An iconic debut between creativity and style: innovative runway shows and the first Fashion Future Forum.
On April 10, 11, and 12, Tirana transformed into the vibrant heart of contemporary fashion, hosting the first authentic edition of Albania Fashion Week - AFW®, held on the thirty-ninth floor of Downtown One in Tirana. A highly anticipated debut, finally brought to life, marking Albania’s official entry into the international fashion week calendar. Conceived and organized by the Albanian International Fashion Federation (AIFF), with the support of the Municipality of Tirana, the event bears the visionary signature of its President, Gentiana Dervishi, a leading figure already at the helm of GX Fashion Week in Milan and Paris, who, with determination and consistency, fulfilled the statements made in October 2025 during the inauguration at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, where she announced the dawn of a new era for international fashion: a fluid dialogue between Albania and the world’s fashion capitals, capable of exporting local talent while simultaneously attracting internationally renowned designers. A promise fully kept. The runways featured not only Albanian creatives, but also designers from Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Italy, confirming a vision that is already deeply international and inclusive.
To seal this first edition, the third day was entirely dedicated to the Fashion Future Forum, a space for dialogue and vision, where knowledge was transformed into shared legacy. Young designers and emerging professionals had direct access to the experiences of authoritative figures in the industry, engaging in an open and multidisciplinary exchange.
Leading and moderating the discussions was Alessio Marrari, AIFF founding partner and Head of the Communication Office, who welcomed an exceptional panel of speakers to the stage: Massimiliano Giornetti, Director of Polimoda Institute in Milan; Paolo Giachi, architect and founder of Giachi Design Milano, known for collaborations with prestigious maisons such as Prada; Ardi Asllani, multidisciplinary artist; and Nensi Seferi, expert in legal protection for design and brands. This debut was not only an aesthetic celebration, but also a strong statement of intent: Albania no longer simply observes international fashion, it interprets it, embraces it, and from today onward, contributes to redefining its future. “When I imagined Albania Fashion Week, I was not simply thinking about a fashion week. I was thinking about something that did not yet exist here: a real, vibrant space where fashion could become language, connection, and opportunity.
I have always believed that Albania possesses talent, energy, and creativity that deserve to be recognized beyond our borders, not as an exception, but as a system. At the same time, I felt the need to bring the world here, to bring voices, experiences, and names to Tirana that could engage with the new generations of designers. AFW® was born from this need, but also from a promise made with great responsibility: to build a real bridge between Albania and the international capitals of fashion.
Not an abstract idea, but something tangible, something to be lived and built season after season. Seeing this project take shape today, seeing young talents engage with international professionals, and seeing Tirana become a point of reference for three days, confirms that this vision was not a distant dream, but a possible path. And this is only the beginning,” firmly stated Gentiana Dervishi. “I would also like to thank the Municipality of Tirana for its support and shared vision, Kastrati Group and Mercedes-Benz Albania for believing in the strength of this project from the very beginning, and RTSH – Radiotelevizioni Shqiptar, GXFW, for professionally telling and amplifying every moment of this first edition. Albania Fashion Week® is the result of a concrete collaboration between institutions, businesses, and media that have chosen to invest in culture and in the future of fashion in our country.” The creations of students from Albania Design Academy, a professional school active for 17 years, including Armela Harzi, Aslama Galicaj, and Ezgi Ozalan, were showcased on the runway, highlighting the talent shaped by teachers such as Ardi Asllani and Elsida Pepa.
Beyond education in design and pattern making, the academy offers complementary courses and post-graduation support, facilitating students’ entry into the fashion industry, where many former students have already established successful careers. Armela Harzi, designer and founder of the brand Harizelle, presented a project born from individual research and translated into a precise creative language, where attention to detail and the construction of form become central elements. Her collection “Spice Mirage,” inspired by the universe of Dune, portrays a femininity moving through an extreme and hostile environment, where strength, survival, and elegance coexist in perfect balance. The silhouettes, long and fluid, alternate between lightness and structure, with more defined volumes in the upper part that give strength and presence to each garment. The materials, transparent and weightless, create layering and movement, while the color palette focuses on deep tones, with dark red as the dominant element. The result is a collection built on the contrast between lightness and structure, defining a clear and recognizable aesthetic. Aslama Galicaj, with the brand BAJZA, presented an impressive collection.
