Nigora Tokhtabayeva, an acclaimed jewelry designer, draws inspiration from her Uzbek roots and family heritage. Her grandmother’s belief in the mystical properties of amulets and adornments ignited Tokhtabayeva’s passion for jewelry, culminating in the establishment of her sustainable brand, Tabayer, in Miami during her teenage years. Notably, her contemporary creations, such as the signature knot hoops, have graced the ears of prominent figures like Tracee Ellis Ross, Meghan Markle, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
In recognition of her commitment to sustainability and innovative design, Tokhtabayeva was commissioned to craft the trophy for the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, marking the organization’s second year of honoring emerging talents in the fashion industry. The prestigious ceremony, held in Los Angeles, showcased Tokhtabayeva’s dedication to merging artistry with eco-consciousness.
Tania Fares, the visionary behind Fashion Trust U.S., expressed profound gratitude for the collaboration with Tabayer, emphasizing the alignment of their values in nurturing creativity and advancement within fashion. The unveiling of the trophy design was eagerly anticipated, with expectations set for it to be a standout feature of the event.
Departing from the conventional large-scale trophy of previous years, Tokhtabayeva’s vision materialized into a handheld sculpture, a departure from last year’s creation by jewelry designer and sculptor Ana Khouri. The trophy’s design drew inspiration from Tabayer’s distinctive Oera motif, characterized by a delicately woven gold line reminiscent of a needle and thread, symbolizing the designers’ arduous journeys towards realizing their aspirations.
Crafted from bronze and embellished with 18-carat fair-mined gold, the trophy exuded elegance and craftsmanship. Its concrete base, adorned with rivet details, paid homage to the rich history of the U.S. fashion industry, evoking iconic brands like Levi Strauss & Co., pioneers of workwear blue jeans since the 1870s.
Tokhtabayeva envisioned the trophy not merely as an award but as a timeless piece of art, destined to adorn the homes of deserving recipients. Her aspiration for the trophy to serve as a symbol of achievement and creativity resonated with the essence of the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion.