Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) 2025 delivered a confident vision of contemporary Russian design. The runway showcased a range of perspectives with technical precision and creative risks by seasoned designers along with promising newcomers. With sharp tailoring, experimental textiles, and bold decisions, the week’s strongest shows offered a growing readiness for the global stage.
The event, featuring 186 fashion brands from 27 regions of Russia and 9 other countries, including South Africa, India, China, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkey, reaffirmed its place as a hub for international fashion dialogue. These were the designers who led the conversation.
Moscow Art Industrial Institute (Moscow)
Students from the Moscow Art Industrial Institute were chosen for the grand opening of MFW. The “Margarita’s Cruise Collection” detailed elements from classic Egyptian chitons reworked into modern symbolism, including sand silhouettes, eyes of Ra symbolism and wide-brimmed wicker hats.
Emre Erdemoğlu (Turkey)
Debuting his first venture into womenswear, Turkish designer Emre Erdemoğlu’s “Barlas” collection impressively showcased an empowered femininity. Echoing his original menswear designs, this collection added structured shoulders, a muted palette and fluid cuts that came together in an elegant and modern collection.
Vereja (Moscow)
Intricately carved platbands, historically believed to have safeguarded homes from malevolent forces, have been carefully reimagined into beautifully knitted patterns in Vereja’s “Web of Patterns” collection. The show provided a sense of nostalgic grandeur to MFW attendees by transforming folklore into a beautiful showcase of fantasy.
Lurvin (Moscow)
Modern womanhood echoing texture, emotion and structure was the theme for Moscow’s Lurvin collection. The show presented the idea of modernised womanhood with a multifaceted narrative defined by contrast, confidence and quiet strength.
Ammonit (Moscow)
Continuing on the theme of the modern woman, Ammonit’s latest collection showcased a refined and confident take on modern femininity, including luxurious tailoring that felt timeless and elegant but still wearable for the modern woman. In true simplicity, the collection flowed with a natural palette with a mix of monochromatic suits, relaxed knits with subtle drapes, fur-trimmed capes, pillowbox hats and flowing dresses adding depth and texture.
Capparel (Ekaterinburg)
A colour palette of black, grey and deep shades of red was the theme for Ekaterinburg’s Capparel “Rebel Road” collection. The collection embraced a rebellious spirit with a mix of asymmetrical lines, voluminous sleeves, exaggerated shoulders, raw edges and richly textured fabrics that spoke to freedom and rebellion.
Musawenkosi (South Africa)
Mzansi’s very own Musawenkosi showcased a beautifully crafted collection celebrating black excellence and African storytelling. “Inspired by the timeless talent of African hands, just as in our history, African tales were carved and painted on caves, we use needling and threading techniques to bring African tales to life to boldly communicate African hallmarks,” says Musawenkosi.
In a week dominated by bold silhouettes, Musawenkosi’s collection was a testament to cultural pride and global relevance, an important moment for African design on a world stage.
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Measure (Makhachkala, Russia)
Measure’s “Kubeshi” collection brings the fading tradition of Kubeshi goldsmithing to life. Flowing silhouettes and a muted palette of chocolate, milk, emerald, and buttery tones set the tone for quiet sophistication. Graceful maxi dresses with traditional motifs and subtle asymmetries paid quiet homage to Dagestan’s artisan heritage, preserved through a modern take.
MFW 2025 has proven its relevance, not just as a national event but as a rising international platform. These Russian and international designers have brought their unique visions to light through heritage revival, modern classics, and bold theatrics.
Pictures: Supplied
