That’s a wrap on Flair Fashion’s LFW event series, showcasing the best of Kosovo’s fashion scene in the heart of London. From September 12th to the 18th, 99 Kingsway hosted the Elevating Global Talent exhibition, featuring 10 visionary designers who merged heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge contemporary design.
From brands like BESË and DYVÓ to Krenare Rugova and To The Nines, the Flair Fashion pop-up celebrated the diversity and artistry of Kosovo. Each designer presented a unique blend of tradition and innovation, offering a fresh perspective to the London audience. Beyond discovering new collections, attendees got styled, snapped photos and explored the captivating stories behind each designer’s journey.
After the London Fashion Week rush, we caught up with Ceriena, Flair’s Partnerships and Business Development Manager, for the latest in our Debrief interview series.
How did Flair Fashion select the designers for the Elevating Global Talent showcase? What made their approaches to design stand out?
Flair teamed up with the FEGO Kosovo to bring 10 very talented Kosovo designers and their collections to London. The project focuses on helping micro and small family businesses, as well as start-ups, grow in a sustainable and scalable way, particularly in the apparel, furniture, and rural tourism sectors. Flair selected these designers with FEGO because each of their designs reflected craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity.
What notable moments from London Fashion Week stood out to the designers and Flair Fashion team?
For us, it was our Beyond Horizons and Frontier runway shows on Saturday, where we created a spotlight for 16 different designers in the stunning Waldorf Hilton Hotel. Each show featured performances and models showcasing playful elements in the garments, making the audience’s reactions truly unforgettable.
How can pop-up events like this affect the fashion industry, especially for emerging talent?
Every year Flair hosts a pop up store, we are reminded of the importance of providing an engaging space for people to discover designers, and uncover their stories. Without a physical space and Flair’s storytelling element, it becomes challenging for the right audiences to truly connect with designers. With launch parties and pop-up stores, we are able to carve a space for emerging designers to share their stories, providing that personal touch that you just can’t get anywhere else. The impact of these events can be huge, as it proves to be a magnet for influencers, artists, and fashion industry professionals who often end up providing life-changing opportunities for designers.
What were the standout moments or collections from the exhibition that really caught the attention of attendees?
Each Kosovo designer showcased truly unique collections, but one that particularly stood out was award-winning designer Etnik Shala. He brought his runway collection to the pop-up store, where his work shined. Quilted corset jackets adorned with countless pins in intricate patterns gave customers a sultry, medieval look during try-ons. His deeply historic dresses, each featuring photographs of Albanians in traditional garments, were especially striking, as he was granted a special license to use these images from the museum. His designs even caught the attention of Afro-rave artist Toya Delazy- who plans to wear his jacket to her next gig at Tate Modern.
Looking forward, what’s next for Flair Fashion? Can we expect more pop-up events or collaborations soon?
Flair Fashion typically hosts one pop-up and one runway showcase in collaboration with our designers each fashion week. Stay tuned for February, when we plan to feature a larger pop-up store with even more designers, along with a runway show incorporating cutting-edge technology, including 3D designs and interactive AI experiences for guests.
See the Flair Fashion after-party photos
Featured photos by Fanny Beckman
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