Kuala Lumpur _ Amr yehia
During her participation in the “MIHAS” Halal Trade Expo in Kuala Lumpur, Inna Apenko, CEO of Global Nomads, shared her ambition to bring Kazakh fashion to global markets, transforming the symbols of nomadic life on the vast steppes into a contemporary and international language of elegance.
Ina Apenko, a third-generation fashion creator, began her career in 2000 as a corporate customer service specialist and gradually rose to become the CEO of Textilien, Kazakhstan’s largest clothing manufacturer. Today, she leads Global Nomads, a brand dedicated to reinterpreting Kazakh heritage through modern fashion.
She is also the founder of MIMIORIKI, a children’s clothing brand that has dominated the market for over 16 years. With Global Nomads, she translates the motifs of nomadic culture—from sweeping steppe landscapes to traditional patterns—into sophisticated, wearable art. Each collection tells a story, offering the world a glimpse of Kazakhstan’s cultural identity through practical yet elegant clothing.
Under her leadership, Global Nomads has expanded beyond Kazakhstan, opening a branch in Dubai and establishing collaborations with international artists and institutions. The brand has become more than a fashion label; it is a platform for cultural dialogue, merging local heritage with global creativity.
During the 2009 financial crisis, Ina launched Mimiryki, Kazakhstan’s first children’s fashion brand, which today holds a leading position in the national market. She emphasizes that entrepreneurship is inseparable from social impact. As a co-founder of She Community, she supports female entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan through education, media, and networking. Her initiatives have been recognized at international forums, advocating the growth of creative industries and the potential of cultural economies in Central Asia.
Ina also serves as Vice President of the Light Industry Association of Kazakhstan, founder of the KazBrands Alliance, and the driving force behind the Global Nomads Fashion Awards for young designers. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Women in Kazakhstan, she has received a medal for her contributions to the development of light industries in the country.
Through her vision, Ina Abinko is not just creating fashion; she is crafting a global identity for Kazakhstan, one elegant stitch at a time.
