Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi: The Ultimate Comeback Story
by Adriano Batista
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi is back and better than ever! One of the major fashion events in the world, which had to take a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, finally made a spectacular comeback last week. In the face of adversity, the Georgian fashion scene has emerged stronger than ever. Although there were fewer shows than in past editions, the quality of the designs on display was exceptional. The fashion industry in Georgia has persevered through the challenges of recent years, thanks in no small part to the unwavering determination and resilience of the talented designers who have kept the scene alive.
The venue was also a novelty! The Factory Tbilisi, an exhibition hall located in the former Coca-Cola factory building, breathed new life into the runway shows. It was the home to Culture Week Tbilisi back in November and now plays host to the Georgian fashion industry’s finest. We can’t help but wonder, could this be the perfect marriage of culture and fashion, a union to look forward to in the future? 😉
We got front-row seats to catch familiar designers like Berhasm, Situationist, Akà Prodià shvili, Datuna, Reckless, God Era, Tako Mekvabidze, and many more showcase their collections. Uta Bekaia‘s show was a culmination of his years of hard work and creative vision. With a political rally serving as a powerful backdrop, performers strutted down the catwalk donning costumes from Bekaia’s archive collection. The performance was an expression of the unwavering will and fierce power of Georgia’s people who stand up for their rights every day. Another highlight of the event was undoubtedly the electrifying Drag Ball that took place at the showspace. It was more than just a performance; it was a statement against the ongoing war in Ukraine, conservative politics, and the fight for inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
The organizers of MBFW Tbilisi recognized the significance of supporting their Ukrainian counterparts during a challenging time. The ongoing war in Ukraine has posed numerous obstacles for the country’s fashion industry, making it difficult for designers to access resources and showcase their work on a global stage. To that end, the fashion event boasted a dedicated showroom for Ukrainian talent, showcasing the works of emerging designers such as Jean Gritsfeldt and Sayya. The runway shows from these brands were also a testament to the incredible creativity and resilience of Ukraine’s fashion industry.
With the fashion industry gradually recovering from the pandemic, the return of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi is a timely reminder of the importance of fashion in bringing people together, sparking creativity, and promoting inclusivity. All we can do is to express gratitude to the individuals who breathed new life into the event and made it possible for us to experience its magic once again.
Our photographer Marc Medina was able to capture some of our favorite menswear looks backstage, providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes at the event. Take a look below:
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