On May 18, 2025, the inaugural season of Monaco Fashion Days took place at the stunning Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. This highly anticipated fashion event brought together renowned designers from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Montenegro, Romania, Tunisia, and the USA, reaffirming Monaco’s status as a global capital of luxury and influence.

A major highlight of the event was the Fashion Star Awards — an exclusive ceremony that honors the brightest talents and trailblazers in the global fashion industry. Among the standout participants were celebrated designers and brands including: AKEL COUTURE & BABYPHOTOSTARS, LA MAISON DE MADAME, NINA’S by NINA DULOVIC, LIMERENSE, ELFIDA`S ATELIER COUTURE, BAKHT ART, and ARAFTU COUTURE — each presenting their latest collections to an fashion audience from around the globe.

The Ukrainian brand AKEL COUTURE, based in Germany, in collaboration with the international production center BABYPHOTOSTARS, presented its enchanting new collection Kids like Crystals. Inspired by the purity and radiance of childhood, the Kids like Crystals collection emphasizes each child’s individuality. Playful sparkle, exquisite embroidery, and magical details transform every look into a fairytale moment. Children are like crystals — each one is unique, each one shines in their own way. Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of children’s fashion, where every child is a precious gem and every outfit tells a story of joy, creativity, and charm.

LA MAISON DE MADAME, an Uzbek brand of luxurious women’s clothing founded by Mohinur Shamsuddinova — a visionary with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry — presented a new collection that reimagines timeless femininity. Each element of the collection embodies charm, sophistication, and impeccable craftsmanship. In an era where modern women value comfort and practicality, La Maison de Madame masterfully combines gentle elegance with refined design, turning everyday fashion into an art form. With this collection, the brand continues its mission to celebrate the strength and grace of modern women through fashion that is both wearable and poetic.

NINA’S is a luxury fashion brand from Montenegro that celebrates timeless elegance and femininity through refined silhouettes, premium materials, and meticulous detailing. Known for blending classical sophistication with a modern approach, the brand is created for women who value authenticity, quality, and enduring style. The collection includes everything from structured business suits to exclusive evening
gowns, with each piece reflecting the personal signature of designer Nina Dulović created to empower women and highlight their grace in the modern world.

LIMERENSE, founded by Ukrainian designer Alina Matiukhina, made a striking impression by presenting a sportswear collection developed with digital technology marking a new chapter in industry evolution. Each piece shown on the runway was first created virtually using 3D software — from sketch to digital fitting. This approach helps reduce the number of physical samples, speeds up production, and minimizes environmental impact. Inspiring the younger generation, Alina also
teaches a signature course on 3D fashion visualization for business and is an active speaker in business communities.

ELFIDA’S ATELIER COUTURE unveiled its new collection, showcasing an impressive array of opera coats complemented by matching headwear, creating a vintage yet modern style. Key elements of the collection include dramatic caftan-inspired pieces, shimmering kimonos, and a gender-neutral reversible coat with a hood and adorned fedora, emphasizing the brand’s versatility. Crafted from luxurious
fabrics such as satin, taffeta, and velvet, and decorated with rich embellishments including embroidery and sequins, the collection draws inspiration from New York’s multicultural atmosphere, blending global elegance with timeless haute couture.

Wissal Labbane, founder of BAKHT ART, a Tunisian fashion house, embodies a unique vision where tradition meets avant-garde. Inspired by a deep passion for textile art and timeless elegance, she founded her brand in 2017, delicately reinterpreting Tunisian tailoring heritage through a futuristic and avant-garde lens. Each creation tells a story — a bridge between past and future, where the richness of craftsmanship meets bold contemporary vision.

ARAFTU Couture presented its new collection, celebrating femininity through designs that combine elegance, sophistication, and personal expression. Every piece in the collection is crafted to highlight natural grace and confidence. Known for its refined aesthetic and premium materials, ARAFTU continues to inspire with creations that elevate feminine grace and set new standards in fashion.

