On July 30, 2026, Sofia hosted the Founding Forum of Balkan Open Door – Business • Fashion • Art—a new international platform created to foster partnerships among representatives of business, fashion, art, culture, education, and institutions from the Balkans, Europe, and other countries around the world.
The initiator, creator, and owner of the platform is Mila Zaharieva, founder of the International Fashion Connection Group, who brought together representatives from seven countries in the Bulgarian capital to launch a new model for international cooperation, exchange of expertise, and implementation of joint initiatives.
The inaugural meeting was held at the East Plaza Hotel—the newest five-star hotel in Sofia.
During the forum, participants discussed, adopted, and signed the Founding Memorandum of Balkan Open Door, which officially marked the launch of an international organization with national chapters in various countries.
The new platform will work to foster international business partnerships, cultural exchange, fashion initiatives, educational projects, international forums, and joint European programs.
Another highlight of the forum was the exhibition of works by the world-renowned Bulgarian sculptor Zhivko Sedlarski, whose pieces symbolically brought together business, fashion, and art—the core pillars upon which the Balkan Open Door concept is built.
The following individuals were appointed as founders and presidents of the platform’s first national chapters:
Bulgaria – Mila Zaharieva, founder and owner of Balkan Open Door and International Fashion Connection Group;
Albania – Andriola Kambo, entrepreneur and founder of the international platform MUZA Fashion;
Italy – Mariana Micheli, founder and president of Mad Mood Milano Fashion Week and creator of Mediterranean Fashion Week;
Greece – Valeria Meletidi, international entrepreneur and business leader;
Turkey – Kübra Orakçıoğlu Kazan, international business leader, chair of the Business Council for Foreign Investment at DEİK, and former member of the Board of Directors of Orka Holding;
Serbia – Bata Spasović, an internationally recognized fashion designer and founder of the fashion brand INDIVIDUAL;
Montenegro – Marina Banović, an internationally recognized designer, fashion design instructor, and founder of Marina Banović Atelier.
During the Founding Forum, the Board of Directors of Balkan Open Door – Business, Fashion and Art was also elected :
1. Chair – Mila Zaharieva, founder and owner of Balkan Open Door and International Fashion Connection Group
2. Vice Chairs of the international organization:
– Andriola Kambo (Albania)
– Kübra Orakçıoğlu Kazan (Turkey)
Following the conclusion of the Founding Forum, the delegations visited the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), where an official press conference was held with the participation of the presidents of the national branches.
During the press conference, the main objectives, structure, and development strategy of Balkan Open Door were presented, and the presidents were presented with official certificates recognizing them as national representatives of the platform.
In her address to the participants, Mila Zaharieva emphasized that Balkan Open Door is a sustainable international network that will connect entrepreneurs, artists, institutions, and community leaders through joint initiatives, international projects, and long-term partnerships.
The international forum is being held with the support of the following official partners:
DVisio Make Up Academy – Diana Galabova;
Videotours – official partner for photography and videography;
Singer Bulgaria.
The East Plaza Hotel served as the gracious host and partner for the event, welcoming the international delegations and guests to the forum.
With the establishment of Balkan Open Door – Business, Fashion, and Art, Bulgaria has become the cornerstone of a new international platform aimed at building sustainable ties between countries.
“I believe that today’s launch is just the first step toward building a strong international community that will continue to expand and carry out meaningful projects for the benefit of business, fashion, art, culture, and society,” said Mila Zaharieva.
