Plenary Session. From factory to runway. Industry on trend
Grand hall

The plenary session on the second day of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit addressed the challenges currently facing the consumer goods and textile sectors, with a particular focus on the shortage of qualified personnel. Speakers expressed concerns that the education system in fashion is lagging behind the industry's needs and proposed collaborative solutions involving companies to engage students in real-world processes. There was a shared understanding that many countries are experiencing significant personnel shortages amid industry growth, and the challenges faced are largely similar across borders. Participants exchanged insights and emphasized the importance of cooperation, both internationally and within the industry in a clustered format.

Akashdeep Singh, President of the Indian Business Council and CEO of VULKAN-A, stated, "We must acknowledge key trends for the industry's development. Businesses need to focus on skills, emphasizing the importance of excellence to remain competitive. Speed is crucial; we must expedite our production and delivery systems. Finally, embracing new technologies is essential. For instance, India is making significant investments in its textile industry, which is a vital sector for us, and we now have multiple clusters where the entire production chain is localized."

Aleksandra Kaloshina, founder of SOLSTUDIO, shared, "Our studio employs around 30 artists. We recognized this issue and established our own training system, not just for our benefit but for the national context as well. Our staff have lectured at many universities, launched textile design competitions, and have focused primarily on elevating the profession's prestige. As a result, we no longer face a shortage of specialists."

Aleksey Romanenko, Managing Partner of NEO Consulting Company, observed, "With a stable market volume, Russian producers are significantly increasing their market share, which has nearly reached a third, up from about one-fifth in 2021."

Among the attendees were Akashdeep Singh, Mubashar Naseer Butt, Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Sladjana Milojevic, Director of the Fashion Apparel Cluster of Serbia, Aleksandra Kaloshina, and Aleksey Romanenko.

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Creative Capital: The Role of Creative Industries in Economic Development
Grand hall

Creative industries have long been recognized as vital drivers of economic growth globally. During this session, experts examined how creative fashion can sustain itself as an economic force, attract investment, and foster stable connections among people, industries, and communities.

Marina Banovic, Vice President of Montenegro Fashion Week and a fashion designer, commented: "I am excited about the synergy of creative platforms – traditional handwork, folk art, and modern technologies. We advocate for sustainable production and oversee environmentally significant projects. It's crucial to maintain authenticity amid globalization and not lose your identity."

Anna Uvarova, Director of the FABRIKA Department Store, stated: " Our aim is to attract producers to the region for a variety of fashion events, showcasing our local designers and manufacturers. It’s crucial to avoid redundancy and instead focus on finding fresh inspiration."

Ümit Temurçin, founder of UT Projects & PR and a journalist with Aksam Newspaper, added: " I often reflect on what drives creativity, and I believe it begins with movement. When we consider taking a step forward, fear can hold us back, but that fear is unnecessary. I was here last year, and I'm back again now."

Camila Ortega, CEO of Nicaragua Diseña, emphasized: "International collaboration is crucial! This venue provides opportunities for cooperation and networking. A person's creativity reflects their culture and passion, and we must showcase this at platforms like these because the artistic expression of love transcends borders. Embracing creativity, design, fashion, and culture can foster bonds that expand and strengthen at such events."

The session featured participants like Camila Ortega, CEO of Nicaragua Diseña, Anna Uvarova, Director of FABRIKA Department Store; Ümit Temurçin, founder of UT Projects & PR, Aksam Newspaper journalist, Marina Banovic, Vice President of Montenegro Fashion week, fashion designer.

Moderator of the event: Kseniya Katysheva, curator of the BHSAD Fashion and Textile Design program.

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AI as an Asset: Investments in Creative Industries
Grand hall

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the fashion industry presents numerous opportunities for innovation and process enhancement.

Currently, AI significantly influences various aspects of fashion, from collection creation and presentation to user engagement. Emerging technologies facilitate the generation of fresh ideas and visuals, aiding designers in crafting their collections. AI can even create virtual fitting rooms, enabling users to try on clothes digitally.

