A journey through fashion and culture at Moscow Fashion Week

I’ve always believed that new places bring fresh perspectives and my recent trip to Moscow truly proved it.

Thanks to the Russian Fashion Council, I had the incredible opportunity to attend both Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit in Russia.

Experiencing these events firsthand gave me a completely new perspective on the world and fashion itself.

The moment was especially fulfilling because it was a culmination of years of consistency in covering global fashion.

From reporting on Soweto Fashion Week to standing on Russian soil alongside dozens of international media outlets, it felt like a full-circle moment.

At first, being thousands of miles from home was intimidating, but I embraced the opportunity to explore, learn and soak in every nugget of wisdom.

Moscow itself was breathtaking. The architecture, the history, the stories behind every building, it reminded me of home in a way, where every corner holds meaning. And the city welcomed us warmly. Locals were curious, inclusive and yes, ready for photos, Google Translate was our funny little lifeline.

But the real eye-opener was the fashion.

I also realised fashion is not just about clothes or trends but a vehicle for culture, creativity, commerce and connection.

At the BRICS Fashion Summit, the emphasis on collaboration among emerging economies showed how fashion can unite people and industries across borders.

Seeing designers from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and many other countries underscored the immense potential for South Africa to take a leading role in global creative conversations.

For us in the media, it’s a reminder of the responsibility and privilege of amplifying local designers on international stages.

On the runway, every collection told a story.

Designers used fashion to express identity, culture, transformation and even social and political truths. It was a powerful reminder of why storytelling is so central to fashion journalism.

It’s never just about what’s trending; it’s about what those designs mean and the narratives they carry. By digging deeper, we create stories that are authentic, resonant and impactful.

And of course, Moscow’s hospitality made an impression that will last. The city is gastronomically rich and exploring its diverse restaurants was a delight.

The highlight, however, was sharing the experience with two friends whose wisdom and perspective added a layer of insight I’ll carry for a lifetime.