For decades, the global fashion industry has revolved around the orbits of Paris, Milan, New York, and London. But a new constellation is rising in the East, and its gravitational pull is undeniable. This shift was the central theme of the recent BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, a gathering that, in its third year, is challenging the established norms of the apparel world.

In an exclusive interview with FashionatingWorld, Cem Altan, President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), described his attendance as a personal mission to foster connectivity—and reflected on how geopolitical shifts are unintentionally fueling the rise of a ‘non-Western’ fashion powerhouse.

Altan as a "Peace Ambassador"

While the IAF's official engagement with Russian partners is temporarily on hold due to sanctions, Altan’s personal participation as a "peace ambassador" underscores his belief that fashion can build bridges where politics erect barriers. He sees fashion as a "global attraction" and a powerful force that can bring "people together, countries together," transcending conflicts that restrict official collaboration. For him, the summit is the perfect stage for this philosophy—a place where business and cultural exchange thrive, even in a politically charged environment.

The Power of Population: A market too big to ignore

The economic and demographic reality of the BRICS+ bloc makes it impossible to overlook. With its recent expansion to 11 member countries—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia—the group now represents roughly 42–43% of the world’s population.

"You cannot really close your eyes to this community," Altan stated emphatically. He views BRICS+ not just as a cluster of nations but as a collective power with immense potential for collaboration. With over 60 countries participating in the summit, the platform, he explained, enables "joint economical projects, cultural projects" that allow members to "help each other to grow together." This shared growth, he argues, is shaping a new and influential pole in the global fashion economy.

From Neglect to the Catwalk: A platform for new voices

One of the summit’s most compelling features, according to Altan, is its role in democratizing fashion. He expressed particular pride in the presence of designers and professionals from Africa, a community he says has been "neglected for many, many years." BRICS+ is offering them overdue visibility to showcase the "richness" of their culture and products, and to "add to the global community."

This focus on emerging and overlooked regions is central to the summit’s philosophy—an intentional effort to expand fashion’s horizons beyond traditional centers and create a more inclusive and representative dialogue.

The Traveling Summit: Building a global network

Looking ahead, Altan envisions the BRICS+ Fashion Summit evolving into a traveling event. He suggested it should rotate among BRICS nations—whether India, China, or African members—so that "local people" can directly "benefit out of it."

Such a dynamic approach would deepen cultural and economic exchanges, enabling nations to share resources, strengths, and values. For Altan, it represents a peaceful movement toward building a new kind of global network, where collaboration and respect bind the industry together.

Nurturing the next generation

While acknowledging these are "start-up deals" that take time to mature, Altan sees the summit as a vital stepping stone. It offers young designers and new entrants the chance to learn, listen, and gain experience from international experts. He called the Russian government’s support "very clever," recognizing its importance in cultivating the next generation of creative and business leaders.

A new world order in fashion and apparel

The rise of the BRICS+ bloc in fashion is not just about market size; it is about cultural exchange and the democratization of an industry historically dominated by a few. As the global economy continues to rebalance, Altan’s perspective suggests the future of fashion will be more diverse, collaborative, and far less reliant on the West.

The BRICS+ Fashion Summit, he concluded, is not just a fashion show—it is a testament to the new centers of gravity reshaping the global apparel industry.