Flying Solo made a bold statement during this season’s Paris Fashion Week with a stunning showcase at the prestigious La Galerie Bourbon.
The presentation spotlighted a diverse array of emerging designers from around the world, each redefining fashion with their distinctive aesthetics. From avant-garde ready-to-wear collections featuring innovative materials to show-stopping red carpet gowns, the event captured a perfect balance of modern creativity and refined elegance.
Under the expert guidance of lead stylist Alina Kotsiuba, the runway came to life with impeccably styled looks that seamlessly merged apparel and accessories. Flying Solo thrives on collaboration, and this showcase was a testament to the synergy between designers across multiple disciplines, creating a visually compelling and cohesive fashion experience.
Beyond the runway, Flying Solo continues to expand its global influence, fostering connections between independent designers in Paris, New York, and beyond. The event’s photography and videography team, led by Mariya Nicole, expertly captured every striking moment. Photographers Nick Naida, Bruno Meireles, and Yuri Felix brought the show to life through their stunning visual storytelling.
A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed sponsors for their generous contributions, which enhanced the guest experience:
- Contes De Parfums (https://contesdeparfums.com/) – A fragrance line where every scent narrates a unique story.
- Scents of Africa (https://www.scentofafrica.com/) – A tribute to African heritage through rich, immersive fragrances.
- Eye’m The Balm (https://eyemthebalm.com/) – A beauty brand revolutionizing skincare with high-quality, nourishing products.
With every season, Flying Solo continues to push the boundaries of creativity, remaining dedicated to championing independent designers and celebrating the artistry that makes fashion an ever-evolving force.
TRUVAI jewellery
Jenny Lillian founded TRUVAI jewellery, a Canadian brand inspired by her travels across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Named after the French word “trouvaille,” meaning “a lucky find,” TRUVAI features sustainable jewelry that tells the story of its artisans and origins. Starting with a small group in Vietnam, Jenny has expanded her brand to support diverse communities, focusing on impactful and eco-friendly designs.
TRUVAI’s collections highlight local craftsmanship and materials. The Kenyan line uses recycled scrap metal from Kibera, providing artisans with sustainable income and helping clean the environment. In Afghanistan, the collection features locally mined gemstones set in gold vermeil, supporting Kabul’s jewelers amidst ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, the Indonesian collection preserves traditional Balinese techniques with locally sourced pearls, showcasing detailed craftsmanship that contributes to community empowerment and cultural preservation.
Studio Zard
Studio Zard, founded by Tio and Ivan, transcends traditional jewelry design by creating pieces that narrate personal stories. Specializing in everything from daily wear to bespoke engagement rings, each piece is crafted to celebrate and preserve personal histories, making it a timeless keepsake for generations. Choosing Studio Zard means embracing jewelry that not only adorns but also embodies significant life moments.
The brand was born from a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the emotive power of jewelry. Motivated by the idea that jewelry should hold memories and mark milestones, Tio and Ivan launched Studio Zard. Their latest “Cosmo” collection highlights this philosophy with hand-sculpted pieces that blend boldness and intimacy, each item reflecting the wearer’s individual story and style through its unique design and craftsmanship.
ODD HON HATS
Founded in 2023 by Brook, an NCAD graduate and skilled milliner from Ireland, ODD HON: is a unique hat brand that combines traditional techniques with sculptural designs. Each hat is a handmade artistic statement, crafted to challenge traditional styles and appeal to individuals who value distinctiveness in fashion. Brook’s background as a balloon artist infuses creative and meticulous craftsmanship into the designs.
ODD HON:’s latest collections include “Geometrical Flaneuse,” inspired by Art Deco, and “Coffee Beans Family,” which reflects the shades of coffee beans from dark to unroasted. The “Kintsugi” collection showcases hats that celebrate the Japanese art of repairing with gold, emphasizing uniqueness and beauty in imperfection. Brook advises aspiring fashion designers to develop a distinctive style and passionately pursue their creative visions.
Aesthetic Appeal Jewelry
Shaunyta, founder of Aesthetic Appeal Jewelry, left her law career to create a sustainable, family-run brand specializing in ethically sourced jewelry and handmade recycled silk kimonos. What began as a creative outlet became a full-time passion, crafting unique pieces that honor nature and empower self-expression.
Her latest collection, Tuttiaire, celebrates bold body jewelry with intricate gemstone details, symbolizing craftsmanship and empowerment. She advises aspiring designers to trust their intuition, stay authentic, and take risks, believing that passion and dedication create a meaningful and lasting brand.
Fundae
Fundae is a fashion brand that blends elegance, strength, and sustainability, creating vibrant, multi-use designs that celebrate individuality while protecting the planet. Inspired by a love for shoes and the ocean, the brand fills a gap in stylish, eco-friendly fashion with thoughtfully crafted, durable pieces.
More than a brand, Fundae is a community that empowers self-expression and confidence. Founded by a media veteran turned designer, it encourages go-getters to follow their dreams, embrace their uniqueness, and spread joy—one sustainable step at a time.
Binadi
Binadi merges abstraction with fine jewelry, celebrating the beauty of natural imperfections and empowering women through bold, organic designs. Crafted with meticulous wax carving and precious gemstones, each piece symbolizes confidence, self-discovery, and a deep connection to nature.
Founded by Nadi Binder in Berlin, Binadi embraces body neutrality, creating jewelry that interacts with the wearer to highlight their unique form. As a mother and entrepreneur, Binder infuses passion into every piece, redefining conventional jewelry with artistry and individuality.
Attach
Daria Shevchenko, founder of ATTACH, created the Attach Flip Case, a luxury phone case with a refillable cosmetic kit, merging style and practicality. Inspired by how people carry their phones and beauty products daily, it ensures effortless touch-ups without extra clutter.
More than an accessory, ATTACH is a statement of confidence and convenience. Shevchenko advises aspiring designers to focus on purpose—solving real problems and creating meaningful connections to build a lasting brand.
SOLOMEINA
Sisters Elizabeth and Ekaterina Solomeina, second-generation jewelry designers, honed their craft under their mother’s guidance in Russia. Prodigies from a young age, they gained recognition in design and digital arts, with Elizabeth joining Art Lebedev Studio at 17. Their careers led them to New York and London, where they founded Solomeina Inc. in 2009, winning a D&AD award, co-authoring London Design, and appearing in TED Talks.
In 2014, they launched SOLOMEINA, a jewelry brand blending their expertise in design and sculpting with constructivist-inspired aesthetics. Their bold, edgy creations redefine contemporary jewelry, showcasing their artistic vision and innovative craftsmanship.
EYE’M THE BALM
EYE’M THE BALM is a vegan, organic skincare product designed to nourish and hydrate the skin while supporting a healthy microbiome. Formulated with carefully selected natural ingredients, it repairs damaged skin, soothes irritations, and improves overall texture, promoting a radiant complexion. Committed to ethical and environmental values, the balm aligns with a clean beauty approach, ensuring a pure and effective skincare experience.
Designed for the delicate orbital region, EYE’M THE BALM is a versatile essential that can be used from head to toe—on the scalp, hair tips, hands, and feet. Its multi-purpose benefits make it a must-have in any skincare routine. Packaged in eco-friendly materials, the brand prioritizes sustainability, minimizing environmental impact while delivering high-quality, nourishing care.
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