The upcoming BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow promises to be a pivotal international gathering, offering a dedicated platform for fast-growing production and commercial hubs to establish direct trade and manufacturing partnerships. Taking place from September 28-30, 2026, the forum stands as the largest international business platform for expanding fashion economies, bringing together industry visionaries, trade leaders, and influential voices - including figures well known through The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 index.
Accredited as an official BRICS event, the summit has drawn representatives from more than 100 countries across multiple seasons. For global apparel brands, textile manufacturers, and supply chain investors, it serves as a central hub for negotiating strategic deals, harmonizing regulatory standards, and accelerating international market entry.
Prominent industry voices in a new context
The summit’s roster features high-profile executives recognized globally for shaping regional retail ecosystems. Confirmed speakers include Susan Sabet, Co-Founder, Egyptian Fashion & Design Council; Ozlem Sahin Ertas, Founder and CEO, Modest Fashion Week and Think Fashion Global; and Mahlet Teklemariam, Founder, Hub of Africa Fashion Week.
Highlighting the event's cultural and commercial impact, Sabet noted, international gatherings driven by a unified vision serve as powerful engines for cross-cultural exchange. She emphasized, fashion and traditional craftsmanship reflect a country’s unique heritage while offering substantial commercial value. Building on last year's event - which attracted 15,000 visitors and featured 265 speakers - the forum continues to solidify its role as a key driver of international fashion diplomacy.
Re-framing the agenda for emerging markets
While the event addresses familiar themes - such as artificial intelligence in design and production, sustainable material development, supply chain traceability, and platform-based distribution—it approaches these issues from a distinct operational standpoint. Unlike traditional Western fashion capitals focused primarily on consumer brand distribution, the Moscow forum prioritizes the priorities of manufacturing nations seeking to elevate their value-added exports.
This collaborative framework encourages direct trade connections between developing markets.
As Teklemariam pointed out, significant untapped potential exists in cross-border raw material sourcing - such as Russian fashion houses sourcing premium leather directly from Ethiopian tanneries. Fostering long-term industrial alliances allows fast-growing economies to move past isolated trade efforts and build resilient, interconnected supply networks.
Echoing this sentiment, Paulo Borges, Founder, São Paulo Fashion Week, highlighted the summit's role as a transformative platform for soft power, diversity, and inclusive economic growth.
Moscow as a strategic fashion hub
Moscow provides a dynamic environment for the summit. As a major metropolis of over 13 million residents, the city's fashion retail market has expanded by 50 per cent over the past five years, bolstered by robust digital retail infrastructure and a thriving domestic brand scene. Industry observers continuously note the high standard of the city’s venue logistics, cultural spaces, and modern convention infrastructure designed for large-scale international trade forums.
For global businesses, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit delivers direct access to high-growth markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East—the primary geographic regions propelling future consumer demand. Independent brands, sourcing managers, and institutional investors attending the event from September 28 to 30 will gain actionable insights into where production networks and retail opportunities are headed next.