AI artist Julia Elina showcased an example of AI's use in fashion, saying: "We have a neuro-avatar named Anna who runs her blog, hosts a Telegram channel, visits exhibitions, and can even model. This approach saves considerable time and resources because we no longer need to hire studios, photographers, or makeup artists. With just one person, such as myself, we can generate the entire campaign."

As AI technologies evolve, deeper integration into creative and operational processes can be expected, allowing humans to focus on strategic and innovative tasks, while it remains critical to approach new technologies with caution and responsibility.

The session included attendees like Konstantin Sobolev (Head of the ‘Video Generative AI’ research group at AIRI Institute), Carola Tery (CEO of Seychelles Fashion Week), Maxim Fedyukov (CEO of Texel), Julia Elina, and Pablo Yusta (CEO of AI Consortivm).

It was moderated by Anastasiya Melnikova from Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Lecturer at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Logistics.

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The Fashion Cycle: From Creation to Resale
Grand hall

Experts discussed urgent issues concerning sustainable development against the backdrop of an increasing focus on brands' environmental and social responsibilities, as well as the emergence of a "circular economy" aimed at minimizing waste. Effective resource management and waste reduction are becoming more critical than ever as the significance of the secondary market grows for the fashion industry's eco-friendliness.

Ajay Vir Singh recounted his experiences: "Our 'guilt-free clothing' initiative has been focused on responsible knitwear production without harming the environment since 2004. Research showed that Sri Lanka is the cleanest country in Southeast Asia. Implementing such a program posed challenges. In 2018, we aimed to transition all fashion industry manufacturers to our responsible platform by changing mindsets and approaches throughout the production cycle. We've established a scale to evaluate the sustainability of production, which has motivated industries to assess their practices. Nowadays, most Sri Lankan manufacturers are involved."

Attending the discussion were Varvara Khrustaleva, Development Director of Charity Shop; Deepti Gupta, Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; Ajay Vir Singh, Managing Director of Colombo Fashion Week; Nikita Zakharov, Head of Fashion Lifestyle Business Development, Avito; Rick Anderson, Director of Mauritius Fashion Week.

Irina Leonova, CEO of Bioteks, moderated the event.

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To enter the industry. Specialists and skills in the fashion world
Grand hall

Experts explored the state of fashion education in Russia, addressing the shortage of qualified specialists in fashion schools. This has led to a pressing need for continual talent development and retraining. There is a necessity to identify key future competencies and how brands adapt their HR strategies accordingly.

Anzor Kankulov remarked: "One of our posters states, 'We teach you to think.' Creativity and innovative thinking are paramount in the global economy. Individuals study to be designers with the goal of eventually establishing their own brands. However, not everyone can successfully achieve this. Focusing on this is essential—it’s strategic. The tactical approach is immersing oneself in the industry to understand its workings, which can only be accomplished through experience. From the very first year, students engage in tasks akin to those of established designers, creating collections, shows, and advertising campaigns, which integrate multi-level collaborations with major global brands."

Olga Mikhailovskaya added, "Aiming for immediate success can be tempting. Though a quick start seems ideal, it isn't the norm for everyone. Today, there is an alarming deficit in training regarding practical skills. Young people lack knowledge in crafts, materials science, and construction. Furthermore, there are insufficient fashion journalists capable of discerning well-fitted garments from poorly fitted ones. Incompetence is prevalent, and to succeed, one must learn and understand fundamental principles. Regrettably, we have a shortage of specialists to teach these aspects. Fashion schools should prioritize this."

The discussion included Kelly Katron, Founder of the People's Revolution agency, Gregg Maragelis, Director of the Cape Town College of Fashion Design, Madonna Mur, media manager and journalist, Anzor Kankulov, Head of Fashion Department at the HSE Art and Design School, Olga Mikhailovskaya, founder of the Telegram-channel @frontfashion, Anna Yakimova, fashion design analyst, independent expert.

