Leyla Babayeva was born on March 30, 2000. She started painting at the age of three and, from a young age, participated in exhibitions both in Azerbaijan and internationally. In 2012, she took part in an exhibition in Paris, and later that year, she showcased her works alongside renowned artists in Baku. Thanks to her achievements in painting, she has received over 60 diplomas and international awards, winning first place in multiple competitions.
After completing her secondary education with distinction, she pursued her specialization in fashion and design. She first studied foundation courses in London for a year, then enrolled in the world-renowned Istituto Marangoni university in Italy, specializing in fashion and design. During her studies, she stood out for her creativity and academic excellence. One of her most successful projects was a bag made from recycled plastic, which gained significant recognition for highlighting environmental issues and aligning with the principles of sustainable fashion.
Leyla Babayeva created a capsule collection for the prestigious Italian luxury brand Tod’s, known for high-end clothing, shoes, and leather goods. This collection was developed as part of the “Re-Generation” project. The initiative included 20 young designers selected from Istituto Marangoni, representing countries such as Italy, Azerbaijan, Taiwan, India, China, Iran, and Brazil. The “Re-Generation” project aims to promote sustainability and innovation in fashion by using eco-friendly materials.
Additionally, Leyla Babayeva was selected for the prestigious “Women@Dior & UNESCO 2025/2026” mentorship program, a joint initiative by Dior and UNESCO. This program focuses on empowering women, developing leadership skills, and fostering a positive impact on society. The selection process was highly competitive, with only 150 participants chosen from over 60 countries. Leyla successfully passed a three-stage interview process to secure her place in the program.
She also reached the European final of the Circular Design Challenge (CDC), an international fashion competition. At the competition held in Milan, she presented her collection “Turn Your Imagination ON”, inspired by renowned sculptor Bruno Catalano. Her project is based on sustainable fashion principles and highlights Azerbaijan’s rich craftsmanship traditions.
The “Women@Dior & UNESCO” mentorship program is exclusively for women, bringing together talented participants from different fields. Key topics include women’s solidarity and environmental protection. Starting in April 2025, Leyla Babayeva will work with inspiring mentors, participate in leadership training, and collaborate with talented women worldwide. The Global Conference will be held in Paris, where she will join fellow participants, mentors, UNESCO and Dior representatives, including Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Since its launch in 2017, the “Women@Dior & UNESCO” program has supported over 2,000 young women from 60+ countries. Participants gain access to online courses, mentorship from industry leaders, and professional training from Dior. They also get the opportunity to develop social projects aimed at making a positive impact in their communities. Leyla Babayeva is recognized for her innovative projects in fashion and sustainability and continues to successfully represent Azerbaijan on the international stage.