The fashion world is buzzing louder these days – and not just in the traditional hotspots of Paris, Milan, or New York. Across the globe, more designers than ever are chasing the spotlight, pushing Fashion Weeks to grow season after season. Big fashion names aren’t the only players anymore. Alongside industry giants, emerging brands are staking their claim. While luxury conglomerates like LVMH have seen their stock values drop by nearly 30% over the past year, the number of smaller, independent designer brands is on the rise globally. These brands are gaining ground not only in traditional fashion capitals such as Europe and the US but increasingly in developing markets as well.
Looking ahead, London Fashion Week, set for September 18-22, 2025, will host over 80 designers, marking an 18% increase from the previous season. New York isn’t far behind, with a 12% rise in participants for SS26, bringing the total to 60. Yet, it’s Moscow Fashion Week that’s poised to set a new record, boasting an impressive 110 designers in the lineup.
Moscow’s rapid growth owes a lot to a changing landscape – Western heavyweights have exited, leaving room for fresh talent. Designers from India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, and beyond are now taking to the city’s runways, alongside startups from Europe and the US. Moscow Fashion Week will run until September 2 and will preceed all the world’s major fashion weeks in the calendar.
This mixture of culture and creativity isn’t just exciting for fashion lovers — it’s smart business. New collections are reaching new markets, opening opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
For Nikhil Mehra, Indian designer and co-founder of Shantnu&Nikhil, Moscow isn’t just another stop on the calendar. “Making our debut in Russia at such an important event, where key industry players come together, is crucial for us. This opportunity will not only allow us to present our new collection but also lay the foundation for a long-term presence in the region,” he said.
Russia is increasingly focusing on fostering fashion cooperation among emerging markets. Moscow will also host the BRICS+ Fashion Summit during Fashion Week. The event draws people from 60 countries and focuses heavily on emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. European voices will be featured too, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across borders. “Collaboration in the fashion sector is not just beneficial but vital for countries with emerging economies to expand their global influence, promote cultural diversity, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable economic development,” says Marina Banovic, Vice President of Montenegro fashion week, who will visit Moscow in August.
Today, Fashion Weeks have evolved beyond the catwalk. They’re essential platforms for brands to shine, build trust with investors and partners, and access international markets. These events provide an ideal platform to showcase innovative ideas and highlight their unique identity in a highly competitive industry. As a result, they have become important strategic business opportunities that open doors to the global fashion community.
