Reckless: The Georgian Fashion Brand Honored with Second Place at TBC Business Awards

On August 31, the contemporary Georgian brand Reckless turned five. Unlike many successful companies that start with $100 or a pitch to attract investors, Reckless was born from something far more personal.

For founder Salome Gvelesiani, launching a clothing brand after the loss of her child felt like opening Pandora’s box—releasing a storm of painful emotions. “It was like pouring salt on an open wound,” Salome recalls. Yet, as in the myth, at the bottom of the box remained one essential force: hope.

The inspiration for the first collection came directly from her late son Nikusha’s creative legacy—his music, drawings, and animations. Salome’s wish to dedicate the brand to his memory, and to give teenagers’ previously unheard voices a wider audience, became reality. Over the past five years, Reckless has grown into a symbol of youth identity, joy, and at times, pain. More than that, it has evolved into part of a broader cultural movement.

“Children raised in independent Georgia were always seen as free-spirited, colorful, and globally connected—studying abroad, fluent in the digital world. We admired them with wild epithets. Yet, fear and anxiety have followed this generation as well,” says Salome. “Building a complex product in Georgia, especially a fashion brand, is incredibly difficult. But compared to what I went through personally, business challenges felt lighter.”

Support became her anchor. In a society where no one leaves you alone—even when you might wish it—friends and community turned into her strongest allies. Many still wear T-shirts from Reckless’s very first collection. “Can you imagine how carefully they’ve kept them, that people still wear them today?” Salome says with surprise. What she never doubts, however, is the quality of Reckless.

TBC Business Awards Recognition

Maintaining authenticity and uncompromising quality has been the team’s top priority. A marketing professional by training, Salome trusted her intuition. But when the brand needed new strategy and structure, she handed the business side to Tornike Afridonidze, an experienced industry professional and long-time follower of Reckless. Over two years, Tornike fundamentally reshaped the company.

It was his idea to apply for the TBC Business Awards. The jury was impressed by their approach, awarding Reckless second place in the “Best Product” category.

“For us, this award is local recognition of the brand. Every platform where we can amplify our voice is important,” Tornike notes.

While he sees Reckless’s target market clearly, he admits that teenagers can be unpredictable. Streetwear, for example, didn’t resonate in Europe, where prêt-à-porter dominates. Instead, Asia—Japan and Korea—looks more promising. “Fashion is an all-or-nothing business. Without a strong foundation, one seasonal collection can determine the brand’s future,” Tornike explains.

Collaborations and International Recognition

Both Salome and Tornike emphasize their emotional connection to the brand—but the facts speak loudly as well. In 2025, Reckless planned major collaborations with leading Georgian brands, including TBC (for Cannes Lions), Adjarabet’s sports team, ZEG Festival, and SportFest.

Reckless designers went on to win a Silver Lion at Cannes Lions in the Marketer category. Their collaborative video with Advan Production was shortlisted at both Ad Black Sea (Craft category) and the Berlin Fashion Film Festival (Short Fashion Movies category).

At just five years old, Reckless has achieved remarkable results. While the teenage market is unpredictable, the hardest challenge has already been overcome: young people trust them.

With TBC Concept’s Support, Tbilisi Welcomes a World-Class Jazz Club

With the support of TBC Concept, Tatuza Jazz Club is opening at the Telegraph Hotel, honoring the name and legacy of legendary bassist Tamaz Qourashvili — “Tatuza.”

The grand opening will take place on September 16, at 21:00, featuring three masters of the global jazz scene: Stanley Clarke, Beka Gochiashvili, and Dennis Chambers.

Tickets are already available via the link. A 20% discount (https://tkt.ge/en/show/24452/tatuza-jazz-club) applies when purchasing with a TBC WM Visa card, and a 15% discount (https://tkt.ge/en/show/24452/tatuza-jazz-club) with a TBC Concept Visa card.

In Georgia, jazz has always gone beyond academic boundaries — it was a spiritual language, a platform for improvisation, a voice of freedom. Even during Soviet times, when control suppressed anything different, jazz remained a symbol of resistance, a passionate impulse of light breaking through the darkness.

Tamaz Qourashvili holds a special place in this history — a unique performer, teacher, and motivator who shaped the path of dozens of musicians. Tatuza became the father and founder of Georgian jazz.

The club’s concept was developed by the legendary French architect and acoustician Xavier Fabre, who designed the space using rare materials to achieve exceptional acoustics. The interior was created by Georgian designer Keti Qruashvili — tailored for an atmosphere of improvisation and focused listening. The audio system was crafted by leading global technology brands, L-Acoustics and Meyer Sound (USA).

