Moscow Memoirs | The Fashion Capital You Didn’t See Coming
Some cities sneak up on you. You arrive with expectations—crafted from stories, stereotypes, and the occasional Instagram reel—only to find yourself completely disarmed by what you actually experience. Moscow is one of those cities. It’s not the first place that comes to mind when you think of fashion capitals, yet the moment you step into its streets, you realize it’s been quietly shaping a style of its own—one that’s bold, unapologetic, and distinctly Russian.
When HELLO! Pakistan was once again invited to Moscow Fashion Week this March, we knew we were in for a spectacle. But what we didn’t expect was how much of the experience would be shaped not just by the runway, but by the city itself—its contrasts, its energy, and the effortless way it carries its own sense of fashion.
A City That Wears Its History Well
March in Moscow is that in-between season—the remnants of winter still linger, but there are hints of spring teasing their way through the air. The sun sets late, casting a golden hue over the grand avenues, and despite the cold, the city has a warmth of its own. There’s a crispness to the air, the kind that wakes you up the second you step outside.
Moscow is a city that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. Its architecture tells a story of grandeur—from the candy-colored domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the commanding presence of the Kremlin. Even the underground metro stations feel like remnants of an imperial past, dressed in chandeliers and marble, like they belong in a museum rather than a transit system.
And then there’s the fashion. It’s not about minimalism here. It’s about making an entrance, about commanding attention. Russian style is rooted in confidence—structured coats, sharp tailoring, and a love for luxury that is neither subtle nor apologetic. It’s the kind of aesthetic that doesn’t ask for approval, it simply exists.
Fashion Week: A City’s Identity on the Runway
Moscow Fashion Week doesn’t just reflect trends—it reflects Moscow itself. The collections this year were a mix of heritage and rebellion—designers weaving Russia’s deep cultural history with a modern, almost futuristic edge. Floor-length coats in rich velvets, handcrafted embellishments that felt almost regal, and then—suddenly—sleek, structured silhouettes with industrial details, like a city preparing for the future while still nodding to its past.
Beyond the runway, the street style scene was equally magnetic. Russian fashion doesn’t hold back. It’s expressive, sometimes theatrical, but never boring. Oversized faux furs, leather-on-leather, knee-high boots that demanded attention—every street corner felt like its own runway.
Beyond the Shows: Experiencing Moscow
Fashion Week was the main event, but the city itself was part of the experience. Our days were spent balancing runway shows with moments of quiet discovery—long walks through Gorky Park, late-night conversations at hidden speakeasies, an afternoon spent in the historic Bolshoi Theatre district. There’s something about Moscow that keeps you moving, keeps you intrigued.
We stayed at the Hotel Metropol—a grand and historic gem tucked right into the heart of the city. With its art nouveau charm and mosaic-tiled ceilings, the hotel was not only a destination in itself but a perfectly central base for exploring Moscow on foot. From there, iconic landmarks like the Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre, and GUM were just a stroll away, allowing us to take in the rhythm of the city with every step.
One night, after a particularly breathtaking show, we ended up at a dimly lit café tucked away in an alley. Jazz played softly in the background, a stark contrast to the icy wind outside. Locals sat discussing art, literature, politics—all in the same breath, with the kind of effortless intellect that makes you want to linger just to listen. It’s these small, unscripted moments that make a city feel real.
And then, there was the cruise. Midday on the water, we drifted past Moscow’s skyline while enjoying delicious food—an easy, scenic way to see the city from a different perspective. The domes, bridges, and monuments passed by in slow motion, offering a quiet contrast to the city’s usual pace.
Moscow: A Fashion Capital in Its Own Right
Moscow may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of fashion capitals, but that’s exactly why it’s one to watch. It’s not chasing trends, it’s creating them. It’s not trying to be Paris or Milan—it doesn’t have to. The fashion here has its own rhythm, its own voice, shaped by a city that thrives on reinvention.
As we left, walking through the grandeur of the Moscow airport, we realized something—this wasn’t just a fashion week trip. It was an experience, a glimpse into a world that’s as much about culture as it is about couture. And if there’s one thing we took away from it, it’s this: Moscow isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a mood, a movement, a city that doesn’t wait for approval. It wears its history like armor and its future like a dare.
Text: Sundus Unsar Raja