Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 A Promising Evolution with a Vibrant Agenda and Growing Identity
This November, Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 returned for its second year, marking a significant milestone in Armenia’s cultural and creative industries. Over four vibrant days, the city came alive with runway shows, thought-provoking panel discussions, and exhibitions blending fashion, art, and innovation. With a broader agenda and more polished execution than its debut in 2023, Yerevan Fashion Week is carving a path to becoming a key global fashion event. However, like any emerging initiative, it faces challenges in defining its unique identity.
This year’s lineup was a testament to the diversity and potential of both Armenian and international fashion. The event opened on November 7 at the Monument to the Repressed of the Soviet Era, offering a symbolic and culturally rich backdrop for the celebration of creative freedom. The opening ceremony set the tone with a runway show by Naira Khachatryan and the Fashion Scout Armenia Competition, showcasing emerging talents from Artsakh and collaborative collections like CreLab Tavush x CreLab Kotayk.
Throughout the week, internationally acclaimed designers added global prestige to the event. Reza Nadimi (Iran) and ANCIELA (UK) presented collections that fused cultural heritage with contemporary innovation, while Armenian designers proudly showcased their ability to compete on the international stage. Particularly notable was the runway show from Manuk Aleksanyan, an extravagant look at avant-garde designs that balanced tradition and experimentation.
Cultural intersections were another highlight of the week. The “Parajanov and Fashion” project blended the artistic legacy of Sergei Parajanov with modern design aesthetics, underscoring the event’s commitment to merging art, history, and style. This kind of collaboration enriched the narrative of Armenian fashion, connecting it to a broader cultural discourse.
Beyond the runway, Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 offered a robust lineup of panel discussions and talks that delved into the future of fashion, technology, and sustainability. From discussions on fashion profiles featuring experts like Thomas Brownlees to insights into IT and fashion led by pioneers like Vahan Khachatryan and Paycar Akulyan, the agenda reflected a clear ambition to integrate Armenia into global industry conversations.
One standout session was the panel on “The State of Fashion in Europe 2024 & Textile Sourcing,” moderated by Ruben Sarukhanyan. Industry leaders such as Louise Clement and Doreen Tan shared valuable insights into global trends, giving Armenian designers actionable ideas to expand their reach internationally.
Another compelling session, “Culture and Sustainability,” featured Elen Manukyan and Jennifer Droguett, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in fashion. These conversations demonstrated a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to addressing pressing global issues within the context of Armenian fashion.
While Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 was undoubtedly a step up from last year, there were areas that could be refined. A recurring critique was the lack of variety among the collections. Some designs leaned heavily on current commercial trends without offering a fresh perspective. This raised questions about the event’s broader purpose: Is it a platform to promote Armenian designers globally, or is it primarily focused on local audiences? Striking this balance will be crucial in the years to come.
Additionally, the event could benefit from more public-facing activities to engage the wider community. One shining example of this was Manuk Aleksanyan’s show, which took place outdoors in Republic Square, right in the heart of Yerevan. This setting not only provided a stunning urban backdrop but also allowed the general public to experience the vibrancy of the event firsthand. The open-air format created a lively atmosphere, bridging the gap between the fashion elite and everyday residents. Spectators gathered around to witness high fashion unfold in a setting that symbolised both modernity and the cultural richness of Yerevan.
This use of iconic public spaces like Republic Square added an exciting layer of accessibility to the event and highlighted the potential of spreading fashion week activities across the city. By moving beyond the confines of the Meridian Expo & Event Centre, Yerevan Fashion Week showcased its ability to incorporate different facets of the city, turning Yerevan itself into a living, breathing runway. Expanding on this approach in future editions—by hosting more shows and exhibitions in parks, historic landmarks, or bustling neighbourhoods—could further democratise the event and build a stronger connection between fashion and the community at large.
Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 showcased a young but ambitious project with enormous potential. By creating a space for dialogue between tradition and innovation, local and global, art and commerce, it’s laying the groundwork for Armenia’s place on the global fashion map. With more emphasis on curating distinct, forward-thinking collections and expanding its accessibility, Yerevan Fashion Week has the potential to evolve into a premier event in the international fashion calendar.
As the curtains closed on this year’s edition, one thing was clear: Yerevan Fashion Week is not just an event—it’s a movement. A movement to reimagine Armenia’s creative identity, to nurture its designers, and to inspire a new generation of talent. The road ahead may be challenging, but the destination is undoubtedly worth it.
Read our review of their inaugural Yerevan Fashion Week here