On 21.06., at the Balkan Hotel, Sofia took place the International Fashion Connection /IFC/ organized fashion international event “THE BALKANS OPEN THE GATE” – Fashion event ” – International Fashion in Dubai – looking for Balkan talents.
International Fashion Connection is the first organization in Bulgaria that aims to create interactions between Bulgarian creatives and prominent names in fashion by creating international contacts and partnerships through events, exhibitions and trainings. The president of the organization is Mrs. Mila Zaharieva.
Guests at the event were immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the Balkans through exclusive fashion collections. Designers will showcase their unique creations inspired by history and traditions that combine the past with contemporary fashion trends.
The designers who participated in the fashion show will have the opportunity to present their collections in Dubai at the International Fashion in Dubai event in November this year. IFC follows its program of supporting fashion brands by presenting their creativity in an international aspect, such as the appearance of Bulgarian artists in February this year on the stage of “Mad Mood Milano Fashion Week” with the support of the organization.
The aim of this event is to support the Bulgarian and Balkan brands participating on the fashion scene in Dubai in November 2024. and be invited to sell their collections in Dubai in order to develop their business.
The event welcomed a host of distinguished guests who presented awards to outstanding brands including:
His Excellency Mr. Jelko Jovic – Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Bulgaria, Mrs. Elmaz Aslan –
Chairman of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Edirne and Chairman of the Disciplinary Council of the Edirne Commodity Exchange, Ms. Maria Boneva – owner of the only fashion TV in Bulgaria – CODE FASHION TV, Mr. Hendrik Van der Ham – founder and head of operations of Bridges2000, entrepreneur, visionary, author, supporting and developing sustainable economy, Dr. Hamad Alawadi – Counsellor, Interim Head of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Bulgaria, partners and fashion lovers who witnessed exceptional fashion creations and cultural performances of the brands: “Suzana Perić Luxury Brand” with Designer Suzana Perić, Brand “Neli Anastasova” with Designer Neli Anastasova, Designer Bata Spasojevic with “Individual”, “Famme” with Designers Diana Nikolova and Kristina Grigorova, “Terry’s Fashion Style” with designer Terry Karaivanova, Érimme with designer Nicole Kerimova, Students – designers from “Princess Maria Luisa”, “Radichev” with designer Stoyan Radichev and “Mia Touche” with designer Maria Radoslavova.
Talented guest performers took part in the fashion event. The evening opened with a musical performance of the debut author’s song by singer Figen Shenol, accompanied by a dance by theatre choreographer Marcella-Vasilena Dimitrova. Grace, talent and love for art were shown by the lovely young ladies of the Julia Ballet Studio, while the Birlik Dance Formation elegantly brought the beauty of the mysterious Arab world into the atmosphere of the event.
The guests of the evening witnessed a fashion show with paintings created by children-talents, members of the Association for Support of Children, which were presented on the catwalk by models of “Princess Maria Louisa”.
During the event, numerous awards were presented. Nicole Kerimova and her children’s brand Érimme received the International Young Designer Award from Ms. Lyuba Petrova – Marketing Manager of the event’s general sponsor ORBICO, and the students from the Kniaginia Maria Luisa School of Fashion were awarded for their special collection on the theme of “Arab Fashion” by Ms. Mila Zaharieva – President of International Fashion Connection. Bata Spasojevic received international recognition for 30 years of creativity, which was presented to him on stage by His Excellency Mr. Jelko Jovic – Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Bulgaria, and Neli Anastasova was awarded for successful international fashion brand by Mrs. Elmaz Aslan – President of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Edirne and President of the Disciplinary Council of the Edirne Commodity Exchange.
Recognition for a successful young start-up was given to Diana Nikolova and Kristina Grigorova, who received their award from Ms. Maria Boneva – owner of the only fashion TV in Bulgaria CODE FASHION TV, and the designers of Terry’s Fashion and MIA Touché will receive special support for participation in the upcoming event in Dubai in November from the President of IFC, Ms. Mila Zaharieva. Suzana Perić Luxury Brand was honored as the VIP brand of the evening and received its award from His Excellency Mr. Jelko Jovic and Mrs. Elmaz Aslan, while the grand prize went to designer Stoyan Radichev, who deservedly won recognition for his participation in the International Fashion in Dubai event, which was personally presented to him on stage by Dr. Hamad Alawadi – Counselor, Interim Ruler of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Bulgaria.
Host and scriptwriter of the event was Ipek Bulentova
Choreographer and Backstage Manager: Raya Kostadinova
General sponsor of the event was ORBICO. Partners.
The makeup of the models was done with the products of our partner Max Factor and the makeup artists of DVisio Makeup Academy – Diana Konova, with backstage manager Veranika Kovacheva. The models’ hair was taken care of by V&G Clamor beauty salon with owner Veronika Stefanova – Miss Bulgaria – World 2017.
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