We attended the fifth edition of Chisinau Fashion Week in Moldova, celebrated from the 20th to the 22nd of March, where we were able to see the huge potential that this event offers to the fashion world. In its first edition, three years ago, eight fashion shows were presented in a single day; today, with a three-day program, we enjoyed sixteen shows, an exhibition, a presentation and various pop-ups in different parts of the city, turning Chisinau into a vibrant centre of creativity and tradition.
What is most impressive when arriving in the Moldovan capital is the contrast between its Soviet architecture, still visible in some of its buildings, and the emerging modernity created in the new creative hubs such as Artcor and Mediacor. These spaces are giving life to the cultural and artistic scene, generating a dynamic environment open to new proposals and ideas. Walking through its streets, one perceives the intention to connect its rich tradition with the global avant-garde. This fusion of past and future is precisely what the new edition, entitled Beyond The Veil, explores with the aim of discovering the hidden, the reconstructed and the transformed.
This crossroads between the classic and the contemporary is also reflected in the fashion that is breathed in the city. On the runways and in the streets, there is a mix of aesthetics ranging from urban and contemporary to traditional pieces with stories to be discovered. The diversity of its audience, composed of local celebrities, international press, artists, creatives and designers, generates a unique atmosphere, where tradition and innovation merge to create an enriching fashion community.
Throughout these three days, we discovered various pop-ups in different parts of the city. The Sotropa brand celebrated femininity at Mirror Bistro with silhouettes that combined modern and classic. Flori de Mai presented a collection that evoked the serenity of gardens and nature at Floral Soul. For its part, Studio Naam surprised us by showcasing its knitted pieces, such as scarves and sweaters, in a physiotherapy studio, committed to on-demand design.
On the second day, which took place in the Mediacor hub, we were able to enjoy eleven fashion shows by emerging brands such as Sannàt, Pijack or Rookkí and more established labels such as Georgette, Ionel or EHO. In addition, between fashion shows we could discover different projects in a pop-up exhibition such as Studio Halia and its Alter collection in collaboration with Hugo Kreit, which combines jewellery with technological innovation. Also, the creations of Sasha Sesame, a Moldovan designer known for her innovative use of biodegradable materials, and the visual pieces of Hana Katoba, who invites the audience to immerse themselves in surreal landscapes.
Another of the most fascinating aspects of this edition was the selection of emblematic locations such as the Cehov Theatre, the Luceafarul Theatre, the Palace of Culture of Railway Workers or the Academy of Music, Theatre and Plastic Arts. In each of these spaces, where art, architecture and fashion merge, we could see the brands Julia Allert, JNSQ, L.Storojuc and OK Kino, respectively.
Among the most highlighted fashion shows, we find Julia Allert, Moldova's most international designer, who opened Fashion Week with her Shadows of Eternity collection. With a monochromatic palette and geometric silhouettes, Julia showed how precision and elegance can merge with the avant-garde. The jewellery, in collaboration with VOIS, a concept store specialised in jewellery, completed the look, reaffirming her commitment to Moldovan identity without losing sight of innovation.
OK Kino captivated us with their Collection 06, a contemporary interpretation of Moldavian tradition. Darya Golneva and Denis Caunov delved into the country's architectural heritage, recreating the nostalgia of traditional houses and local crafts. OK Kino is establishing itself as a brand that knows how to merge nostalgia with the future.
Through Echoes of Lace, the brand Kasandruta took us on a journey through time. The collection, steeped in nostalgia, honoured the history of lace as a witness of emotions and love, transforming antique fabrics over a hundred years old into modern boho style pieces. Each dress told a story, connecting generations through timeless dresses.
The De-tach-ment collection by Made-Vel-E, in its homage to Armenia, immersed us in the lost traditions of their country. With warm colours and voluminous pieces such as the megacollars and masks worn by all the models, the collection is a scream of resistance to the disappearance of Armenian customs and the feeling of disconnection in an era of increasing technological connectivity.
Finally, Norm&Co presented a minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of office looks, with clean cuts and sober colours. The pieces, elegant in their simplicity, opted for functionality. The incorporation of traditional hats provided a cultural wink that dialogued with the modernity of its tailoring.
Chisinau Fashion Week has made it clear to us that Moldova has undisputed talent and potential. With its combination of art, history, sustainability and avant-garde, the Moldovan capital is not only embracing its past but building its future on the global fashion scene map. It's a reminder that, to innovate, sometimes you need to look back, reconnect with your roots and project them out into the world.