Фото: https://disk.yandex.ru/d/UH8Jathge5tvNQThe International Exhibition ‘Heritage’ is open from October 3 to 5 in the Concert Hall ‘Zaryadye’ as part of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit. This large-scale event showcases the impact of national and cultural heritage from BRICS nations, as well as emerging countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, on contemporary fashion design, highlighting the global trend of incorporating national codes into the fashion industry. Admission is free with prior registration on the official BRICS+ Fashion Summit website.
The focus on national heritage is not a new trend, but it has reached the height of its popularity. It first gained traction in global fashion around the mid-2010s as a response to the growing influence of globalization and the dominance of large international conglomerates. The pandemic, for obvious reasons, only intensified and solidified this trend. The renewed interest in local cultures, national roots, and traditions has influenced not just the fashion industry, but also travel, entertainment, and more. Once borders reopened after the pandemic, even established European fashion houses eagerly expanded into regions rich in these national traditions and codes.
The growing interest in ethnography, craftsmanship, and traditional techniques is making international fashion more vibrant and, interestingly, more contemporary. Today’s consumer is increasingly willing to pay for experiences rather than just products, and this connection to heritage transforms buying clothes into a more emotional ritual. Designers from emerging countries are now leading the way in the modern fashion movement.
The BRICS countries, along with other emerging nations whose designers are participating in the International Exhibition ‘Heritage’, undoubtedly serve as invaluable keepers of ancient traditions and crafts. In these regions, the later onset of industrialization has allowed these rich heritages to be preserved, offering today’s designers not only the opportunity to incorporate them into their work but also, crucially, to continue their evolution.
Ibrahim Shebani, a designer from Libya, draws on his multicultural background and deep connection to Libya's rich heritage as the foundation of the BORN IN EXILE brand. Created to merge tradition with modern fashion, BORN IN EXILE is more than just a clothing line - it’s a narrative woven into each piece, celebrating resilience, complex identities, and the enduring power of creativity.
Tajik designer Vays Asoev incorporates vibrant national patterns and intricate traditional embroidery into his dresses and robes, elements that have long been embraced by the global fashion scene. Each piece of his work is handcrafted with meticulous care.
The Chinese designer behind the KENSUN brand incorporates a pattern into the fabric inspired by the traditional Chinese painting technique, "guohua," which uses water-based mineral and vegetable paints, as well as ink, on silk.
Over 40 designers from BRICS nations and emerging countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been chosen for the exhibition. These designers draw inspiration from their national heritage, not to showcase it directly, but to create contemporary fashion pieces based on it. Their work is displayed on approximately 150 mannequins.
Alongside clothing and accessories, the exhibition features multimedia elements. Videos showcasing the work of artisans and the process behind creating the collections are displayed on monitors.
Displaying the mannequins directly in the lobby will give visitors the opportunity to closely examine both the traditional craft techniques and the garments, allowing them to assess their practicality. One of the project's key missions is to showcase the relevance and modernity of cultural and national heritage, emphasizing that its place is not just in museums but also in our everyday lives.
The exhibition's curator, Olga Mikhailovskaya, is a fashion columnist and co-founder of the online platform of Russian brands FRONT, as well as the creator of the Telegram channel Front Fashion.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is organized by the Fashion Fund with the support of the Moscow Government.