Tatuza Jazz Club will collaborate with renowned cultural organizations and promoters:

• Eastern Promotions — the well-known Georgian company behind the country’s jazz festival for many years
• Joel Chriss — American agent and influential figure on the international jazz scene
• Lasha Gochiashvili — young Georgian promoter who will lead the club’s programming and artistic direction

Together with these partners, the club will host world-famous jazz artists and launch a new musical era in Tbilisi.

TBC: Expanding Access to Education and Empowering the Next Generation

What opportunities does TBC create in the field of education?

September often feels like the beginning of something new—a season of fresh experiences, bold steps, and, most importantly, new stories shaped through education.

The TBC team has designed a wide range of educational programs, uniting young people from across Georgia who are eager to create their own stories through learning—whether for the first time or from a completely new perspective.

TBC Tech School, the International AI Olympiad program, IT Academy, and TBC Campus are just some of the initiatives that make education even more accessible for the new generation and beyond.

TBC Tech School
TBC Tech School is designed for students in grades 9–12 who are curious about the ever-evolving world of technology. Here, you’ll find a digital environment where leading professionals teach innovative approaches you won’t simply “Google.” You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to take your first independent steps in the tech ecosystem. Registration for Tech School courses will open soon—keep an eye on TBC’s website.( https://tbcbank.ge/en/tbc-education/tech-school)

International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) 

To reach even greater digital heights, TBC, in partnership with GAIA, has launched a seven-month Olympiad preparation course in Artificial Intelligence. Leading AI engineers guide students through the world of AI and train them for the International Olympiad.

Georgia’s victory at the International AI Olympiad in Beijing—achieved on the very first attempt—proved that this is just the beginning of the story TBC is building through education. The Olympiad course is a unique opportunity for high school students to unlock their potential not only in Georgia, but on the global stage.

IT Academy
At TBC, we believe that the love of technology knows no age limits. That’s why, since 2019, TBC has offered IT Academy for people aged 18 and above. More than 1,000 participants have taken their first steps into the tech world through the program, with around 300 graduates now employed at TBC and its subsidiaries.

Whether you are starting your career journey or transitioning from another field, IT Academy is the perfect entry point. Guided by professional mentors, you’ll work on real projects and create a story through education that once seemed unimaginable

TBC Campus 
If your interests extend beyond technology into business, TBC Campus offers a learning space unlike a traditional university. Tailored for students aged 18–24, the program combines theory with hands-on experience in today’s most in-demand business disciplines.

Here, you’ll meet successful professionals, learn from their experience, and develop your own innovative projects in a dynamic and inspiring environment.

To ensure equal access, all TBC educational programs and courses are fully funded, making participation free of charge.

So, if you also believe that education can make the impossible possible, and September feels like the right time to begin your own story, don’t miss the chance to register for the program that inspires you most.

TBC Becomes Official Supporter of the 2025 Georgian Cup in Traditional Horse Racing

On September 27–28, the Abasha Hippodrome will host the 2025 Georgian Cup in Traditional Horse Racing. The event is organized by the Georgian National Federation of Traditional Equestrian Sports, and for the first time this year, TBC will stand as its official supporter.

Traditional equestrian disciplines enjoy great popularity in Georgia, and horse races held across different regions always attract large audiences and loyal fans. Abasha is no exception—its local hippodrome hosts several competitions each season.

The 2025 Georgian Cup in Traditional Horse Racing will feature the following categories:

• Purebred 2-year-old horses, 1600 meters (David Aghmashenebeli Cup)
• Purebred 3-year-old horses, 2400 meters (Derby 2025)
• Purebred senior horses, sprint 1200 meters (Jemal Korchilava Cup)
• Purebred senior horses, 2000 meters (Georgian Cup)
• Marula, 5500 meters (open to any horse)

Competitions will also be held in horseball and isindi (a traditional equestrian discipline).

The total prize fund amounts to 25,000 GEL, of which 15,000 GEL is established by TBC. In addition, TBC will set up its own dedicated space on the hippodrome grounds.

By supporting this tournament, TBC contributes to the promotion of traditional and national sports in Georgia’s regions. We believe that the determination and passion of people involved in these events help create an environment where Georgian culture and sport not only preserve their vitality but also evolve in line with modern times.

TBC Supports Georgian Businesses at “Georgia–Uzbekistan Silk Road” Forum in Tashkent

Organized by the Sales Association and supported by TBC for Business, the “Georgia–Uzbekistan Silk Road” business exhibition will be held on October 9 in Tashkent, bringing together Georgian companies from various sectors.

The two-day forum will host more than 4,000 visitors and around 50 business representatives from Uzbekistan and other countries.

