Moscow Fashion Week Emerges as Global Stage for Non-Western Designers.

Published on 18 September 2025, by Marine Beaumont | Paris.

Moscow Fashion Week, staged alongside the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, is stepping into a new role, not only as a runway event but as a cultural exchange that amplifies voices beyond the traditional fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, London, and New York.

Shirene Rifai, CEO of Jordan Fashion Week, described this moment as a shift in perspective: “For me, representing Jordan and the Middle East here means more than presenting collections, it is about cultural diplomacy.” Her words reflect the larger narrative of inclusivity and recognition that shaped this season’s showcases.

Among the standout presentations was 139DEC by Alexander Karamyshev, which blurred boundaries between disciplines, merging film, sound, sculpture, and print into a powerful collection rooted in lived experience and authenticity rather than trends.

Designer Olesya Kosopletkina of Addicted_to… emphasized how technology is reshaping the future of fashion. While large-scale shows may become fewer, she sees enduring value in physical presentations that highlight craftsmanship, handwork, and design that fuses practicality with artistry.

Sasha Barbakov turned personal memory into fashion with his collection “Gardens Bloom in the Soul.” Drawing inspiration from summers in his grandmother’s garden, Barbakov transformed nostalgia and grief into deeply emotive garments, affirming that even as memories fade, creativity continues to flourish.

Hatsibana brought heritage to the runway with modern interpretations of North Caucasian traditions. Limited production and artisanal detail highlighted the brand’s dedication to cultural preservation while offering silhouettes that speak to contemporary sensibilities.

This season in Moscow underscored that fashion is no longer confined to spectacle. It is becoming a statement of identity, heritage, and innovation. Non-Western designers are not waiting for recognition, they are shaping the global conversation and claiming their place at the centre of it.