"BRICS+ Fashion Summit 2023: Stitching a New Global Fashion Tapestry"
29 December 2023, Mumbai
Amidst 2023's turmoil, fashion giants from Asia, Africa, and beyond embraced "friendshoring," forging regional bonds to weather global storms. The BRICS+, a consortium holding over 45% of the world's population, emerged as a powerhouse in this shift. Their Moscow summit, a vibrant tapestry of 130 brands, showcased a bold vision: rewriting the fashion narrative through collaboration and inclusivity.
Reimagining the Fabric of Fashion:
Fashion, a $2.5 trillion juggernaut, witnessed a tectonic shift at the BRICS+ summit. Designers from India, Turkey, South Africa, and beyond saw this as a launchpad to disrupt the established order.
It wasn't just about trade; Cem Altan, President of IAF, envisioned it as a political and economic "BRICS transformation," urging these nations to open doors, learn global practices, and wield their collective clout.
Key Threads in the New Pattern:
- Friendshoring: Local brands thrived in Russia after Western departures, proving the potential of regional alliances.
- Emerging Narratives: Designers from beyond the fashion capitals showcased their unique aesthetics, challenging Western dominance.
- Sustainable Stitches: Sustainability, a hot topic on the global stage, resonated strongly at the summit, with brands exploring eco-friendly practices.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit wasn't just a runway; it was a revolution.
It weaved a vision of a more diverse, collaborative, and sustainable fashion landscape where new threads from emerging markets would rewrite the global tapestry.