Moderator: Victoria Romashova, Curator of the Brand Promotion Strategy program at the British Higher School of Art and Design, Head of the Fashion Department.

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Cloud Wardrobe: Trying on the Unreal
Chamber Hall

Panelists deliberated on how digitalization enhances fashion sustainability, aiding in the prediction of production scales and emerging trends. They posed questions regarding consumer readiness for digital challenges, whether AI is more aligned with business or entertainment, and if fashion designers felt threatened by AI's presence. They all concurred that traditional fashion shows hold many advantages over digital presentations, despite technological advancements.

Audrey Taillée, Director of Fashion and Brand Relations, commented: "I don't believe AI can replace designers. While it can expedite workflows and research, fashion demands a human touch to foster creativity. AI cannot emulate the artistry of figures like John Galliano or Alexander McQueen, who convey emotions and personal narratives through their work. At fashion weeks, we are presented with diverse design approaches and personal stories that AI cannot replicate."

The session took place with attendees Maxim Fedyukov, CEO of TEXEL, Sergio Puig, Director of Mediterranea Fashion Week, Audrey Taillée, Director of Fashion and Brand Relations at Sève.

Moderator: Ivan Budnik, E-Commerce and Digital Transformation Director at GULLIVER GROUP.

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Investment plan. Finding money to create a new fashion house
Chamber Hall

What traits must a fashion startup possess to attract investors? Besides financial plans, what are investors considering? Who's willing to finance a fashion project, and how can one identify these individuals? What processes should one follow for amicable separation from an investor if expectations aren't met? These were some highlights from the session titled "Investment plan. Finding money to create a new fashion house," which became particularly dynamic, even covering niche financing avenues such as blockchain and NFT investments.

Vladislav Ivanov, CEO of the SLIP brand, noted: "When seeking investments, it's vital to emphasize margins; many overlook this. Understanding where and how to sell your product is essential: selling it yourself may yield one margin, while relying on marketplaces could result in another. Many designers lack expertise in this area, so it's advisable to engage specialists for developing a robust business plan. In presentations, many emphasize creative aspects and unique designs, but investors often need hard numbers. A market overview justifying your niche entry is essential. If your idea is yet another brand of tracksuits made from French terry, you're unlikely to secure funding."

Ilya Kobyakov, General Partner of TEALTECH CAPITAL, reinforced: "There's a saying that 'ambitions must align with ammunition.' Investors typically seek partners with a successful track record, as such individuals bring valuable experience, even if their projects are still in the development phase."

Participants included Vladislav Ivanov, CEO of the SLIP brand, Pablo Tome, Director of Asuncion Fashion Week, Ilya Kobyakov, Managing Partner of Tealtech Capital, Craig Arend, owner of Altamiranyc.

Renata George, Managing Partner of IZBA, moderated the session.

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Generation Next: New flagships of the fashion market
Chamber Hall

Local Russian designers and brands now have a unique opportunity to fill the void on the market, fostering the growth of the local fashion industry as consumer interest in local manufacturers rises.
In discussing strategies for local brands to succeed in international markets, it became clear that the current landscape is ripe with opportunities for growth and market positioning. However, it’s essential to maintain high-quality standards and to embrace innovation in order to compete effectively, both locally and globally, as they move forward.

Alexey Bazhenov emphasized the significance of brand storytelling for recognition: "It’s crucial to understand that a brand is a hybrid construct, combining both material and informational elements. Information flows everywhere and is accessible to all. To thrive in international competition, brands need to excel in complex storytelling that highlights their uniqueness and irreplaceability, ultimately making them more memorable."

To withstand competition, the fashion industry must adopt new promotional technologies, particularly digital ones. Brands should leverage various online promotion channels, especially given the increasing trend toward online sales, necessitating close collaboration with marketplaces to gather statistical insights and adapt based on data analytics.

