On September 8 and 9, the second edition of the Moldovan Brands Runway (MBR) fashion event took place. Thirteen designers from Moldova and four from Ukraine, Armenia, and Romania presented their fall-winter collections in a unique ambience created by artificial intelligence. The event was organized by ZIPHOUSE Fashion Innovation Hub, a part of the Technical University of Moldova, in collaboration with the Light Industry Employers Association.
The fashion event spanned over two days, featuring a series of projections, runway displays, fashion presentations and performances by both local and international designers. The local brands were showcased under the banner of DININIMA, integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. This amalgamation marked an important milestone for Moldova’s fashion industry. International speakers at the event shared the latest trends in the fashion world through interactive presentations within the virtual realm of fashion, captivating the audience with innovation and contemporary insights.
The audience particularly applauded the designers for embracing eco-friendly trends in their collections, incorporating recyclable materials, and utilizing environmentally conscious production methods.
The event garnered significant interest from international guests, including Adriano Batista, Inoue Elie, Cai Felip, Vardanyan Ruzanna, Miles Holde, Maxim Holub, Igor Sidletki, Sebastian Felix Țopescu, Nirmala Shome, Doina Ciobanu, and Elen Manukyan. Their attendance holds great value in recognizing the talents of our local designers on a global scale.
“We are delighted that our ambition to gather so many people interested in the fashion industry in Moldova has been successful. Over 1200 individuals believed in us for these 2 days of the show, where we had the opportunity to integrate satellite events, digital and artistic exhibitions, and host international guests (press and speakers). At this edition, local designers have created impressive collections, surpassing their own limits by embracing digital technologies—a groundbreaking moment for Moldova’s fashion industry,” highlight the event organizers, the Light Industry Employers Association (APIUS), and ZIPHOUSE Fashion Innovation Hub.
Doina Nistor, the director of the Future Technologies Project funded by USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, points out, “To boost Moldova’s fashion industry, we need to invest primarily in identifying and accelerating local talents. Designers require opportunities for growth, both in the local market and, particularly, in the international one. Moldovan Brands Runway, for the first time, demonstrates that achieving these goals is possible by creating a synergy between physical and virtual fashion that transcends any boundaries”.
“Startups, particularly young designers, bring a different dimension to our national economy’s growth. It’s essential to break away from conventional norms and embrace a more innovative approach when fostering our industries. At Moldovan Brands Runway, over 30 young businesses shone through exceptional fashion displays and a one-of-a-kind digital exhibition, effectively turning fashion into digital art. We take pride in supporting this industry, showcasing innovation and excellence”, expresses Stella Jemna, Country Representative of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF).
“Moldovan Brands Runway has truly stepped up its game! Being a part of this event was a delightful experience. We received the support we needed across every aspect. It’s exciting to witness the fashion industry in our country progressing and enjoying success”, said Darya Golneva, designer and founder of the OK KINO brand.
The event highlighted the importance of local producers, who add value to the local economy by reimagining the art and authentic beauty of Moldovan traditions in their creations.
Moldovan Brands Runway was organized by industry leaders: ZIPHOUSE – Fashion Innovation Hub and APIUS, with the strategic support of USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom through the Future Technologies Project, as well as with the support of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF), the Investment Agency, the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development, UN Women, and Moldcell.
