A Blur of Sequins, Tailoring and Traditions. 5 names you need to know from Yerevan Fashion Week
In its second year, we eagerly returned to Yerevan Fashion Week with high expectations after the success of its inaugural event last year. Once again, those expectations were not only met but exceeded. This year’s showcase celebrated Armenian heritage reimagined through a modern lens, blending tradition, nature, and self-expression. Designers like Mari Airapetyan and Manuk Aleksanya drew from their cultural roots, crafting collections that bridge past and present—transforming symbols of tradition with avant-garde creativity. Organic textures, vibrant colors, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly practices became the threads woven through each show, revealing an evolving Armenian identity and the enduring power of heritage.
The Morning in the Village collection born from the mind of Creative Director Mari Airapetyan is a homage to heritage, memory and the relationship between nature and tradition. The collection is inspired by her ancestral village Khanatsakh and her own personal heritage crafting a visual narrative bridging the past and present and reflecting on her family roots.
The collection embraces earthy, natural tones and organic shapes and textures. Fringe adorns many of the pieces (who doesn’t love a bit of fringe?), twisted nots and organic embellishments run throughout the collection, possibly a nod to rural life. The muted colours are a smart move when paired with such intricate textured details- allowing the artisanal work to be the star of the show. Each look feels an embodiment of the natural world, the twisted yarn reminding us of underwater plants, the knotted twists like the buds of flowers waiting for summer. This collection creates a real sense of harmony with the natural world.
Each piece gives a determined reverence and quiet dignity to rural village life, celebrating raw, handmade skill that connects through the generations. Through Morning in the village, Mariko invites us to explore the power of heritage, crafting a link between herself, her ancestors and possibly the future yet to come.
Armenian designer Manuk Aleksanyan captivated both invited ticket holders and the general public at Yerevan fashion week, staging his latest collection in the iconic Republic square. Allowing his collection to be seen by the passers by, inviting everyone to experience the collection. Against this dramatic nightscape, Aleksanyan designs emerged as a raw rebellious fusion of street style and avant garde high fashion.
The collection honored his cultural roots whilst also pushing the boundaries of contemporary style and emerged as a stand out brand shown during Armenian fashion week.
The collection was a vibrant blend of textures, featuring oversized puffer jackets with graffiti-like branding, opulent modern liquid look fabrics contrasting with the traditional Armenian rug. Each look carried its own unique distinct edge with many incorporating distinct symbols of punk spirit like safety pins, bold lettering and metallic embellishments
The collection demonstrated a powerful dialogue between tradition and rebellion, old and new. Reinterpreting Armenian cultural symbols with contemporary techniques and trends, he created pieces that feel both familiar and strikingly new. Oversized silhouettes, layering and street inspired elements conveyed a sense of defiance – made even more impressive by the venue where he chose to show. The show to me was all about embracing your heritage and roots in a modern world- challenging both tradition and expectation as well as modernity and conformity.
Z.G.EST’s latest collection celebrates individuality, strength, and introspection. Inspired by Armenia’s natural beauty, the collection features fluid, organic silhouettes, layered textures, and transparent elements, encouraging a look beneath the surface. Through pieces like flowing dresses and restructured jackets, Z.G.EST blends femininity and masculinity, symbolizing a world without boundaries in self-expression. The final look, a transparent dress with “I am enough,” resonates with self-acceptance.
Founded by Alla Pavlova, Z.G.EST—short for “Zero Gravity Established”—champions sustainable fashion, creating pieces from biodegradable and deadstock materials. Each garment is crafted with care in Armenia’s women-led workshops, embodying the brand’s commitment to ethical, zero-waste production. Z.G.EST brings a unique harmony of style and sustainability to the modern wardrobe.
ANKASA’s latest collection elegantly blends boldness with sophistication, embodying the essence of modern femininity. An array of rich, vibrant colors and statement silhouettes strutted down the runway with confidence, reflecting the brand’s commitment to self-expression and empowerment.
The collection highlights tailored suits in deep, striking reds, accented by oversized bows and sharp collars, contrasting with relaxed fits that add a touch of effortless cool. The playful use of checks in outerwear brings a refined twist to traditional tailoring, adding depth to the transitional pieces.
The menswear struggled to hold its own against the women’s collection—although it had solid basing, it might benefit from the same boldness that defines the women’s pieces.
Mini dresses with subtle lace detailing and vintage-inspired collars nod to classic styles while maintaining a modern edge, especially when paired with knee-high socks for a youthful yet sophisticated vibe. Each piece celebrates the ANKASA persona—someone who embraces bold fashion choices with confidence and elegance. This collection is a tribute to individuality and refinement.
TheWShop’s latest collection, “Mermaid,” envisioned by Kristina Uzunyan, is a breathtaking homage to the mysteries of the ocean. Inspired by the elegance of marine life and the mythology of merpeople, this collection embodies the fluidity and vibrant textures of coral reefs and the depths of the sea. Each piece is a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and high-quality materials, resulting in designs that feel both ethereal and sophisticated.
The collection flows with shimmering sequined gowns that mimic the movement of water, alongside a high-shine trench coat in a sandy nude hue, evoking beach sands with its polished, reflective surface. The balance between structure and fluidity shines throughout, showcasing Uzunyan’s meticulous attention to detail.
Bold reds and intricate netted fabrics add a daring, almost cheeky edge to the collection, creating a multidimensional texture that complements the ethereal elements. Pairing baby pink with red was a bold, risky choice, but as the show progressed, the colour palette came together, adding a rich, vibrant layer to the overall aesthetic. “Mermaid” is more than just a collection; it’s an immersive experience that reflects TheWShop’s dedication to luxury in all its forms.
