MOSCOW, Russia, Oct. 8, 2024 – The fashion industry marked a significant milestone this week with the conclusion of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, where representatives from over 50 nations joined forces to announce the creation of the BRICS International Fashion Federation. The new body aims to reshape the global fashion landscape by establishing new centers of influence, fostering international collaborations, promoting sustainability, and providing a platform for emerging designers across BRICS and beyond.
This summit, which saw participation from over 100 countries, has been hailed as the largest fashion event bringing together both emerging and established markets, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future of global fashion.
Global Cooperation for a New Fashion Era
Jay Ishak, President of the Malaysian Official Designers’ Association, described the formation of the BRICS International Fashion Federation as a transformative move. “This initiative can revolutionize the fashion industry by fostering growth, innovation, and cooperation among member countries,” Ishak stated. He emphasized the potential benefits of this collaboration, including increased trade and investment, access to new markets, and enhanced competitiveness. “It will also promote cultural exchange and inclusivity, while facilitating joint research and knowledge-sharing,” he added.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for a united fashion front among emerging nations. “This alliance is long overdue,” Sethi said. “Brands, designers, and markets face similar challenges—ranging from supply chain disruptions to environmental concerns. These issues are easier to tackle together.” He highlighted the disproportionate focus on a few hundred global brands and emphasized the importance of giving emerging markets their own platform. “It’s time for our voices to be heard,” he remarked.
A Unified Vision for Global Fashion
The memorandum of understanding to establish the BRICS International Fashion Federation was signed by an array of influential figures, including the heads of major fashion and textile associations, CEOs of prominent fashion weeks, and academic leaders. Countries represented in the signing included Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Vietnam, South Africa, Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Spain, the United States, Ghana, Tanzania, Jordan, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Kenya.
The federation aims to elevate fashion from these emerging markets by offering a unified platform that showcases their distinct voices and creativity on the global stage. Additionally, it seeks to nurture young fashion talent through new opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and collaboration.
This collective effort is expected to drive innovation while addressing pressing issues such as sustainability and inclusivity in the industry. As the BRICS nations and their allies join forces, the federation is poised to create a lasting impact on the fashion world—one that values diversity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. With such a vast array of countries aligning their interests, the BRICS International Fashion Federation stands as a symbol of global unity and a promising harbinger for the future of fashion.
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