MICHEL&AMAZONKA: The Mongolian Designers Behind the Olympics’ Most Talked-About Uniform

At Visa Fashion Week Almaty SS26, Mongolian sisters Michel and Amazonka Choigalaa, founders of the brand MICHEL&AMAZONKA, will present their latest collection.
Their designs for Mongolia’s Olympic team became one of the most talked-about uniforms of the 2024 Games. In this conversation with STEPPE, the sisters open up about their journey from a home studio to international runways, their philosophy of «conscious fashion» their connection to Mongolia, and the future of Asian design.

About the Brand and Its Philosophy

— MICHEL&AMAZONKA has become a symbol of modern Mongolian style. How do you define your brand’s philosophy today, ten years after its founding?

Although ten years is a long time, it feels as if they flew by in an instant. During this decade we’ve grown tremendously — technologies, materials, and our understanding of fashion have all evolved. When we look back at our early collections, they seem naïve and a little raw, yet that rawness held a certain honesty and the energy of a beginning.

Our first collections were shaped by outside expectations, but over time we realized that true creativity comes from within. Now each collection is a dialogue with ourselves — not just following trends, but finding what reflects our inner rhythm and cultural identity.

Today MICHEL&AMAZONKA is a mature brand with a clear philosophy built on three principles: rhythm, expression, and balance.
Rhythm is the inner movement of form — how lines and textures flow like music.
Expression is emotion and idea, what should be felt at first sight.
Balance is harmony between tradition and modernity, between aesthetics and functionality.

— Many of people describe your style as «modern ethnic». How do you find that balance between national identity and global fashion?

We never aim to make clothing traditonal. For us, it’s not about using patterns or symbols directly — it’s about conveying the spirit of Mongolia through proportion, texture, and movement. Even without a single ornament, our pieces still feel inherently Mongolian.

We belong to a new generation of designers. We believe in conscious fashion, where beauty and practicality coexist. We follow global trends but adapt them through our own lens. Our goal is that anyone wearing our clothes feels confidence, dignity, and inner harmony.

«Fashion is not decoration — it’s a way to help a person feel confident through beauty».

The Journey

— How old were you when you first became interested in design?

Michel: I was six. I remember watching television shows about fashion and being fascinated by how designers created entire moods through fabric and silhouette. Later I fell in love with Christian Dior — their sense of elegance and attention to detail still inspire me.

At first, I studied to become a model — I was tall for my age and thought that was my path. But eventually I realized I was more drawn to creating rather than showing. That’s when I truly understood how clothing could shape the way we see the world.

Amazonka: When we finished school, our father — a mechanical engineer — was our biggest supporter. He bought us each a sewing machine. We set them up at home and started making our first pieces by hand. That’s how MICHEL&AMAZONKA was born. Our very first collection was sewn entirely at home on those same machines.

«Our brand grew from family support and a belief in hard work. We still keep those first sewing machines».

The Collection and the Almaty Show

— What’s the concept behind the new collection you’re presenting at Visa Fashion Week Almaty SS26?

This is our first show in Kazakhstan, and it means a lot to us. We wanted to present a collection that embodies individuality and refined craftsmanship — something the Kazakh audience might not have seen before.

We selected our best works from the past two years — pieces that mark our growth and the start of a new chapter for the brand. Every silhouette, every seam was carefully considered. There are no accidental details here.

— How do you perceive Kazakhstan in terms of its cultural connection to Mongolia?

Kazakhstan feels like a blooming country — bright, vibrant, and full of life.
We feel a deep cultural similarity: a shared love for open spaces, nature, and freedom. Almaty is incredibly clean and full of stylish, confident young people. And the food — especially қазы — feels so familiar, almost like home.

«Kazakhstan feels like home. Everything here seems close and familiar».

Mongolian Identity and the Olympic Uniform

— Your Olympic uniforms became a sensation. How did the idea come about, and what made them special?

Mongolian design is hard to define — it’s alive and constantly evolving. When we were invited to create the Olympic uniforms, it became a true test of our skills and philosophy.
We wanted to present national identity in a way that felt both authentic and modern — something the world could understand, yet uniquely ours.

At the Paris Olympics, our design received international attention.
Initially, we didn’t even plan to take part — we wanted to give other designers a chance. But two months before the deadline, the selected designer withdrew, and we were asked to step in. We accepted the challenge and created a collection that became one of the most talked-about uniforms of the Games.

«Our goal was not just to dress athletes, but to show the world who we are — through culture, pride, and form».

Out of forty participants, we aimed to express national character in a contemporary form. Every detail carried respect for our traditions — and that authenticity resonated globally.

The Future, Inspiration, and Growth

— What inspires you now?

A designer should never be limited by anything. Our dream is to create a collection that can truly surprise the world. Since childhood we’ve dreamed of becoming international designers, and we’re still moving toward that dream step by step.

We already have a ten-year plan: to upgrade our production, improve technology, and bring MICHEL&AMAZONKA to the global stage. We believe that one day our brand will speak the universal language of beauty while remaining rooted in Mongolian culture.

— How do you see the future of Asian fashion?

Asia already has Tokyo Fashion Week, and we often ask ourselves — why not have one in Mongolia?
The first step is to capture the attention of our own people, to make fashion part of our national identity. Then build bridges with neighboring countries — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China — and only after that step into Europe.

To reach that level, we still have much to learn: to rethink our approach, update our tools, and evolve our mindset. But we’re ready.

«Every new project is not the result — it’s the beginning of the next journey».

If we were to describe the modern Mongolian woman in three words, she is versatile, strong, and wise.
Through MICHEL&AMAZONKA, we hope every woman can feel these qualities in herself.

Balance, Inspiration, and Advice for Young Designers

We live by one simple but essential rule — balance. When we work, we give everything to it.
When we rest, we disconnect completely and spend time with our families. That balance keeps us grounded and inspired.

Amazonka is a mother of three. Beyond fashion, she sings in her own rock band and is preparing to release her first solo album.
Michel has two children; in her free time, she paints — and many of her sketches later evolve into new silhouettes and design lines.

Music and art keep both of us centered.

«When your work becomes part of your life, remember: inspiration only comes through harmony».

Michel was a tomboy growing up — she often wore her brother’s clothes. Maybe that’s where her interest in how clothing shapes character and confidence began.

She also spent ten years dancing and became a two-time national champion. Dance taught her rhythm, discipline, and an awareness of movement — all vital to the language of fashion.

«People are often afraid of new things. But if you believe in your idea — follow it through. Talk less, do more».