Photo: Instagram / Alexey Manshaev
Alexey Manshaev (born in 1978) is a designer and founder of the Kanishka brand and store, known for its original products crafted from natural leather, fur, and Uzbek textiles. Today, the brand enjoys recognition not only across Uzbekistan but also in neighboring countries, especially Russia and Kazakhstan.
Roots and Inspiration
Manshaev developed an early passion for design. One of his first vivid memories of Uzbek craftsmanship was a visit to a karakul fur coat workshop at Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar in the mid-1990s. The experience became a turning point: he began experimenting with fur independently, and karakul remains a prominent feature in his collections.
From the outset, he explored creative combinations of fur and textiles, later incorporating elements from other traditional Uzbek crafts, particularly leatherwork.
Manshaev received formal training at the Kamoliddin Behzod Institute of Arts and Design in Tashkent. His earliest pieces were exhibited and sold at Human Clothing, a fashion space inside the Human House cultural center. In 2011, he opened his first Kanishka store. Today, the brand operates three locations in Tashkent – on Shota Rustaveli Street, Okkurgan Street (Start Store), and Afrosiab Street (Oybek Store) – as well as a branch in St. Petersburg.
The brand’s name, Kanishka, originated during Manshaev’s time at Human Clothing. It refers to Kanishka (1st–2nd centuries AD), the renowned ruler of the Kushan Empire, which once included the territory of present-day Uzbekistan.
Kanishka’s brand philosophy draws inspiration from the emperor’s legacy as a patron of art and religion, and more broadly, from Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. Traditional patterns, techniques, and silhouettes play a central role in Kanishka’s collections, seamlessly woven into a contemporary design language.
Crafting Process
Kanishka’s collection is primarily composed of textile and leather pieces. Alexey Manshaev personally selects and sorts materials by texture and weight, deciding which are best suited for specific products.
Thick cowhide is typically used for structured items such as heavy bags and belts, while softer sheepskin or goatskin is chosen for wallets, cases, and other small accessories. In textile production, natural cotton fabrics dominate. Lightweight cotton is reserved for T-shirts, while denser weaves are used for dresses and mid-season garments.
After selection, the materials are dyed. Kanishka favors muted, natural tones – shades of brown, beige, and green are most common. Occasionally, vibrant red or purple pieces are introduced as bold accent items.
The next step is printing, often with delicate Uzbek motifs inspired by the traditional art of Uzbekistan. Some designs fully replicate miniature paintings, architectural landmarks, or ornamental patterns; others reinterpret these elements in modern compositions, experimenting with color and even incorporating photographs – such as a minaret juxtaposed against a line of cars.
While the national aesthetic remains central to the brand’s identity, Kanishka also features more universal imagery. Prints referencing European art, including Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam or Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, are especially popular among international visitors.
In some cases, the final step is custom engraving on leather accessories. This personalized touch transforms each piece into something not only stylish but uniquely reflective of the wearer’s personality and taste.
Signature Pieces and Stores
Kanishka stores are located in central districts of Tashkent and are known for their minimalist yet distinctive interiors. Two branches – Start Store and Oybek Store – feature a loft aesthetic with touches of Soviet modernism, designed in 2019 by the architectural firm ARC Architects.
All branches of Alexey Manshaev’s brand offer a wide selection of handmade Uzbek goods. These include:
- Leather accessories: bags, jackets, wallets, belts, key rings, laptop sleeves, document holders, and national skullcaps. The stores also carry a variety of original leather items such as sketchbooks with handcrafted covers, notebooks, and unique handmade leather toys.
- Textiles: T-shirts, trousers, shorts, and dresses made primarily from natural cotton fabrics.
- Fur items: karakul coats, vests, and accessories crafted using traditional techniques.
Kanishka products are known for their durability and high-quality materials and fittings. Each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. As part of its dedication to customer care, Kanishka offers complimentary repair and dyeing services with no time limitation. Even years after purchase, customers are welcome to return items for touch-ups – whether to fix a broken zipper or refresh faded corners – ensuring long-term wear and satisfaction.
The brand’s signature lies in its use of natural materials and its deep connection to Uzbek heritage. Designs are characterized by vivid, recognizable prints and patterns that combine contemporary style with national motifs – hallmarks that make Kanishka products instantly identifiable.
Initially focused on an adult audience, the brand expanded in 2024 to include a dedicated children’s section at one of its stores. The new line features clothing, accessories, and toys created in the same refined style, emphasizing quality, simplicity, and cultural authenticity.