The session was attended by: Sergei Krymlov, founder of PART0FYOU, Ksenia Kudryashova, founder of BITTE_RUHE, Alexey Bazhenov, founder of the Institute of Development in Fashion Industry Beinopen, Anton Gorbashov, head of the purchasing department of the sports category for Lamoda, Manjulakshmi Bharathan, designer, founder of AADIMA, Akmal Saidkhanov, CEO and co-founder of the online department store MOSMO for local clothing brands, Temesia Tuicaumia, Director of Fiji Fashion Week.

Moderator: Daniya Tkacheva, founder of the Sales Growth and Development Strategy Agency for fashion brands Dynasty.

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Exploring showrooms. Behind the scenes of fashion business
Chamber Hall

The rise in the number of fashion brands in Russia prompts inquiries about how to stand out amid numerous newcomers. Speakers emphasized the necessity of establishing clear brand values from the outset to discover and accentuate unique selling propositions. They discussed scaling operations from small home workshops to prestigious brands with large studios and high-profile clientele. The dialogue transitioned from real to virtual showrooms and strategies for engaging audiences in the digital realm. Attendees also shared advice on overcoming business-related fears to enter the industry.

Nikolai Konstantinov, CEO of Trend Island, remarked: "We receive applications from new brands every day. However, simply launching a brand is no longer enough, especially in the mid-tier price range, where consumers are increasingly selective with their spending. Brands need to clearly define their target audience and values, rather than just offering generic products like skirts or dresses."

Olga Leffers, designer of Leffers brand, added: "Communication is vital. Don't hesitate to seek help. Various accelerators and platforms exist for finding like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. Ultimately, your project must attract an investor's interest for strategic growth."

Anna Dreinberg, founder and CEO of Tomorrow's Render Team, shared valuable insights on facilitating entry into the fashion industry through initiatives such as Fashionverse. This platform serves as a digital showroom for emerging designers, enabling them to creatively showcase their work and gain visibility in a competitive marketplace.

The session featured attendees like Anna Dreinberg, founder and CEO of Tomorrow's Render Team, Olga Leffers, designer of the Leffers brand, Nikolai Konstantinov, CEO of Trend Island, Vadim Shatunov, strategic marketer of SHATU 1997, Olesya Zhuravleva, founder of Big Brooch.

Moderator: Aleksander Chervov, owner of the LES Agency.

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TED Talk Series
Chamber Hall

Participants engaged in discussions around various innovative concepts, including barter systems, self-regulation of finances, and the potential role of cryptocurrency in fashion financing. They also explored the idea of reframing failures as successes in specific contexts, highlighting a shift in mindset that can drive creativity and resilience within the industry.

Craig Arend remarked: "Understanding the basics of money is essential, as it helps you better comprehend the intricacies of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, much like gold, serves the fundamental purposes of money—it is portable, divisible, and scarce. With only 21 million bitcoins available and a halving event occurring every four years, this scarcity adds to its value. Moreover, both fashion and cryptocurrency are rooted in innovation and creativity."

Kirill Chizhov introduced groundbreaking concepts: "Sportswear made from copper nanoparticles extends shelf life and could save Roscosmos up to 1.5 million dollars by eliminating the need for consistent laundry of astronauts' flight suits. High-tech fashion can substantially impact economies."

The lecture-discussion was attended by: Craig Arend, owner of Altamiranyc, Kirill Chizhov, CEO and Co-founder of COPPLIFE.

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Fashion fusion. Fashion as a tool for cultural dialogue
Open Hall

Fashion serves as a bridge between various cultures and traditions, particularly within the BRICS countries. Successful global brands frequently tap into the cultural characteristics of their nations, which helps them build a deeper connection with their audiences. This approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters a sense of community and shared identity among diverse groups.
Kristina Kolpakova, founder and head of the industry platform "Russia Sews," conducted a fascinating study on cultural codes in fashion and how designers interpret those codes into authentic designs:

"We've observed how designers' deep cultural immersions contribute to distinct and genuine creations."
All participants in the session recognized the significance of balancing local and global perspectives in design. This balance allows for the creation of culturally appealing products that still incorporate unique local elements. Authenticity and sincerity were highlighted as crucial factors in forging emotional connections with audiences, ultimately enhancing the appeal of a product.