Fashion Star Awards Winners for Outstanding Achievements in Fashion:

Zoriana Semeniuk, designer and founder of AKEL COUTURE, received the Best Kids Fashion Designer award for her creativity, craftsmanship, and impact on the children’s fashion industry.

Mohinur Shamsuddinova, founder of LA MAISON DE MADAME, was honored in the Best Fashion Designer category for her visionary approach and significant contributions to global fashion.

Elfida Artinoff, designer of ELFIDA’S ATELIER COUTURE, received the Luxury Fashion Designer award for her exceptional talent in the realm of luxury fashion.

Wissal Labbane, founder of BAKHT ART, was recognized as Best Luxury Kaftan Designer for her visionary talent, unmatched craftsmanship, and profound influence on the global fashion scene in creating luxurious kaftans.

Georgiana Mergiu Stavrositu, founder of ARAFTU COUTURE, was awarded Best Couture Designer. This prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional talent and contribution to the development of haute couture.

Alina Matiukhina, founder of LIMERENSE, earned the 3D Fashion Technology Designer award for her innovative approach to digital fashion and for fostering international collaboration at the intersection of fashion and technology.

BABYPHOTOSTARS was named Best International Kids Talent Production Center for its continued support and development of young talents on the global stage.

IHAB JIRYIS was recognized as the Best Middle Eastern Visionary in Evening and Bridal Fashion, with each of his creations reflecting a deep passion for fashion and rich cultural heritage.

IRA LANGEVIN was honored as the Breakthrough Designer of the Year. Her brand is a space of true beauty and eternal femininity, where each dress is a work of art created with passion and a deep understanding of women.

DIANA BASSAM received the title International Fashion Icon of the Year. Originally from Monaco, Diana is a global symbol of elegance and refinement, combining beauty, intellect, and business acumen turning every appearance into a statement of timeless chic.

ALINA LESHCHYNSKA was awarded in the Hair Extensions Icon category. A recognized expert trusted by celebrities from Monaco and the French Riviera, Alina is the founder of the premium brand WOWHAIR and an international hair extensions educator. With over two decades of experience and acclaimed mastery, she continues to set new standards in the industry through her artistry, innovation, and
dedication to professional education.

ELSA DELGADO, a Dutch–Cape Verdean supermodel, won in the Influential Fashion Icon category. With over a decade in the industry, appearing on global runways from Milan to Cannes, she has become a symbol of strength, representation, and global influence in fashion.

OLGA NEFERTITI, singer, actress, and muse of the sacred fashion theater Aladini, received the Influential Fashion Icon award at the Fashion Star Awards. A Grammy 2025 nominee and global stage presence, she unites vocal artistry and luxurious style—shining at World Fashion Week Dubai and prestigious pageants worldwide.

SVITLANA ZAKHAROVA, a Ukrainian lyric soprano, received the Best Fashion Icon award for her unique blend of music and style, captivating audiences from Monaco to Paris. She continues to enchant with her one-of-a-kind combination of vocal artistry and timeless fashion — proving that music and fashion are two voices of one soul.

During the event, BlaqBerry — a captivating singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence — delivered a powerful performance. Accompanied by a ballet troupe, BlaqBerry infused every appearance with both elegance and energy.

“Monaco Fashion Days is more than just a fashion event — it is a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and transformation,”

“We are proud to create a space where art meets creativity, and Monaco becomes a beacon in the world of fashion.”

said event founder Zoriana Semeniuk.

Monaco Fashion Days left a lasting impression — not only as a celebration of aesthetic beauty but also as proof that fashion plays an increasingly vital role in shaping culture and consciousness.

Key MUA: @roksa_kravchuk_mua
Key Hair: @svetlana__everest
Coordinator MUA & Hair Team: @makeup_paris_study
Photo: @vasiliygalushkin
Fashion Director: @houseofrina2
Producer: @zarina.semenyuk
Production: @monacofashiondays