Turkmen fashion designer Leyli Hayidova is set to participate in a landmark event for sustainable fashion—the inaugural Green Runway Fashion Show. Scheduled for April 23 in Astana, the show is a highlight of the international environmental technology exhibition RES 2026 EXPO. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between creative industries and environmental science, promoting "conscious consumption" and the preservation of regional natural heritage.

The runway will feature leading designers from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Representing Turkmenistan, Hayidova will join fellow masters such as Tatyana Vorotnikova (Kyrgyzstan), Gulnara Khalilova (Azerbaijan), and Yelena Ladik (Uzbekistan). Each designer will present an exclusive collection of 10–12 outfits focused on three core pillars: Eco-Heritage (traditional techniques and natural fibers), Upcycling & Recycling (garments made from repurposed materials), and Bio-Design (motifs inspired by flora and endangered species).

A significant focus of Leyli Hayidova’s collection will be upcycling—the art of transforming recycled materials into high-fashion pieces. Furthermore, the Bio-Design category allows creators to use fashion as a medium to raise awareness for rare plants listed in the Red Book. The show will feature a "living space" stage design, utilizing natural components and real greenery to emphasize the harmony between human creativity and the environment.

The RES 2026 EXPO, which hosts the fashion show, is a massive platform proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The three-day event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors and 300 international companies from 30 countries. The participation of a Turkmen designer in such a prestigious forum highlights Turkmenistan’s commitment to the global environmental agenda and its drive to develop creative industries based on sustainability principles.