautiful Azerbaijani regions.

“The Karabakh region was home to some of the foremost Azerbaijani poets, authors, artists and composers. The Karabakh school of carpet design, elements of which are featured on the ties and pochettes, is renowned for its intricacy. The region has also given its name to an eponymous equine breed – the Karabakh racing and riding horse. This horse was originally bred during the 19th Century, and is known for the golden tint on its head. I am pleased to see its athletic form represented on the scarves.

“Today, the traditions and culture of Karabakh are in danger of extinction, as the region continues to be occupied by neighbouring Armenia, resulting in 875,000 Azerbaijanis becoming internally-displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. By wearing the products in the new Karabakh-Azerbaijan range, you will be showing that these people and their ancient culture are not forgotten. A percentage of the profits from this range will also go towards purchasing musical instruments for the Shusha Children’s Music School in Azerbaijan. Shusha – the largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region – was synonymous with Azerbaijani culture. It was occupied 20 years ago, and this purpose of this music school is to educate the children of the IDPs to ensure that this culture is kept alive.”

The attendees then viewed a film about the inspiration and manufacturing of the new range, which included an interview with Sammy Voigt, Designer, EDSOR Berlin. The event was followed by music and dancing.

For more information on the range, visit www.karabakh-azerbaijan.com.

APA