– The fashion event of the year!

I MENTIONED briefly in last week’s column that I was in Moscow and now I have so much to write about!
It was monumental, momentous, memorable, inspirational, impactful, stellar, spectacular, sensational, phenomenal, extraordinary, educational, engaging, rewarding, majestic, unforgettable. These are some of the adjectives I used in the last article to describe the BRICS+ Fashion Summit

It was an honour to participate in an event of this magnitude and it was executed with class and sophistication. I had many things floating through my mind as I sat on the plane to visit a new continent. To God be the glory for the doors he continues to open.

It was great meeting these amazing people who have created fashion events that are supported around the world. I must commend Alexander Shumsky, Moscow Fashion Week, the Russian Fashion Council and the entire team for this great initiative that will impact the global fashion industry.

I must thank Dr Marcia Brandon for the confidence to give such a recommendation.
“Dr. Sonia Noel has had a stellar career in fashion design in Guyana and the Caribbean. When our partners in Russia invited us at Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL) to select one of our supported entrepreneurs or partners in the industry to participate in this BRICS Summit, we didn’t hesitate to select Dr. Noel. We were confident that she would represent herself, her country, her region and COESL very well. Thank you Dr. Noel. Job very well done.”

I appreciate Dr Brandon’s support more than words can express. I believe she knows me well enough to know that I will invite others to walk through any doors that will open with me.
The summit includes a business programme for industry practitioners, lectures by Russian and foreign instructors and experts, fashion shows and many other events. Below are some reviews shared with me:

“The international BRICS+ Fashion Summit was held in Moscow from November 28 to December 2. It is being organised under the auspices of the Moscow Fashion Week. I have never attended any fashion anywhere where industry’s leading professionals, clothing industry specialists, veteran and emerging designers, creative directors, founders of fashion weeks, photographers, illustrators, bloggers, etc at the event to forge relations for something that is bigger than all of us. The atmosphere was ripe to forge many partnerships and collaboration. I have connected with many people and believe I will be collaborating on many future projects. One such collaboration is happening today because of this summit. My brother Bench from the Philippines, who has created Manila International Fashion Week, carried some of my designs for a showcase at his event. I also connected well with Nando (second to my right in group pic) and he shared his experience at the summit.”

“BRICS+ Fashion Summit was an eye-opening experience. I think it’s important to bring these types of events to the table to discuss all the matters that are important in fashion right now: collaboration, sustainability and innovation. Moscow was a true fashion capital during the summit, where designers from around the world showcased their finest collections. Definitely would come back!” Nando Yax – Public Relations and Associate Director, Guatemala Fashion Week

My sister from Botswana (in pic) and I are already working on something, and she also shared her feedback on the summit.

“I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, an event that has truly set a new benchmark in the global fashion arena. This summit wasn’t just a gathering; it was a ground-breaking movement, bringing together the brightest fashion icons from around the world. What stood out to me was the remarkable synergy among diverse cultures, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table, yet united in a common vision for the future of fashion.

The highlight for me was the foundation laid for the new BRICS+ Fashion Federation. This isn’t just another organization, it’s a game-changer that promises to redefine how we perceive the global fashion business. It’s thrilling to witness how this federation is poised to champion Africa’s rich cultural heritage, unleashing a wave of innovation and creativity. The BRICS+ Fashion Summit has indeed opened the doors for Africa to shine on the global stage, showcasing its potential to be the next big hub of fashion innovation and creativity. The decades ahead look incredibly promising, and I am excited to be a part of this transformative journey.

Am also excited about the partnerships forged and the friendships! I certainly look forward to working with Guyana!! We will together transform out fashion industries and change lives and livelihoods in our countries!” Mmantlha Sanloloba, Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Exporters & Manufacturers Association and Founder and President of Botswana Fashion Week

I believe the collaborations and partnerships will be so many because of some of the discussions I have heard, and that will be one of the many success stories.

When the invitation came, I shared it with a few people, and most were excited and positive, but a few felt it might be dangerous, given the current climate. While acknowledging the risks, the truth is that no day did I feel unsafe in Moscow. Many of my colleagues mentioned that Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and they were not kidding.

I will certainly amplify more on that next week as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called LIFE BEYOND THE RUNWAY.