Cape Argus Lifestyle

Moscow Fashion Week 2026: Must-see collections and show-stopping moments

Karishma Dipa|Published

A stand-out patent leather and faux fur all-black piece as part of their MFW 2026 collection.

Image: Supplied

From March 14 until March 19, one of my fashion dreams came true when I was invited by the Russian Council to attend Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) 2026.

Taking place in the spectacular Central Exhibition Hall “Manege” in the heart of the city, the grand event featured over 200 designers from across Russia and internationally.

Some of the Addicted_To…'s all-black patent leather pieces as part of their MFW 2026 collection.

Image: Supplied

The trip was also a celebration of arts and culture, with visits to some of Moscow’s famed museums, the iconic Bolshoi Theatre, its striking architecture, expansive metro stations and top eateries such as Kislovsky and Buro Tsum.

Sitting front row at the majority of these shows was the ultimate highlight of this unforgettable week.

It was thrilling to witness the diverse designs of established brands, emerging designer and regional labels.

From traditional motifs to timeless classics and avant-garde experimentation, the MFW runway was a delightful fusion of styles coming to life.

Here are my top MFW 2026 shows:

Addicted_To… (Moscow)

A clear winner in my eyes was this Moscow-based design house. Glossy black was the main character, complemented by metallics and a striking leopard pink - a whole mood that demanded to be seen.

The mostly-black range centered around several patent leather looks. From a full-length leather coat of my absolute dreams to mini dresses and tops paired with thigh-high boots, it was the perfect blend of edgy and sleek.

I was captivated by the structured shapes with sharp shoulders and dynamic lines, and I couldn’t get enough of the dramatic capes that either stood alone or layered over more fitted looks - a lovely nod to theatrical presentation.

In terms of prints and textures, snake prints and high-shine patent finishes reigned supreme in a collection that contained almost all the pieces I yearn for in my closet.

Standout pieces included a patent leather peplum top with matching leggings, a full-length leather boobtube dress, and a mini leopard print dress.

This range is bold, striking, and commanding, just the way I like it. It also carries a polished and intentional aesthetic that resonated with me deeply.

Some of the dreamy coats from Elisabetta's MFW2026 collection.

Image: Supplied

Elisabetta (St. Petersburg)

St. Petersburg brand Elisabetta presented a collection titled “Heavenly Flow”, transporting the audience into a refined celebration of mid-20th-century elegance reimagined for today.

Designer Alena Chuprinina reinterpreted silhouettes of outerwear from the past, giving them a fresh, modern sensibility.

The coats were majestic, featuring various lengths in neutral tones such as beige, black and white, alongside vibrant shades like butter yellow, pale pink and tweed.

What made the show memorable was the experimentation with silhouettes - including tuxedo-inspired cuts and classic macintosh shapes - all reworked to feel modern and relevant.

Elegant detailing, such as fur trims on cuffs, collars and edges, added a sense of luxurious refinement that made this collection truly unforgettable.

One of Emre Erdemoğlu's immaculate men's embroided jackets.

Image: Supplied

Emre Erdemoğlu (Turkey)

The Istanbul-based brand Emre Erdemoğlu delivered a collection full of unapologetic self-expression and confidence. I was enchanted by the fitted silhouettes and bold leather pieces with accent details.

Outerwear was particularly playful, featuring trench coats with lowered waistlines, hussar jackets, embossed crocodile-effect biker jackets, and leather biker jackets with metallic studs.

The collection also included Japandi-style pieces that balanced minimalism with modern elegance.

High-quality tailoring, bold silhouettes, leather detailing, and dramatic presentation were central themes - classic structure infused with contemporary edge. This is a collection that embodies strength, polish and confidence.

This white tuxeo dress was part of MMÉ's MFW 2026 collections.

Image: Supplied

MMÉ (Yekaterinburg)

On day two of MFW 2026, I encountered the MMÉ collection, which emphasised form, movement and architectural lines. The garments featured asymmetrical draping, deconstructed shapes, O-shaped silhouettes and complex layering.

Polka dots - one of my favourite patterns - emerged as a key motif, appearing alongside corsets, cropped capes, cardigans and windbreakers.

Tailoring was versatile and stylish, grounding the collection in a sharp, professional “office core” aesthetic.

Vintage theatricality also shone through, with feather boas adding glamour and whimsy, while long, glittering maxi dresses brought classic eveningwear elegance to the runway.

The MMÉ show perfectly fused modern tailoring with nostalgic charm.

An ethereal Ammonit look at MFW 2026.

Image: Supplied

Ammonit (Moscow)

The Moscow-based contemporary brand Ammonit presented a collection that resonates with those who value elegance, minimalism and refinement.

The Fall/Winter line celebrated the city’s dynamic energy and romantic lightness, blending structured tailoring with softer, fluid elements.

Some silhouettes - such as sundresses and capes with delicate ruffles - brought ease to otherwise structured looks, while elegant suits with accent collars and cuffs, insulated sets with ties, conveyed gentle strength.

I loved the collection’s quality craftsmanship, clean silhouettes and wearable sophistication, all balanced perfectly with comfort and timeless design.