Bench Bello, founder of the Manila International Fashion Film Festival, will represent the Philippines at the upcoming BRICS+ Fashion Summit, a global platform shaping the future of fashion. The event will gather leaders from fashion associations, textile and manufacturing companies, industry experts, designers, and buyers from more than 60 countries. It will take place in Moscow from August 28 to 30.
Expanding Global Fashion Collaborations
Over the past three years, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit has highlighted the rise of new fashion industries in more than 90 countries. The summit has also coincided with the rapid growth of Moscow’s fashion sector. Participating countries have ranged from Brazil and Ecuador to the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, South Africa, India, and China.
The platform creates opportunities for collaboration among designers and fashion associations from diverse regions. It has been key in opening new avenues for growth and reinforcing global partnerships. Moscow continues to strengthen its position as both a hub for creative industries and an influential player in the international fashion arena.
Strategic Themes at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit
The Summit’s Business Program will address several important themes. These include:
- Sustainable production
- Creativity and innovation
- Professional education
- Expansion of international trade relations
- Shared challenges of BRICS+ nations and the broader global fashion community
These discussions aim to provide practical solutions that support industry development while building stronger connections across nations.
Bench Bello’s Role and Insights
Bench Bello will bring expertise and perspective from the Philippines to the global stage. His participation underscores the Summit’s mission to strengthen cooperation, foster cultural exchange, and give visibility to emerging fashion brands from developing regions.
“BRICS+ Fashion Summit gives the participants proper visibility, voice, and validation on the global stage. This is more than a networking event—it is a bridge that empowers emerging economies to transform fashion into a tool of cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and global influence,” shares Bench Bello.
His contribution reflects the importance of providing platforms for countries like the Philippines to present their creative industries to a global audience.
Moscow Fashion Week and the World Fashion Shorts Festival
Running alongside the Summit, Moscow Fashion Week will take place from August 28 to September 2. The event will showcase Russian designers as well as brands from 10 countries, including Brazil, South Africa, China, India, and Spain.
As part of Moscow Fashion Week, the World Fashion Shorts Festival will also take place in collaboration with the Manila International Fashion Film Festival. This curated showcase will feature short films from different parts of the world. Each film will highlight cultural diversity and present new, creative perspectives on fashion.
By linking film and fashion, the World Fashion Shorts Festival will expand the cultural dialogue and celebrate innovation in storytelling within the industry.
Strengthening the Philippines’ Global Fashion Presence
Bench Bello’s presence at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit and his collaboration with Moscow Fashion Week mark an important milestone for the Philippines. His role emphasizes the value of Filipino creativity and contributes to the broader mission of connecting the country’s fashion talent to international opportunities.
With representation at this scale, the Philippines joins global discussions on fashion’s role in culture, trade, and sustainable growth. The event also reinforces the significance of platforms that empower voices from emerging economies, ensuring their place in shaping the future of the global fashion industry.