On the first day, the “Georgia–Uzbekistan Silk Road” conference will take place, with participation from both Georgian exhibitors and representatives of Uzbekistan’s business sector and government. More than 50 Georgian companies will be showcased at the exhibition, presenting their businesses to Uzbek consumers from the stage alongside the exhibition stands.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the Uzbek market—its specifics, challenges, and opportunities. They will also engage in B2B meetings with business leaders, international companies, and potential investors.

The first part of the conference will feature Georgian companies that have already achieved success in the Uzbek market. They will share their experience and insights on entering and growing in Uzbekistan. Among the speakers will be Nukri Tetruashvili, CEO of TBC Uzbekistan.

The second part of the conference will highlight perspectives from Uzbekistan’s economic and investment sectors, including representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Investments, and members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). Speakers will introduce the Uzbek market’s challenges, opportunities, and investment climate, including details on company registration and business start-up procedures. Businesses will also be provided with key contacts to help them navigate these processes effectively.

For participation and further details about the business exhibition, visit: Exhibition | Sales Association.

Success is on the way—just believe in it!

TBC and Georgia’s AI Association Partner to Advance AI Education

Following the successful International AI Olympiad, TBC and the Georgian Artificial Intelligence Association (GAIA) have signed a strategic partnership.

The collaboration will focus on three key directions: supporting the development of a new generation of AI and data technology professionals, raising awareness about AI in society and business, and strengthening both Georgian professionals and the local AI community.

For school students, university students, and businesses, TBC and GAIA will jointly design and implement a wide range of initiatives, including AI programs, bootcamps, trainings, public lectures, conferences, workshops, and more. Registration for a new Olympiad course will also open in the near future.

“We are delighted to partner with an organization that not only follows global trends in artificial intelligence but also takes significant steps in advancing this field. We believe that through our collaboration with GAIA, we will contribute meaningfully to the professional growth of young people in AI, fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening practical skills. The TBC–GAIA partnership is an important initiative for the development of Georgia’s AI and tech ecosystem, as well as for the country’s integration into the international technology community,” said Makuna Tavberidze, Head of Marketing and Brand Experience at TBC.

“With TBC’s support, we have already implemented several successful projects, including the National AI Hackathon, and for the first time represented Georgia at the International AI Olympiad. These achievements have shown us that we share the same vision and values. Together, we can address the most important priorities for AI development in Georgia, such as nurturing future talent, strengthening the professional community, and putting Georgia on the global AI map,” said Gigi Giorgadze, Director of GAIA.

Recently, GAIA, with the support of TBC, organized the first National AI Olympiad in Georgia. A national team of student winners represented the country for the first time at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in Beijing, where team member Temiko Machavariani won a bronze medal.

Through partnerships like this, TBC continues to make education more accessible for people of all ages. Everything is possible — as long as you believe!

TBC Concept Presents the “Jazz and Wine Kakheti” Festival

With the support of TBC Concept, Kakheti will once again host the Jazz and Wine Festival, now in its ninth edition. The event will take place on October 11 at the historic Tsinandali Estate. This year, alongside world-renowned musicians, more than 30 Georgian winemakers will participate in the festival.

Program Highlights

• 13:00 | Wine Tasting
• 14:00 & 16:00 | Amphitheater Stage – The Italian band Salt Peanuts, featuring guest vocalist Rachel Doe, will deliver an unforgettable show that blends travel-inspired storytelling with live performance. Their repertoire spans eras and genres—from the jazz swing of Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, to the rock ‘n’ roll of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Enhanced with Italian influences—Fred Buscaglione’s irony, Renato Carosone’s energy, and Adriano Celentano’s signature style—the performance creates a vibrant, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
  At the same time, Italian chef Maurizio Siciliano will treat guests to traditional Italian dishes paired with the music.
• 19:00 | Ballroom Concert – Rising jazz star Francesca Tandoi Trio takes the stage. Acclaimed by critics and fellow musicians, the Italian pianist and vocalist has quickly earned international recognition as one of the most promising young talents in jazz.
• 21:00 | Amphitheater Stage – American bassist Nik West will close the night with a powerful performance.

Organizers & Partners
The festival is organized by Eastern Promotions and is traditionally presented by TBC Concept. Official sponsor: Visa.
Sponsors: Porsche, Tegeta, IC Pari.
Supporters: National Tourism Administration of Georgia, Ministry of Culture of Georgia, Alma, and Homeland of Wine Magazine.
Host hotels: Radisson Collection and Park Hotel Tsinandali.

Tickets
Tickets are available online. Holders of a TBC Concept Visa card enjoy a 20% discount  on ticket purchases.