The Russian capital transformed into a global hub for style, sustainability, and cultural exchange as Moscow hosted the BRICS+ Fashion Summit from August 28 to August 30, 2025. This international gathering, held as part of Moscow Fashion Week, drew over 100 fashion industry stakeholders from more than 60 countries, according to TV BRICS and FMC. With a packed agenda of plenary discussions, round tables, lectures, and intensive fashion courses, the summit aimed to spark dialogue and collaboration among designers and thought leaders from the BRICS and BRICS+ nations.
Organized by the Cultural Fund for the Development of Fashion and Design, known as the "Fashion Fund," and supported by the Moscow Government, the event offered a unique platform for participants to share experiences, explore new technologies, and discuss the future of fashion. The summit’s central themes included sustainable practices, the use of clean technologies, and the growing influence of fashion trends on the international stage. But perhaps most notably, the summit shone a spotlight on the creative powerhouses of the Global South—particularly Africa and Latin America—whose cultural assets are reshaping the global fashion narrative.
One of the event’s standout features was its focus on sustainability and climate consciousness. Brazilian researcher and designer Luciana Duarte, speaking to TV BRICS, detailed how innovation is driving the industry toward a greener future. "We have been developing materials that absorb carbon dioxide and perform a type of photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the world. [...] Today, it is mandatory that some fabrics, most fabrics, be related to the circular economy, that is, they [the fabrics] must be made from recycled materials," Duarte explained. Her remarks underscored a growing consensus: the future of fashion must be eco-friendly, and the circular economy—where materials are recycled and reused—is fast becoming the industry standard.
Duarte also encouraged her peers from BRICS and BRICS+ countries to seize opportunities for cooperation. "Designers should take advantage of scholarships, fashion biennials, supplier fairs, and internships at large companies," she advised, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation and sustainability.
African fashion, with its rich tapestry of artisanal techniques and local fabrics, took center stage at the summit. Ivorian designer Aristide Loua, whose work draws from traditional methods, spoke passionately about the region’s unique strengths. "Essentially, countries such as India, Brazil, China, South Africa and, in general, the Global South [...] have what I call cultural assets. This means that we have different fabric production techniques. We have cultures that are very fascinating in fashion design and jewellery making," Loua told TV BRICS. He believes the summit acts as a strategic space for establishing international partnerships and learning from the innovations of other countries. "The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is a platform where designers from around the world can come together, collaborate, network and find solutions to bridge the gap in terms of production and compete with the world's major brands," he added.
Brazil’s own creative diversity was championed by Paulo Borges, founder of Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Borges sees Brazilian fashion as an instrument of cultural rapprochement and innovation within the BRICS framework. "I hope that this BRICS+ Fashion Summit meeting, here at Moscow Fashion Week, can be the beginning of a change in creation, thinking and rapprochement between countries. [...] Brazilian fashion, in addition to being very diverse due to its intangible wealth, brings a Brazilian component: happiness. [...] And I think this exchange with Russia and the BRICS countries is very important for reinventing the new creative geopolitics," Borges shared. His hopes reflect a broader ambition: that fashion can serve as a bridge not only between designers, but between nations and cultures.
Ethiopia, in particular, made a striking impression at the summit, reaffirming its growing influence in the global fashion industry. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Mahlet Teklemariam, Founder of Hub of Africa Fashion Week, who chaired the Business Program’s "Regional Session on Africa." This session brought together leading African industry figures, including Mahlet Afework (Founder and CEO of MAFI MAFI and the Mafi Fashion Academy and Lab in Ethiopia), Anis Montacer (Founder of Tunis Fashion Week), Susan Sabet (Board Member and Secretary General of the Egyptian Fashion and Design Council), Mmantlha Sankoloba (CEO of the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association), and Nana Tamakloe (CEO of Accra Fashion Week, Ghana).
Anna Getaneh, Founder and Creative Director of African Mosaique, contributed her expertise to the session "Power of Positioning: Brand Evolution — From Logo to Culture," while Tsgehiwot Haftu Geretsadik, Head of the Garment and Fashion Desk at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry, participated in discussions on attracting investment to the fashion sector. Their presence highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to promoting Africa’s fashion ecosystem and elevating its visibility on the international stage.
Reflecting on the summit’s impact, Teklemariam remarked, "The networks and connections established at BRICS+ Fashion Summit can catalyze collaborations and advance our industries on a global scale." For Ethiopia and the broader African continent, the summit provided a strategic opportunity for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and the identification of collaborative initiatives to propel African fashion forward.
Throughout the three-day event, the summit provided a rare chance for designers and entrepreneurs from across the Global South to showcase their heritage, adapt new technologies, and learn from each other’s experiences. The focus on artisanal techniques and traditional methods—particularly from African designers—demonstrated that innovation and heritage can go hand in hand. This approach is gaining recognition in global trends, as consumers and brands alike seek authenticity, sustainability, and cultural depth in their fashion choices.
The summit’s emphasis on clean technologies and the circular economy also signaled a shift in priorities for the industry. As climate change remains a pressing concern, the adoption of recycled materials and carbon-absorbing textiles could redefine what it means to be fashionable—and responsible. The BRICS+ Fashion Summit, by putting these issues at the forefront, encouraged participants to think beyond aesthetics and consider their role in building a more sustainable future.
In the end, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow was more than just a showcase of beautiful clothes and creative minds. It was a meeting ground for cultures, a springboard for innovation, and a call to action for the global fashion industry. By fostering dialogue, encouraging cooperation, and championing sustainability, the summit set the stage for a new era—one where fashion is not just about what we wear, but how we connect, create, and care for our world.
