Duca SS26 Moldovan Brands Runway. Credits: @HALLO_VUD The Moldovan Brands Runway SS26, held from March 18 to 22 in Chișinău, showcased a regional fashion scene transitioning from traditional manufacturing roots towards a sophisticated, brand-led economy. Across four days, 19 designers from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine presented collections that prioritised “identity, restraint, and intention” over fleeting trends. Organised by B2B organisation the Light Industry Employers Association (APIUS), industry hub Ziphouse, and creative director Nata Mitereva, with support from Innovate Moldova, the event functioned as a strategic platform connecting local talent with a growing international audience. The result was a unified front spotlighting a stabilised interconnected fashion corridor, formed despite the complexities of the surrounding region. A focus on construction and heritage A standout feature of the week was the reinterpretation of industrial expertise. Heritage label Ionel moved beyond its roots in classic traditional suiting to present a more relaxed, contemporary approach to tailoring while maintaining its foundation. Similarly, Julia Allert, described as a strong voice in the regional market, demonstrated the technical maturity of the area with silhouettes “built from within the pattern”, emphasising construction by reinforcing a design language that sits between precision and fluidity. Rather than relying on rapid production, the event emphasises a “patience” in development. Designers such as L. Storojuc, who presented her Altezza line, reinforced this sense of “discipling rather than excess” with composed silhouettes. The approach was reflective of a broadly shared attitude, referenced by organisers as a means of “allowing ideas to develop fully…
