Moscow Fashion Week, recently held in the Russian capital, became one of the season’s most talked-about events. It delivered not only new collections and fresh designer names but also sparked serious reflections. Among the key themes was the growing role of advanced technology in fashion: artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and virtual presentations are rapidly transforming the way collections are created and experienced. The event showed that the future of fashion lies in the fusion of technology and cultural heritage.

Shantnu Nikhil at Moscow Fashion Week

Representing India were designers Nikhil Mehra and Shantnu Mehra, founders of the brand Shantnu & Nikhil. Their show illustrated how modern approaches can merge with India’s rich cultural legacy. Known for their mastery of draping and architectural silhouettes, the brand reimagines traditional aesthetics in contemporary form. “Making our debut in Russia at such an important event, where key industry players come together, is crucial for us. This opportunity will not only allow us to present our new collection but also lay the foundation for a long-term presence in the region,” said Nikhil Mehra and Shantnu Mehra.

Russian tech companies played a role in shaping the fashion agenda, attracting particular interest from attendees at Moscow Fashion Week. Sber, a strategic partner of the event, presented the show "Mandragora. AI Collection 1869/2025. Digital Heritage." This collection was created using advanced neural networks, developed by Sber — GigaChat, SymFormer, and Kandinsky – which analyzed 19th-century archival materials and reimagined them into 21st-century designs.

This theme of reinterpreting traditions through technology continued across other collections. SOLANGEL showcased a modern take on the Slavic cultural code with innovative design solutions. And KARTASHOVA used AI to merge current trends — sweatshirts and slip dresses — with elements of vintage lace.

Solangel at Moscow Fashion Week

The high-tech Russian e-commerce platform Wildberries was the event's general partner, organizing a special showcase "Cultural Code." Designers reinterpreted Russia's regional traditions, demonstrating how local culture can be woven into the global fashion scene using modern tools.

Wildberries 'Сulture code' fashion show at Moscow Fashion Week

Running parallel to the shows was the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, where technology was discussed in a business context. Sessions such as “Creative Identity versus AI,”“Digitalization of Fashion,” and “How Science Is Redefining Future Fashion: Materials and Technologies” brought together experts from 65 countries, including India. For Indian specialists, the discussions underscored how artificial intelligence and innovative materials can help preserve craft traditions while scaling them for the global market. Such exchanges not only facilitate knowledge-sharing but also strengthen India’s role in shaping the future of fashion.

“The largest potential for innovation in the fashion industry lies at the intersection of cultural intelligence, sustainability, and technology, particularly where these are driven by collaboration across geographies and disciplines,” said Antonio Maurizio Grioli, Dean at Pearl Academy. “The next wave of fashion innovation won’t just come from high-tech labs or luxury houses. It will rise from local studios, shared digital ecosystems, and culturally rooted design thinking that reflects the complexity of the world we live in.”

India and Russia already share a strong foundation in high-tech collaboration. Bilateral trade surpassed $65 billion in 2023, with major joint projects in pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, and space programs. In IT, India is one of Russia’s key partners: thousands of Indian specialists contribute to joint projects in software and digital platforms. These figures highlight not only economic ties but also expanding collaboration in creative industries. Fashion is becoming another bridge — through joint shows, exchange of ideas, and the use of technology. For India, participation in Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS+ Fashion Summit represents not just cultural presence but a step into a future where heritage and innovation walk hand in hand.