Riga Fashion Week starts today
A Celebration of Fashion, Creativity, and Heritage
From October 28 to 31, Riga will transform into a hub of fashion and creativity, as the 39th edition of Riga Fashion Week (RFW) takes center stage. This year’s event promises an exciting blend of local talent and international designers, with collections from six different countries showcased on the runway. The four-day celebration of fashion will highlight new trends, sustainability, and innovation while paying tribute to the rich heritage of fashion.
A Glimpse of the Program
The week will kick off with the opening of the Henna brand section at the Baltā Kūmode boutique. The Latvian brand, known for its fusion of Eastern and Western fashion, will present a collection that draws inspiration from different states of nature. Satin fabrics will evoke the feeling of a sunny morning, while shades of a fading rose symbolize the stormy evening, offering an exquisite balance of delicate fabrics and natural beauty.
Following this, the collaborative collection ArtisainT by Lena Lumelsky will be unveiled. “ArtisainT celebrates the special human gift of craftsmanship,” says the designer. The collection highlights the artistry behind fashion, blending complex designs with flawless execution to create truly stunning looks.
Emerging Talent and Iconic Venues
In an exciting debut, the Latvian brand One Day will present its first collection at the Binyamin House, an architectural gem from the Latvian bourgeois era. The collection emphasizes a relaxed yet timeless style, with natural fabrics, soft tones, and classic female silhouettes that easily transition through the seasons.
The opening day will also feature a pop-up showroom for Baltic designers at the Zunda Towers, setting the stage for shows from local brands Verens, Laura Daili, and Carolxott. The day’s events will culminate in a special collaboration between Amoralle, a Latvian brand known for its femininity, and Fyodor Podgorny, the former creative director of FYODOR GOLAN. The collaboration will be presented as live installations displayed across three floors of the Amoralle boutique.
International Flair and Italian Influence
The main runway will see presentations from renowned Latvian designers such as Natalija Jansone, Iveta Vecmane, Selina Keer, and BAE by Katya Shehurina, who is collaborating with global tech giant Huawei for this season’s collection. The international lineup includes brands like Pohjanheimo (Estonia), Novaliss (Spain/Latvia), Szczygiel (Poland), and Lili Marleena (Finland), in partnership with Stockmann department store, highlighting the diverse and global appeal of RFW.
In celebration of Italian fashion, the Italian Embassy in Latvia and the Italian Trade Agency in Stockholm have supported a special program. On October 30, a public discussion titled “Fashion as Heritage” will be held, featuring fashion historian Matteo Augello and Latvian designer Laima Jurča, hosted by well-known Latvian artist Markus Riva.
Fashion, Film, and Culture
RFW will also honor the legacy of fashion icons with events dedicated to Italian fashion and legendary designers. On October 31, Forum Cinemas will host a screening of Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams, a documentary about the life of legendary Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo, known for creating shoes for Hollywood stars. This screening is open to the public with prior registration.
Additionally, an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood’s personal collection of clothing and accessories will be on display at the Fashion Museum until October 31, with guided tours available on the final day of the exhibition (advance registration required).
Celebrating 20 Years of RFW
To mark the 20th anniversary of Riga Fashion Week, the event will conclude with a glamorous gala dinner, bringing together designers, long-time RFW participants, and fashion professionals. The evening will also feature an awards ceremony to recognize exceptional achievements in the fashion industry.
Fashion Parties and After-Hours Fun
No fashion week is complete without a series of stylish parties, and this season is no exception. RFW’s social scene will include exclusive events at locations such as Tribe Riga City Centre, Space Falafel, Vīna Studija Splendid, and the ATPUTA complex (Benyamin House). These parties will allow guests to unwind and enjoy the fashion vibes that permeate the city.
RFW: A Hub for Fashion Excellence
Riga Fashion Week 2024 is set to be a dynamic celebration of style, sustainability, and creativity. With a mix of emerging talents, established designers, and exciting collaborations, RFW offers something for everyone. From fashion shows to cultural events, the week will highlight the best of Latvia’s fashion scene while embracing global influences and celebrating the future of fashion.
Stay updated on all RFW news by following their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram or visiting the official website at www.rfw.lv.
