Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Uzbekistan as part of a textile-focused study abroad program. Now, I’m honored to share that a new feature about my experience has been published on Jefferson Aspire, the official platform of Thomas Jefferson University.

In this article, I reflect on my impressions of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant textile traditions, and what this journey meant to me as a fashion design student. Below, you’ll find a link to the full story, along with a few additional photos and thoughts from the trip.

During my study abroad in Uzbekistan, I immersed myself in the country’s rich textile and embroidery traditions. From visiting local workshops and family-run studios to walking through the historic markets of Bukhara and the Registan in Samarkand, I experienced firsthand how craft is deeply tied to culture, heritage, and community. I learned how the concept of the mahalla—a close-knit neighborhood—plays a vital role in preserving these practices and passing them down through generations.

This blog post, published on Thomas Jefferson University’s Design Center blog, reflects on those encounters and the meaningful lessons I took away. It explores how craftsmanship in Uzbekistan is more than just technique—it’s a shared cultural language. These insights continue to influence my design work and strengthen my commitment to sustainability, cultural respect, and intentional making.