Fashion has always attracted me in a unique way, not only as aesthetics, but as a means of conveying important messages. To me, fashion can be inclusive, equal, and supportive of sustainability. I had the chance to immerse myself in Global Fashion Week in Tbilisi, organized by Iva Papidze and Rusudan Jamaspishvili. As their first event of the year, and from my perspective as an event explorer, this is how I experienced it.
For me, the fashion week season in Georgia felt as though it began with this event. But more than an opening, it felt like a message. It brought together Georgian designers, entrepreneurial exhibitions, and meaningful collaborations that went beyond traditional fashion. There was a sense that everything had been created from the heart, with intention, emotion, and purpose behind every detail.
What stood out most was how inclusive it felt. Even if it was not explicitly stated, I experienced fashion here as something for everyone, regardless of age or body type. It was not just about clothing; visually, the collections carried a strong identity. A bold palette of red, black, and white dominated, with unexpected interventions of other colors adding depth and contrast. It felt powerful, almost like a visual expression of strength and individuality.
There was a “warrior spirit” throughout the designs, reinforced by the music and the use of natural elements such as beads, stones, and organic materials. These details created a tribal, survivalist aesthetic: bold, raw, yet elegant, reflecting a deeper need for strength and resilience in modern times.
Some pieces evoked imagery drawn from nature and beyond: marine-inspired forms resembling butterfly fish or betta fish, ceremonial silhouettes reminiscent of peacock-inspired wedding dresses, and even cosmic elements, where silver tones reflected light like a galaxy.
At the same time, there were playful cultural expressions and subtle references to Georgian identity, including khinkali-inspired details that blended tradition with creative freedom. Certain looks carried a panther-like energy: fearless, independent, and strong, combined with conceptual, almost artistic forms that pushed beyond conventional fashion.
A particularly meaningful collaboration was with the local entrepreneurial shop 8 Elements. This partnership felt symbolic rather than purely aesthetic. The integration of natural stones and minerals communicated a message of sustainability and connection to the earth. It also demonstrated how designers can uplift and collaborate with small local businesses, turning fashion into a platform for shared growth, respect, and community support.
At the same time, the event embraced the future. The use of AI, including a robot greeting guests, felt like a significant step, marking fashion’s entry into a rapidly evolving technological era. This contrast between natural materials and advanced technology created a compelling dialogue between tradition and innovation.
There were also powerful human elements that added emotional depth. The participation of Ukrainian children and representatives from Uzbekistan brought a sense of solidarity and cultural connection. These moments felt like quiet yet powerful statements about resilience, unity, and cultural endurance, especially within today’s global context.
Overall, the experience felt like a fusion of worlds: tribal and modern, natural and technological, local and global. It showed how fashion can move beyond appearance and become a tool for storytelling, identity, and social reflection.
What stayed with me most is this: fashion reaches and touches everyone, regardless of age or body type. Because of that, it holds the power to carry bold messages through inclusivity, sustainability, cultural expression, and the human spirit.
And as someone who observes events from a different point of view, what stayed with me most was the realization that when fashion is created from the heart, with love and clear intention, it becomes a language everyone can feel. It is no longer just about clothing; it is about identity, storytelling, and the courage to carry a bold message to the world.
Blog by Mariam Avakova