His journey began in the field of visual arts, between painting and installations, where he developed a particular sensitivity to the relationship between material and the body. This approach naturally evolved into fashion design, where fabric becomes not only functional but also an expressive medium. BAJZA fits into a contemporary minimalist research, characterized by essential lines, balanced structures, and a careful selection of materials. The silhouettes prioritize comfort and naturalness while maintaining a strong urban identity and a recognizable character. Every element is the result of a conscious construction process, where aesthetics and functionality constantly interact.
The brand’s goal is to establish a clear voice within the contemporary fashion landscape through consistency, quality, and an essential yet structured vision. Ezgi Özalan is a designer of Turkish-Albanian origin, born in Istanbul and raised in Albania. She studied Scenography and Costume Design at the University of Arts in Tirana and later at the Albanian Design Academy, where she focused on garment construction and production. She is currently developing her own brand, Özalan’s. Her collection “Elysium” is based on clean and controlled silhouettes, while fabrics are used to create gradual color transitions. The color palette consists of balanced tones that highlight the shape and structure of each garment. Bettina Alili Huseni is a designer and founder of the brand BETTINA, created during her years of study at the European University of Skopje. The brand focuses on creating garments and accessories with an elegant and contemporary aesthetic, with particular attention to quality, detail, and refined craftsmanship. The designs combine classic elements with modern references, building a recognizable and coherent style. All products are made in Kosovo, reflecting a commitment to quality and responsible production. In 2022, the brand opened its first showroom in Ferizaj, creating a dedicated space for presenting its collections. The “Étoile” Spring/Summer 2026/27 collection marks the debut of BETTINA’s couture line and is inspired by the atmosphere and urban aesthetic experienced by the designer during her visits to Paris.
The collection is characterized by structured silhouettes, with the use of corsets to shape the body, combined with light and fluid elements. The materials include lace, organza, tulle, velvet, and silk, enhanced by hand-applied details such as decorative flowers, crystals, and luminous elements. The color palette and the treatment of materials create a balance between classic elegance and a contemporary approach, building a clear identity for the collection. Klarisa Vulaj is a designer and creator of the brand LUVA, developed as a label that considers clothing as a form of personal expression, built on experiences and inner emotions translated into shape and structure. The collection “COR VIVUM” consists of ten garments and is inspired by the designer’s personal experiences, which take form through design. The heart motif appears in a three-dimensional form as the central element of the collection. The silhouettes are clean and controlled, creating a contrast between structured elements and lighter details. The color palette is dominated by dark tones, with particular emphasis on deep red. The materials and garment construction are used to highlight this balance between strength and sensitivity, while maintaining an essential approach to design. LUVA builds a clear identity through the connection between personal experience and the form of clothing. Delfina Dehari is a designer from Kërçova who creates under her own name.
She completed her studies in Fashion Design at AAB College and specialized in styling and pattern making at the French Fashion Institute “Izet Curi.” She also obtained her master’s degree at AUE-FON, with a focus on fashion design. Her collection “The Roots” explores the connection between personal identity and cultural heritage, translating traditional elements into a contemporary vision. The silhouettes are structured, with the use of precisely crafted corsets and clean lines. Asymmetry and the contrast between strong forms and lighter elements create a controlled balance within the design. The color palette includes deep tones, while the materials are selected to preserve the garment’s shape and structure. The collection creates a clear link between traditional references and modern interpretation, building a distinctive identity in design. Etnik Shala is a designer from Peja who creates under his own signature. Throughout his career, he has developed a distinctive style that combines elements of contemporary fashion with references to cultural heritage. His creations are characterized by a structured approach, meticulous attention to detail, and a combination of traditional elements with modern forms.
