Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi returned for its Fall/Winter 2026 edition from May 7 to 11, marking the first event since May 2023 and highlighting the resilience of Georgian designers amid political challenges.
Political and Economic Challenges
Following political unrest and the passing of an anti-LGBTQ+ bill in 2024, the Georgian fashion industry faced significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, some designers like Situationist and Keburia have found success internationally, yet did not participate this season due to costs associated with international shows. Still, MBFW Tbilisi founder Sofia Tchkonia emphasized the need to reconnect local talent with global markets, securing partners such as Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola to support the event's relaunch.
Show Highlights and Designer Resilience
This year’s edition featured 11 shows, three exhibitions, and various cultural events, including the renowned Tbilisi drag ball. Designers like Lado Bokuchava, who returned after a hiatus since 2020, expressed the importance of MBFW Tbilisi for gaining international attention. Bokuchava, with four stockists globally, emphasized the need for collective growth in the Georgian fashion industry.
Designer Nino Goderidze of God Era, who debuted in FW24, showcased a collection inspired by the political climate, using graffiti-covered hoodies to symbolize silenced voices. The absence of her longtime stylist due to the country's rising conservatism highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Georgian creatives.
Cultural Programming and Creative Exodus
Tbilisi’s creative scene has seen a significant exodus due to rising conservatism, as reflected in God Era’s and Bokuchava’s shows. Designer Akà Prodiàshvili, who recently relocated to Berlin, noted the difficulty in securing support for LGBTQ+ aesthetics and the impact of political decisions like the foreign agents bill on local designers.
Despite these challenges, MBFW Tbilisi remains a crucial platform for cultural exchange. LVMH Prize finalist Galib Gassanoff returned to Tbilisi to showcase his FW26 collection, emphasizing the importance of local roots in his global success. The BeNext contest awarded Eva Gogotidze €5,000 and mentorship, highlighting the event's role in nurturing emerging talent.
Future Prospects for MBFW Tbilisi
MBFW Tbilisi aims to establish itself as a long-term cultural platform, promoting Georgian talent globally while fostering a vibrant local creative scene. Tchkonia plans to expand the event, potentially adding a November edition, to solidify Tbilisi's reputation as a creative capital. Designer Tamuna Ingorokva, focusing on sustainable growth, sees the fashion week as essential for connecting with international buyers and press.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/existence-is-resistance-5-key-takeaways-from-mercedes-benz-fashion-week-tbilisi