Attendees included Inna Apenko, Director of Global Nomads, Yuliya Yeremeeva, Designer of Berega, Kristina Kolpakova, Founder of Russia Sews, Dawson Dau Amol Deng, Co-founder and Executive Director of South Sudan Fashion Week, Nyamtsetseg Nyamjav, Designer, Associate professor of the Urlakh Erdem Institute of Fashion Design, Martine Moussongo, leading British fashion designer, CEO and founder Miss Boss Fashion & Cameroon Fashion Week, Victoria Generalova, Head Designer of General VI.

Moderator: Nana Tamakloe, Founder and CEO of Accra Fashion Week, Founder and CEO FashionGHANA.com

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With a single click. Trends in mobile app development
Open Hall

Rinku Ghosh, Senior Associate Editor of The Indian Express, noted: "Technology enables seamless connections to our cultures and bolsters collaboration. Sales of fashion products via electronic platforms are surging, even outpacing those of chocolates, with a propensity for further growth."

Pavel Shchedukhin, Head of Ozon's Mobile Application Development, remarked: "The expertise of skilled professionals eclipses any advantages of new technology. They're more crucial. A knowledgeable individual can leverage technology to produce outstanding results. While 3D fitting is anticipated to be in demand, we're not quite there yet. Selling fashion items transcends the traditional online store experience; they require multidimensional visuals to allow users to appreciate product details."

The discussion was attended by Pavel Shchedukhin, Head of Ozon’s Mobile Application Development, Rinku Ghosh, Senior Assistant Editor of The Indian Express.

Moderated by: Andrey Smirnov, Head of Client Development at X5 Tech.

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No secrets. Innovations in design
Open Hall

During this session, attendees discussed the current market landscape, existing innovations, anticipated future trends, and their real-world implications for fashion design.

Jian Chun Zhou emphasized the importance of practical applications for innovative products: "All our innovations must address actual needs. Understanding the problems at hand is imperative. Modern manufacturers wish to harness all available technologies, including AI, but we must first clarify the challenges we face."

Gregg Maragelis stressed the necessity of environmental preservation and waste reduction:

"Digitalization and AI help in streamlining processes, minimizing waste through enhanced planning and modeling. The use of virtual prototypes and digital patterns allows for a reduced reliance on physical materials, leading to both cost savings and lower carbon footprints in production."

AI further opens avenues for analyzing trends and consumer preferences, aiding precise collection planning, design generation based on preset parameters, and even personalized customer products, thereby enhancing sustainability and market competitiveness.

It also enables brands to tailor unique marketing campaigns through consumer data analytics, resulting in more targeted and effective strategies. Moreover, tracking material origins and optimizing production processes are increasingly essential factors for sustainability-conscious consumers.

Promoting sustainable practices and recycling surplus production are critical steps toward cultivating a more responsible and eco-friendly industry. The opportunities presented by AI and new materials hold great promise for significantly influencing industry evolution.

The participants were: Gregg Maragelis, Director of Cape Town College of Fashion Design, Louisiane Maiska Kabore, Director of Ouaga Fashion Week, Arzu Babaeva, PR Director of Azerbaijan Fashion Week, Jian Chun Zhou, CEO of Wujiang Shengwei Bauhinia Textile Co., Santiago Romero Rodriguez, Associate Professor at Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano University.

Moderator: Rosemary Thurman, Trend Analyst, Lecturer and Curator of Educational Programs at British Higher School of Art and Design.

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BRICS+ experience exchange. Fashion export without borders
Open Hall

The fashion industry knows no borders. The BRICS+ countries are uniting to establish a cohesive fashion export platform, leveraging their unique traditions, innovations, and resources.