His collections, including “Symphony of Flowers,” “White Swan,” “Geisha,” “Brymé,” “Muze,” “Xenon,” and “Alexei 2025,” have been presented on international stages, earning recognitions such as the Grand Prix at the Big SEE Fashion Design Awards (2019, 2022) and the Public Choice Award in Sarajevo. He participated in the inaugural edition of Albania Fashion Week and recently presented in Milan during GX Fashion Week (2026). Alongside his work as a designer, he has held creative director roles and is actively involved in supporting and developing new generations within the fashion industry. His creations establish a clear connection between cultural references and a contemporary approach, giving life to a distinctive design identity. Fabio Porliod is a designer from Valle d’Aosta, Italy, who creates under his own name. His interest in fashion began during childhood, influenced by his family’s tradition in the clothing industry. He later developed his skills at Accademia del Lusso in Milan, focusing on drawing and design. His creations are characterized by fluid lines, clean shapes, and a balanced approach between elegance and simplicity. The color palette combines classic tones such as black and white with softer shades. His collections, including “Art&Tech,” “Régine,” “Cosmopolitan Goddess,” “La Dolce Vita,” “Phoenix,” and “Rebirth,” have been presented in cities such as Milan, Paris, Dubai, and Beijing, as well as at international events including the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, and the Rome Film Festival. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with public figures and well-known artists, while also expanding his work with perfume lines and the opening of his first boutique in Italy.
Initially focused on eveningwear and couture, the brand later expanded into women’s and men’s prêt-à-porter, maintaining an approach centered on quality and refined craftsmanship. Fabio Porliod’s creations are built on a clear and distinctive style, with particular attention to form, materials, and aesthetic balance. Marina Banovi? is a designer from Podgorica, where she lives and works. She graduated in Fashion Design in Belgrade, with a focus on contemporary clothing. Throughout her career, she has presented her creations at international events such as AltaRoma Alta Moda, Miami Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Thessaloniki Fashion Week, as well as on regional fashion platforms. For years, she has collaborated with the Montenegro Olympic Committee in designing uniforms for national teams at the Olympic Games, and she has also developed projects for institutional uniforms and the hospitality sector. Alongside this, she is involved in teaching and educational projects related to recycling and sustainability in fashion. Her creations focus on the reinterpretation of traditional elements from Montenegrin and Balkan costumes, combined with contemporary forms. She uses handmade embroidery and natural materials such as silk, linen, and hemp.
Her work builds a clear connection between cultural heritage and modern design, with a focus on structure, detail, and sustainability. Xheksil Muça is a designer from Tirana and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in “Textile and Fashion” at the University of Arts in Tirana. He is the creator of the brand “Plisi,” inspired by the traditional Albanian headdress of the same name, which serves as the starting point for developing the identity of his collections. His creations focus on reinterpreting elements of Albanian folklore through a contemporary lens. The color white is a recurring element in his collections, used as the foundation for constructing form and composition. He presented the collection “The Brides” at Feeric Fashion Week (2024) and the collection “Illyris” at an Albanian competition, where he was awarded third place. His work develops around the connection between tradition and modern form, with a focus on building a clear identity based on cultural references. “Dete” is a clothing line for girls, created by Elisabeta Katiaj in collaboration with designer Estela Koni. The collection includes garments for the age range of 4 to 16 years, created with particular attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The designs are characterized by refined embroidery, lightweight materials, and a clean aesthetic, intended to maintain simplicity and elegance in children’s fashion. Katerina Matoshi is a textile engineer and fashion designer. Her technical background strongly influences her design approach, with particular attention to materials and garment construction. She has worked in quality control for international brands such as Burberry, Versace, and Max Mara. She is the founder of the brand Caterina Mató, which combines design and technical expertise, with creations focused on form and materials.
A special acknowledgment also goes to all the hair stylists and make-up artists who, with talent and sensitivity, helped shape the aesthetic identity of the runway collections, enhancing each designer and every creative vision. A fundamental contribution that deserves individual recognition: Diana Jaupi, Alex Radulescu, Bardas Alexia, Colesniuc Adrian, Rovena Kenga, Motoc Monica Alexandra, Lidiana Kockici, Rubjana Hyseni, Dorina Beci, Minushe Dauti, Selvana Medha, Marjeta Shahini, Ilirjana Kociu, Berolda Muca, Flutura Coniku, Drita Memaj, Michele D'Amico, Sonia Manfra, Eriseld Qosja. The success of this inaugural edition was also made possible thanks to an outstanding team, coordinated with professionalism and dedication under the direction of Alessia Xhafa. Equally central was the role of Arjentina Kola, who oversaw photographic coordination and image management through a meticulous process of research, planning, and visual construction—ensuring a coherent and structured narrative of the entire event, one capable of fully conveying its aesthetic and organizational identity.
