YEREVAN, Armenia — Presenting over 20 catwalk shows, multiple awards, exhibitions, and appointments, Yerevan Fashion Week’s 2025 edition returned with an expansive program for its Autumn/ Winter turn, uniting designers, insiders, and industry leaders in the heart of Yerevan.
The Fashion and Garment Chamber of Armenia, in cooperation with Yerevan Municipality, brought its newest offerings to the Meridian Expo Center. Launched two years ago, the event aims to continue pushing Armenian fashion forward, increase its recognition on global platforms, and gradually position Yerevan among the cities on the global creative map. Yerevan Fashion Week continues to play a significant role in the country’s development.
The event fosters local manufacturing growth, demonstrating that the capital can also appeal to tourists from a retail perspective. Beyond fashion, the hub contributes meaningfully to promoting and elevating the country’s profile on the world stage. It draws a diverse international audience whose experiences—from historical landmarks and contemporary arts to local cuisine and hospitality—add to Yerevan’s growing allure as an emerging lifestyle and travel destination.
YFW also enriches the local economy, showcasing Armenia’s capacity to support homegrown talent in reaching new markets. Designers continue to push the edges of creativity, presenting refreshing ideas and an ample array of offerings that marry tradition with newfound ease.
Loom Weaving. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Loom Weaving. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Loom Weaving, founded by Inga Manukyan in 2014, is one such example. Mixing handmade embroidery with a contemporary edge, the brand offers cozy yet bold pieces designed to be both practical and timeless.
This season’s collection took audiences on a journey into the golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s: a time when the world resonated with music, freedom, and daring elegance. The collection drew inspiration from iconic muses such as Betty Catroux, Loulou de La Falaise, Elsa Peretti, Jane Birkin, and Paloma Picasso.
Ruzanē. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Ruzanē. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Ruzanē. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Exploring similar design territory is Ruzanē, founded by Ruzanna Vardanyan, known for her sophisticated vision infused with casual and bohemian flair. “This collection was born from contemplating the ecosystem—the endless cycle of nature, where even decay becomes the beginning of new life. Flowers wither, fruits are covered with mould, wood cracks with time, human skin changes its form—and within each of these transformations, unique beauty emerges. The textures of aging, breaking down, and rebirthing matter became the inspiration for dresses where fabric turns into a reflection of living nature.”
Azamat Somatov. Photograph: Victor Boyko
Notes of breezy elegance continued to reign supreme this season, with brands like Azamat Somatov, which has been blending tailoring and minimalism for decades. The eponymous founder and creative director has built the brand’s philosophy on sharp cuts, and for the Spring/ Summer 2026 season, he unveiled clean lines and thoughtful silhouettes that define the collection. Wide trousers, structured jackets, and oversized coats embody a balance between classic and contemporary style.
THEMIS. Photograph: Armen Aghayan
THEMIS. Photograph: Armen Aghayan
But there’s more to the story. THEMIS continues to challenge conventions with its distinct DNA, having presented seven collections in just four years. The brand’s most defining feature lies in its original patterns—created and developed by the designer to give individuals the freedom to express themselves.
Ariga Torosian. Photograph: Albert Poghosyan
Ariga Torosian. Photograph: Albert Poghosyan
Then came Ariga Torosian’s creative practice, rooted in cultural fusion and modern minimalism. Since its founding in 2016, the brand has consistently blended historical influences from Persian and Armenian cultures with contemporary design motifs. Drawing from the timeless heritage of Iranian headwear, the recent collection bridges ancient silhouettes and cultural symbolism with the refined clarity of modern design. Each creation reimagines the forms once worn by travellers, poets, and royals – distilled into sculptural, contemporary shapes.
by Chidozie Obasi