MOSCOW, Russia — In a groundbreaking move for the global fashion industry, over 50 nations have united to form the BRICS International Fashion Federation, marking a significant shift towards collaboration among emerging markets.
The announcement was made at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, which brought together representatives from more than 100 countries, solidifying the event’s status as the largest fashion gathering for both established and emerging markets.
The newly-formed BRICS International Fashion Federation aims to foster international connections, promote sustainable practices, and create opportunities for a new generation of fashion talent.
With leaders from fashion associations across the globe signing a memorandum, the federation seeks to reshape the fashion industry’s global influence by establishing new centers of power and supporting cultural and creative exchange.
Brian Ahumuza, CEO and Founder of the Uganda Fashion Designers Association, highlighted the importance of this international alliance, stating, “The BRICS International Fashion Federation has the potential to significantly foster international collaboration by creating structured opportunities for designers, artisans, and manufacturers to work together on joint ventures, exhibitions, and collections. This can help open up new markets, enabling designers from Uganda, for example, to reach audiences in Russia, Brazil, or India.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, emphasised the necessity of such a federation.
“The need for such a fashionable alliance of emerging countries is long overdue,” he said.
“Brands, designers, and markets all face similar challenges—from supply chain disruptions to environmental issues—that are easier to solve together. The fashion world is focused on a few hundred global brands, so emerging markets need their own platform to make our voices heard.”
The memorandum’s signatures included influential figures such as CEOs of fashion weeks, heads of textile and fashion associations, and academic leaders from countries including South Africa, India, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, and more.
The federation’s broad representation underscores its commitment to creating a truly global platform for fashion innovators.
Natalya Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, praised the initiative as a crucial step in the global fashion landscape.
“The creation of this International Federation is a major outcome of the recent BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow. It demonstrates once again the shared goals and substantial potential for growth that we have with our global colleagues.”
The BRICS International Fashion Federation will focus on several key objectives, including supporting local talent, promoting sustainable fashion practices, fostering cultural exchanges, and championing traditional arts and crafts.
A major emphasis will be placed on developing new technologies to support the fashion industry, particularly in the realms of eco-friendly and sustainable production.
In its official statement, the federation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting “slow fashion,” a movement characterized by mindful consumption and production, and pledged to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint through transparent and sustainable practices.
“We are committed to providing these visionaries with a global platform and local events to ensure their creative work is celebrated globally,” the statement read, stressing the importance of environmental responsibility in the future of fashion.
With the BRICS International Fashion Federation now established, emerging markets have a powerful new platform to amplify their influence on the global stage, offering a promising future for sustainable and collaborative fashion innovation.
