Moscow Fashion Week, held from August 28 to September 2, 2025, served as a powerful showcase for designers who masterfully explored the art of contradiction. The event, held in conjunction with the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, highlighted how designers from Russia and beyond are using opposing forces—fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, softness and structure—to create dynamic and compelling fashion.

From Rococo to grunge

Designers found a compelling narrative in the juxtaposition of different eras and aesthetics. Alina Vladi Brand Wear from Kazan opened its show with a dreamy Rococo theme, featuring airy silhouettes, pearl beads, and soft tones. But the collection quickly took a rebellious turn, shifting to heavy fabrics, frayed edges, and chains that channeled the spirit of grunge. This dramatic contrast reflected the duality of the modern woman, capable of embodying both elegance and a fierce, unapologetic strength.

Similarly, the Addicted to... brand combined glamorous, sensational trends with a casual, everyday style, pairing luxurious fur coats with rebellious snake-print dresses and sequined suits with casual beanies.

Balancing softness and structure

Many collections explored the tension between delicate and rigid materials to create a sense of harmony. SaiJamin, a brand rooted in Circassian heritage, used its "Threads" collection to balance bohemian softness with sharp, architectural lines. Flowing dresses were paired with structured bustiers and statement belts, creating an elegant dialogue between vulnerability and power.

In a similar vein, Akkulova Albina wove together Slavic refinement and Caucasian elegance, using asymmetrical cuts and layered silhouettes to build architectural structure into her pieces.

The Academy of Branding and Design METRICS focused on the interplay between contrasting textures, pairing lightweight chiffons with denser materials to create a sophisticated balance. And Alena Nega's "Bliss" collection used a similar approach, combining semi-transparent fabrics with substantial suiting materials to craft an enigmatic and compelling aesthetic. The RUBAN brand took this concept to a new level, using layers of weightless organza and chiffon to create a three-dimensional effect that was both airy and sculptural.

Timelessness Through Contrast

Other designers explored the tension between past and present to create collections that felt timeless. The St. Petersburg brand Kisselenko used a minimalist approach and Oriental touch, blending strict geometry with asymmetrical tailoring to create pieces that could be layered and combined in countless ways. This fusion of tradition and modernity allowed for versatile, long-lasting fashion.

Finally, Surovaya's collection celebrated "timeless classics" rather than fleeting trends. By using a monochromatic palette and elegant, clean silhouettes, the designer proved that a focus on impeccable tailoring and quality can create a powerful statement without relying on passing fads.