Photo of Viwe Ntlebi

A fusion of heritage and modernity: Moscow Fashion Week 2024 embraces maximalism, sustainability, and inclusive fashion

Moscow Fashion Week 2024 featured an impressive lineup of designers, each bringing their unique vision and creativity to the catwalk. 

Each designer turned heads with their collections that pushed boundaries and showcased fearless creativity, some even telling their county’s unique fashion sense. 

HATSIBANA (Nalchik)

The HATSIBANA brand launched its new line, “Wild Rose,” combining individual style with high fashion. The collection showcased classic haute couture, featuring maxi-length garments made from beautifully draped flowing fabrics. The models walked the runway adorned in a harmonious blend of textures, lending an impressive cohesiveness to the overall visual.

Notably, various interpretations of hoods were highlighted, even exhibited as innovative metal

structures. The collection drew inspiration from traditional patterns native to Kabardino-Balkaria, the brand’s home region. A standout piece was a striking snow-white maxi cloak adorned with rosehip embroidery—a symbol of the brand—worn by the final model.

Moscow Fashion Week 2024 Picture: Supplied

OKSANA KOSAREVA (Moscow)

Designer Oksana Kosareva made her debut at Moscow Fashion Week, showcasing a collection that features key pieces, unique capsules, and innovative designs. Drawing inspiration from the structured silhouettes of the 1980s, alongside the lightness of the 1950s and 1970s, the collection artfully blends rich materials with airy fabrics. Luxurious lace, translucent elastic mesh, and organza come together with denim, leather, and Italian wool to create a striking contrast.

The collection features distinctive dragon prints balanced with soft silk organza, while trendy 3D applications in the form of origami buds, voluminous fabric accents, and fluttering feathers add a sense of dynamism. The interplay of vibrant colours with a serene palette achieves a beautiful equilibrium throughout the collection.

Moscow Fashion Week Picture: supplied

BÜRO UNIQUE (Samara)

BÜRO UNIQUE introduced the “Chic & Sport” collection, where contrasting elements of style effortlessly intertwine. This collection features cocktail dresses and skirt suits alongside sporty and relaxed apparel.

Tulle, silk, and elastic mesh dresses and blouses boast delicate ruffles and captivating 3D floral appliqués that grace the models’ décolleté. Ruffles on the shoulders and chest, along with flowing cuts, evoke the image of butterfly wings ready to take flight. With the collection’s goal of transforming sportswear into a chic alternative to evening attire, it integrated bombers, shirts, and sweatshirts crafted from luxurious silk and organza. Some pieces were adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and lace, adding a touch of elegance and glamour.

Moscow Fashion Week Picture: supplied

SHATU 1997 (Kirov)

SHATU 1997 unveiled a whimsical cruise fashion story, inspired by rare archival photographs of royal family vacations. The collection embodies relaxed looks crafted with a noble colour palette and airy elements, becoming a central theme. Featured designs include short-sleeved shirts, straight-cut midi skirts, and breezy shorts cinched with fringed belts, all evoking the essence of vacation attire. Special attention was given to openwork sets and lace ties that exude bohemian chic, offering simplicity and lightness. Importantly, Shatu exclusively works with eco-friendly materials, introducing items made from nettle and linen organza for a refined touch.

South Africa’s Tshegofatso By Design also showcased his Frankenstein All Season 24/25 collection, a combination of avant-garde and grunge aesthetics.

Moscow Fashion Week Picture: supplied

Previously,  South African designers such as David Tlale, Boys of Soweto and Dope Store showcased their work and were well received and celebrated by the international audience. 

Together, these designers set the trends for Moscow Fashion Week, from maximalism to sustainability, and gender-neutral styles, illustrating a dynamic fusion of Russia’s deep cultural heritage with modern, global fashion sensibilities.

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