Fashion Delight: Highlights from the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow

International fashion took center stage and shined brightly at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow. This exciting event, held over five days, featured a total of 10 fabulous shows, and what's even more exciting? There was a little bit of everything for everyone, including some fantastic collaborations.

Fashion enthusiasts, get ready to be thrilled! The BRICS+ Fashion Summit, which kicked off in Moscow at the beginning of December, was a true celebration of style. With a whopping 10 fashion shows showcasing the creations of 13 talented designers, the summit was a fashion lover's dream come true.

From the dazzling gowns of Hany El Behairy to the intricate handwoven masterpieces by Shruti Sancheti, the variety on display was impressive. In my opinion, these designs catered to a diverse range of audiences, with no specific group in mind. The runway was a spectacle of diversity, offering everything from over-the-top glam to the subtle charm of muted elegance.

Whether you're a fan of glamorous fashion statements or prefer a more understated look, the summit had it all. Join me as I share a list of my favorite designers and their incredible creations that stole the spotlight during this international fashion extravaganza. It's time to immerse ourselves in the world of fashion and appreciate the talent that made this summit a truly remarkable event!

Hany El Behairy

Hany El Behairy from Egypt truly stole the spotlight. His designs radiated glamour and elegance, featuring a touch of bling reminiscent of iconic Pakistani designers like Faraz Manan and Elan.

With his masterful touch of intricate bead and thread work, it's no surprise that Hany El Behairy crafted the then most expensive dress in the world, valued at a staggering $15 million. Adorned with real jewels, the dress showcased his commitment to opulence and craftsmanship, even as the jewels found their way back to the jeweler.
Speaking about his participation in the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, he expressed his desire for collaborations—whether in acquiring new materials, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, or striking deals. Hany shared his excitement about Moscow, recognizing its rich background in dresses, fabric, and fashion. For him, it was the perfect setting to unveil his new collection and explore potential partnerships on the global fashion stage.

Hany El Behairy draws inspiration from a world of art, with the Louvre in Paris being a primary muse. His early fascination with embroidery, nurtured by his mother and grandmother, has evolved into a profound love that echoes in his designs.
Bold, loud, and undeniably beautiful, Behairy's creations are a testament to his unapologetic style. Despite suggestions to simplify his designs for a broader audience, he remains true to his unique vision. For him, simplicity may attract more customers, but it's the intricate and expressive nature of his designs that define his distinctive fashion identity.

Arzu Caprol, the Turkish designer, weaved a tapestry of sleek glamour and shimmery elegance in her creations. While distinct from Behairy's style, her designs exuded an allure perfect for clubs or parties rather than formal events like weddings or balls. Yet, just like Behairy's, they possessed that undeniable wow factor, captivating attention and leaving a lasting impression.

Arzu Caprol's designs were truly eye-catching, thanks to her skillful use of beadwork and a variety of materials. Each creation became a captivating spectacle, showcasing the designer's artistry

This dress easily became one of my favorites because of its unique blend of extravagance and subtlety. Strikingly, there's no beadwork or embroidery; its allure lies entirely in the harmonious play of color and design, making it a standout piece that speaks volumes without elaborate embellishments.

While avant-garde fashion captures attention, I believe there's even more value in fashion that transcends the runway and finds its place in people's closets. Some clothes look nice to look at but most people can’t actually see themselves wearing those clothes.
This is precisely why Shruti Sancheti's collection resonated with me; her creations were clothes that I could envision myself or others wearing with ease. Mixing traditional materials and designs with streetwear elements, I enjoyed both her show and checking out her clothes in person at the B2B showroom at the summit.

Sancheti shared with Images that the fabric used in her collection, 'Hut to High Streets,' is a testament to timeless craftsmanship. Drawing from the rich tradition of hand-weaving in parts of South East Asia, all her fabrics are meticulously handmade. The unique aspect lies in infusing a contemporary touch to these garments. While our country boasts an unparalleled legacy of textiles and crafts, Sancheti recognizes the importance of adapting to the times. Her creations bridge the gap between the beauty of traditional textiles and the demands of the modern world, creating pieces that stand the test of time in both aesthetics and relevance.

The essence is to showcase India on a global stage, blending international styling with Indian craftsmanship. The outcome? Effortless separates that resonate universally. Sancheti's collection is a true merger, featuring long, flowing dresses, comfortable pants, and shirts paired seamlessly with coats adorned in traditional tassels and prints. Her designs beautifully fuse the realms of traditional and contemporary, creating an accessible and global wardrobe for anyone around the world.

Ritesh Kumar

At the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, comfort took center stage among the Indian designers. Ritesh Kumar, hailing from across the border, presented a collection with a contemporary flair. Experimenting with materials and jacket silhouettes, he crafted casual outfits that wouldn't be out of place on any high street worldwide. What caught my eye were the materials in his designs—echoing Sancheti's approach, they exuded an incredible wearability, making a strong case for fashion that effortlessly combines style with comfort.

Naushad Ali

In the spectrum of modernity, Kumar's designs showcased ultra-modern aesthetics. In contrast, designer Naushad Ali presented a harmonious blend of modern and traditional. Infusing traditional embroideries and patterns, he crafted feminine, flowing silhouettes that effortlessly transcend settings, making them suitable for any occasion or location.

I can't emphasize it enough — every Indian designer showcased clothes that seemed designed to be worn. These weren't just collections for magazines and runways; they were crafted for real people, and I absolutely loved that aspect.
Being at the summit in Moscow was, in his words, 'amazing.' He expressed the joy of being alongside fellow Indian designers, each presenting something incredible from various parts of India. Collaborating with skilled craftsmen, each designer curated a unique collection. It was, for him, an exceptional way to showcase India's diversity and craftsmanship on an international platform.

Khanijo

Among the standout designers at the summit, Gaurav Khanijo caught my eye. He effortlessly fused modernity with eclectic designs, presenting a captivating range of menswear that deserves to be embraced. His creations weren't just about fashion; they were a call to see men adorned in vibrant colors, adorned with intricate embroidery, patterns, and the touch of beautiful mehndi.

While some of these garments might appear daring for everyday wear, they have the potential to be the statement pieces that many men crave in their closets. Say goodbye to the mundane black coats and pants; it's time to invest in something that turns heads and prompts a double take.

The exquisite details of mehndi on the models' hands and feet, along with the anklets adorning their ankles, added an amazing touch of personalization and vibrant color to Gaurav Khanijo's show.

Aldrè

Indonesian designer Aldrè stunned with his designs, seamlessly blending asymmetrical cuts, black and white accents, and, quite intriguingly, dragon scales and horns.

The designer skillfully incorporated these intriguing elements to craft eye-catching pieces that effortlessly transitioned from the runway to the streets. Being true to my Pakistani roots, I couldn't resist getting a hands-on feel for the clothes, and to my surprise, the dragons were fashioned from what appeared to be a sturdy, heavy plastic material.

Aldrè's designs, to my eyes, are not just artistic but also wearable. They serve as statement pieces that can illuminate your wardrobe, offering a transformative upgrade to your basics.

The fascinating aspect, in my conversations with each designer, was their shared desire to reach new audiences with their creations. None were designing solely for their fellow country-people; instead, they aspired for their clothing to resonate with new individuals. The unanimous belief was that venturing to Russia was the key to achieving this goal.