Fashion Designers Transform Armenian Streets into Runways at Yerevan Fashion Week 2024
Yerevan Fashion Week was more than just a series of fashion shows—it was a celebration where style met creativity, and the city’s streets transformed into vibrant runways. Designers and fashion enthusiasts from across Armenia and beyond gathered to showcase innovative styles, celebrate Armenian culture, and share new perspectives with the global fashion community. This year’s event brought a lively mix of bold designs, cultural pride, and creative passion that resonated with audiences locally and internationally.
The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan attended the shows, interviewing designers, attendees, and industry figures who shared their insights and emotions about the week. One of the notable figures in attendance was Miss Armenia 2003 Lusine Tovmasyan, who expressed her pride in Armenian talent and the work of her friend, designer Vahan Khachatryan. Tovmasyan described the week as a major opportunity for Armenian designers to gain exposure and recognition, with members of the European press and fashion influencers attending the shows. “I’m proud to be here,” she said, adding that this moment marks a milestone for Armenian design.
Miles Holder, Editor-in-Chief of Fault Magazine, also shared his excitement for the evolving Armenian fashion scene. He noted that it was inspiring to see the growth of young designers, such as Mane, who won Fashion Scout last year. Mane returned to the event this year with fresh ideas and evolved designs, a development that impressed Holder and shows the opportunities Yerevan Fashion Week provides for emerging talent.
For many of these young designers, Yerevan Fashion Week is a chance to showcase their work to a broader audience, refine their craft, and receive valuable feedback. It also connects them with established designers who can serve as mentors, helping to shape the next generation of Armenian fashion.
Designer Manuk Aleksanyan introduced a deeply cultural element to the event, using his collection to honor Armenia’s rich heritage. His show highlighted the symbol of Anahit, often regarded as a representation of mother Armenia. Aleksanyan’s collection aimed to celebrate Armenian women as symbols of beauty, strength, and nurturing. The designer’s pieces incorporated traditional Armenian carpets into accessories, such as caps, to emphasize Armenia’s artistic legacy. He explained, “I think carpet is the most beautiful accessory.” He also thanked Kim Kardashian, whose recent support of his designs helped raise his profile in Armenia.
Aleksanyan’s pieces reminded attendees of the importance of keeping Armenian culture alive in modern forms, encouraging younger generations not to forget their roots.
Vahan Khachatryan, designer and President of the Fashion Designers Council (FDC) in Armenia, spoke about the value of continuous learning and growth for designers. He emphasized that fashion week allows designers to improve and gain confidence in their work. Khachatryan expressed his commitment to making Yerevan Fashion Week a sustainable, recurring event that draws attention from the global fashion industry. “It’s very important to do it at least once every year,” he said. His vision is to establish Armenia as a serious player in the fashion world, hosting a reputable event that attracts international talent and recognition.
Yerevan Fashion Week 2024 demonstrated Armenia’s creative potential, blending traditional elements with modern expression. The event highlighted not only the talent and hard work of Armenian designers but also the pride they hold for their cultural heritage. For a new generation of Armenian designers, this week symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the promise of continued growth on the world stage.
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