Ruse Fashion Week 2025 Showcased Bulgarian Fashion Spring-Summer 2025 / 2026

* The event was organized by the Bulgarian fashion portal Fashion.bg in honor of its 25th anniversary
** Top designer Ivan Donev closed the first night of runway shows
*** The Bulgarian Fashion Association presented awards for sustainable fashion and international success

On May 9 and 10, the House of Culture in Ruse was transformed into a glamorous fashion runway, where top models walked the catwalk wearing collections by Bulgarian designers and brands such as Ivan Donev, Banderol, Povoda, Adriana Rica, Tasquira, Charlino, ROSI, Vayana Collection, Reny Style, Axel Hardy, Benmodel, Stephanie Kamenova, Valmó, Meriyan, Miss Queen and Boutique Milano.

Fashion.bg - the first Bulgarian platform that brings together designers, brands, manufacturers, and fashion professionals - organized the event in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The fashion shows of RFW Ruse Fashion Week were opened by scenographer-designer Parvoleta Ivanova – Leticia, who recreated dresses from the exhibition "Women in Society" from the Ruse Historical Museum. Four dresses were showcased, one of which dated back to the 1930s and belonged to Panayot Hitov’s daughter-in-law, Nadezhda Hitova.

The fashion show continued with Spring/Summer 2025 and 2026 collections by Bulgarian designers:

CHARLINO presented elegant and glamorous evening and ball gowns made of carefully selected fabrics, with silhouettes emphasizing feminine elegance. Each piece is made to order, ensuring perfect fit and contributing to sustainable fashion through efficient use of materials.

AXEL HARDY introduced the HARMONY Collection, symbolizing balance between humanity, nature, and fashion. Fabrics included hemp, linen, natural silk, and viscose, alongside knits. The funky boho-chic collection also featured prints based on paintings by artist Laura Ora.

VALMÓ, designed by Maria Boneva, showcased the Alma collection inspired by The Two Fridas painting, exploring identity, sustainability, and cultural depth. It blended traditional Mexican silhouettes with modern cuts, and included handmade 3D floral embellishments.

VAYANA COLLECTION paid tribute to imaginative and classy women who value individuality. The designs featured fine lines, flowing fabrics, and contemporary silhouettes with a palette of neutral tones and bold accents, echoing current fashion trends.

RENY STYLE presented womenswear inspired by real women - dynamic, stylish, and individualistic - using soft, natural materials, and cuts that highlight each woman’s strengths.

BENMODEL unveiled its Summer 2025 collection Chameleons, a mix of fabrics, styles, and colors celebrating women’s ability to adapt and shine in any situation. Highlights included cotton textiles, cork buttons, and custom prints.

ROSI presented a refined, authentic, and sustainable Spring/Summer 2025 line, combining ethical production with modern aesthetics inspired by the season’s energy.

The evening concluded with a special collection by Ivan Donev, described as a story of emotions told through fabric. Divided into black and white themes, it symbolized peace, divinity, purity, spiritual freedom versus contradiction, darkness, and strength. Donev used exquisite materials such as frisé organza, golden mesh, embroidered lace, silk, and jacquard—sourced during travels across Europe, Asia, and the Orient. The silhouettes were artistic masterpieces, reflecting cultural richness and personal expression.

LOOK OUT FOR COVERAGE OF NIGHT TWO, which featured collections by ATELIER BANDEROL, boutique MILANO, MERIYAN, STEPHANIE KAMENOVA, POVODA, MISS QUEEN, ADRIANA RICA, and TASQUIRA.

The mission of Ruse Fashion Week is to promote Bulgarian designers and brands, proving that sustainable fashion is being created in Bulgaria on a world-class level—with ethical production and attention to the environment, tradition, and creativity.

Partners included the Bulgarian Fashion Association, which handed out its inaugural awards for sustainability and international success.
Director and choreographer: Bozhil Nikolov
Host: Afrodita Darmonska
Hair and makeup: Flower and Petals beauty salons (Ruse)
Official photographer: Neno Valkovski

Footwear: Black shoes by Nine West New York (CCC stores); white shoes by Latiara online store
Main sponsor: Moto-Pfohe

Supporters:
Bulgarian Fashion Association, CCC stores, Alexandra Travel, Martinez perfumes, Hotel Bistra & Galina, Nisovo Winery, Ivanovo Meat Plant, transport company to4nite (airport transfers to/from Bucharest), Subliton (sportswear), Mapia superfoods & cosmetics, Prime Laser aesthetic center, Latiara shoes, Enterprise Europe Network, Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Ruse Opera, Ruse Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Fashion Academy (the first comprehensive fashion program in Bulgaria).

Media partners: Utro newspaper, Ruse Media, Akcent.bg, Bride magazine, Wedding magazine, Women’s World, Madamsko, Fashion Lifestyle Magazine, Smart Fashion Media, moda.bg, and Be Global Fashion Network.

Find more at: https://www.rusefashionweek.com

Photos:
1–2. Models by Ivan Donev
3. Kalcho Petkov, Parvoleta Ivanova, Silvia Kabaivanova, and models in historical dresses recreated from the exhibition
4–5. CHARLINO models
6–8. AXEL HARDY models
9. VALMÓ
10. Vayana Collection
11. Reny Style
12. Benmodel
13–14. ROSI
15. Ivan Donev

Photographer: Neno Valkovski