Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the "On Wings" international adaptive clothing design competition has soared from a regional initiative to a global phenomenon in just three years. This June, the project will spread its wings at the Petersburg International Economic Forum (PEF), transforming runway dreams into tangible solutions for veterans of special military operations.
The organizational committee meeting in Moscow buzzed with the energy of a beehive, as stakeholders from government, business, and creative spheres gathered to weave together the final threads of this ambitious project. With 286 applications fluttering in from 67 Russian regions and seven foreign countries, the competition has become a melting pot of creativity and compassion.
Anna Tsivileva, Deputy Defense Minister, painted the picture with words: "We're not just stitching clothes - we're tailoring dignity. The most popular categories -
,
, and
- reveal our collective desire to honor warriors while celebrating their civilian lives."
The project represents a sartorial revolution with practical wings:
Alexey Miroshnichenko of VEB.RF emphasized the project's dual nature: "This isn't just fashion - it's social entrepreneurship with a heartbeat. Designers here aren't just cutting fabric; they're cutting through societal barriers."
The PEF events promise to be a sartorial spectacle:
June 17: A panel discussion on the future of adaptive fashion design, where ideas will dance with practicality.
June 18: The Hermitage's halls will transform into a cathedral of creativity, hosting both an exhibition and a gala show directed by Denis Simachev, who promises "a performance that will tattoo itself on memories."
June 19: The final thread - a discussion on making rehabilitation sectors sparkle with creativity, proving that function and flair can coexist.
As Nigerian designer Chinier Joyce Nwagwu perfectly stitched it: "Fashion should be a right, not a privilege - regardless of what life has tailored for one's body." This competition promises to outfit that ideal in reality.