Mmantlha Sankoloba, CEO of the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association, highlighted the importance of studying cultural traditions and customs of target export markets: "It is crucial to localize your products according to the traditions and cultural practices of the people in your export areas."
In an age of globalization, exporting fashion products and sharing knowledge among designers, manufacturers, and retailers strengthen cultural ties and promote creative ideas worldwide.

Speakers articulated that BRICS+ countries possess vast market potential, constituting half the world's population. Thus, it is paramount to harness this potential effectively at this moment.

The session was attended by Mmantlha Sankoloba, CEO of Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association, Alena Chipura, Founder and designer of BÜRO UNIQUE, Nawel Nedjari, Founder and Director of Alger fashion week, Nana Tamakloe, Founder and CEO of Accra Fashion Week, Raman Dutta, Founder and General Secretary of Brands & Sourcing Leaders Association.

Moderator: Ani Oganesyan, Project Manager of UDT/X Venture Studio.

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From concept to collection. Checklist for launching a fashion brand
Open Hall

Invited experts shared a step-by-step guide to launching a fashion brand, aimed at assisting novice designers. They discussed the various pathways to launch a brand while avoiding common pitfalls and explored cost-effective funding sources. Topics included naming (Latin vs. Cyrillic), marketing strategies, and niche selection.

Joycie Mederick, President of the Saint Lucia Fashion Council, shared: "Many designers in Saint Lucia are self-taught. When they seek loans from banks, they require extensive financial guarantees, which is challenging. The government recognizes this issue, providing small grants of around $2,500 as seed financing. Our Council is also working to facilitate partnerships between designers and companies to better prepare them for market entry."

Andrei Stor, founder of the Kreaxod branding agency, noted: "The fashion business often feels more like a hobby for many, with individuals sticking to the stage of "I love sewing and selling to my friends."

However, running a successful business requires a diverse set of skills, including market knowledge, pricing strategies, technology, branding, and finance—all of which need to be learned and honed. Many startups fail because their founders lack expertise in these essential areas."

Anna Chernykh, curator of the Fashion Design program at the British Higher School of Art and Design, advised: "Start by reflecting on your desired role in the fashion industry. Do you aim to sell clothes on a marketplace, or do you wish to launch your brand? Your approach to products, assortment planning, and analytics will vary significantly based on these ambitions. Recognize that a brand encompasses more than just clothing; it’s a broader idea, and you cannot merely imitate existing brands."

Participants included Reynier Abello, Executive producer, creative director of SPECTRUM KH and ARMADA BY ABELLO, Marina Demchenko, Editor-in-chief of the magazine "We", Andrey Stor, founder of the branding agency Kreaxod, Anna Chernykh, curator of the Fashion Design program at the British Higher School of Art and Design, Priscilla Chigariro, Founder of Zimbabwe Fashion Week, Joycie Mederick, President of Saint Lucia Fashion Council

Moderated by Tatyana Belkevich, President of RAFI

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The Heritage Exhibition remains a vital aspect of the Summit, showcasing the traditions and creativity of participating countries, reaffirming that fashion transcends mere industry to reflect cultural identity. More than 40 designers have gathered to present their unique perspectives on modern fashion, incorporating the cultural characteristics of their nations.

"Russia is an appealing market, as Russian women are renowned for their style and elegance. I have Russian clients who value uniqueness and craftsmanship combined with modern design elements. I aspire to maintain a consistent presence within the Russian market," says Viktoria Varga, designer of the VIKTORIAVARGA brand.

The launch of the Educational Program marked a significant milestone, with the inaugural classes held on the opening day at the Central Exhibition Hall ‘Manege’. The event was attended by 100 participants, chosen by the Advisory Board. Industry professionals and lecturers from Russia, China, Mongolia, and India delivered insightful lectures, enriching the learning experience for all attendees.

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