Human House - Tashkent's Coolest Design Space

Come on in! Even children's accessories and toys are available at Human House
Image: Ekaterina Kozlova

Good news for Tashkent residents and visitors: the city's coolest store for clothing, accessories, textiles, ceramics etc, has moved location and morphed into a fully-fledged design space.

For 17 years Human Wear was the capital's hub for fashion, accessories and home decor. It was a place, before jumping on a flight back home, you could visit and scoop up armfuls of gorgeous items and special souvenirs.

Owner and designer, Lola Saifi, sensed the zeitgeist of rapidly changing Uzbekistan.

She wanted to continue to be the premier place to showcase  traditional and contemporary Uzbek design.

And she also wanted to create a space for master classes, fashion shows, knowledge exchange among artisans as well as a cosy place to just drop by and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Last November, Human House launched at 43 Ivlieva Street, in the premises of a former restaurant. The space is perfect for Lola's needs: it is a big house, lots of light, lots of rooms, a garden and even a log fireplace. Sipping tea, listening to the crackle of the fire and being surrounded by beautiful items is a special way to spend a winter's afternoon. On warmer days, the courtyard is a lovely space to hang out.

Since opening, there has been a range of interesting activities including a graphic design course, master classes on basket weaving and felting, workshops for children on making teddy bears (of course the bears are dressed in ikat fabric), fashion marketing and children's photo shoots with photographer Ekaterina Kozlova.

Beautiful Uzbek ceramics placed on a woolen, ikat-patterned carpet

Fashion shows are on the program. The first, in January 2018, was Khafiz Khan's dazzling new collection.

Cinema screenings and musical evenings are planned from spring.

A carefully-curated, small selection of contemporary artworks hang in Human House.

(Official documentation is required to export art and Human House can arrange this on your behalf, though please be aware that it may take a little time).

There is a small cafe. While sipping local herbal teas or French press coffee - with delicious Uzbek sweets - you can admire the gorgeous suzanis decorating the walls, the swathes of ikat fabric and the shelves of ceramics and accessories.

Despite the many talented creatives in Uzbekistan, tracking down how to buy their products is extremely difficult. That problem is now solved - simply visit Human House.

All the practical details are below as well as images of items from the store, many of which you won't find anywhere else. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.

Address: 43 Ivlieva Street, Tashkent (about a 10 - 15 minute walk from metro is Oybek/Ming Orik interchange stations).

Look out for the red door and turquoise windows of Human House

This is a well-known street in Tashkent and taxi drivers know it. Look out for the yellow Human House sign, a red door and turquoise windows.

Contacts: telephone: +998 90 937 83 73; email: humanhouseuz@mail.ru

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanhuman.net/  (In Russian - just run it through Google Translate).

Website: an e-commerce website will be launched later this year and Uzbek Journeys will update this post to reflect the new information.
 
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 10:00 - 19:00; Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Payment: Good news - you can now pay via Visa card. And of course cash in Uzbek soum.  ATM machines for cash withdrawals are available at the nearby Grand Mir Hotel or Kapital Bank in Nukus street.

Related posts: Uzbekistan: A Passion for Printing
The Fantasy World of Uzbek Textile Artist Dilyara Kaipova 
Sacrament of Magic Yarn - Madina Kasimbaeva's Exhibition, Tashkent
Ikat: The "Thread That Connects Generations" Exhibition, Tashkent 

A selection of gorgeous shoes available at Human House, Tashkent. Image: Ekaterina Kozlova

 Human House's owner Lola Saifi, 3rd from left, and designer Hafiz Khan, far right - after his fashion show at Human House

There is a beautiful selection of suzanis and embroideries at Human House. Image: Ekaterina Kozlova

Gorgeous felted fashion from the winter collection at Human House. Image: Ekaterina Kozlova

And of course men are not forgotten at Human House, Tashkent. Image: Lilia Zainulina

Cosy vest from Human House, Tashkent. Image: Lilia Zainulina

Exquisite ceramic sitting on a beautiful woolen, ikat-patterned carpet. Image: Ekaterina Kozlova

Look at these adorable toys available at Human House, Tashkent