Flying Solo, the leading U.S. platform for independent designers, made a dazzling return to Milan Fashion Week with a showcase that celebrated innovation and global artistry. This year’s runway shows brought together 54 creative talents from around the world, each unveiling collections that reimagined the boundaries of style and craftsmanship on one of fashion’s most renowned stages.
Hosted in the enchanting gardens of the Four Seasons Hotel Milano, an oasis in the city’s famed Quadrilatero della Moda, the runway transformed into a vibrant tableau of ready-to-wear, couture, and avant-garde designs. Each look embodied Flying Solo’s ongoing mission to elevate emerging designers and celebrate fashion as a form of artistic expression and storytelling.
Curated under the creative direction of Alina Kotsiuba, the show seamlessly merged apparel and accessories, resulting in striking, unified statements of creativity and design excellence. The event’s dynamic atmosphere was captured through the lenses of Claudia Bianco, Paulina Jowita Koltun, Luigi Galvão, and Yuri Félix das Neves, with the videography team led by Mariya Nicole translating the essence of the runway into stunning motion imagery.
“Flying Solo was founded to give independent designers a powerful platform to share their vision,” said Elizabeth Solomeina, Managing Director of Flying Solo. “Celebrating our 40th runway show in Milan is a testament to our community’s strength and creativity,” added Jaqueline Lunkes, the brand’s Showroom Director. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in redefining what independent fashion can achieve on the world stage.”
Through its commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, Flying Solo continues to prove that innovation flourishes when creative voices are empowered. This milestone event not only spotlighted the exceptional talent of its global designers but also reaffirmed the brand’s role in shaping the future of fashion with purpose, passion, and vision.
ASBY
Founded by Aisha Bushlaibi, ASBY is a fashion house where modern elegance intersects with sustainable luxury and cultural heritage. The brand was born from Aisha’s desire to bridge the gap between visual beauty and deeper meaning in fashion. Each piece is crafted to tell a story, hold purpose, and reflect identity, transforming clothing into a medium for expression. Drawing inspiration from art, nature, memory, and movement, ASBY creates collections that are not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant, offering wearers a connection to heritage and individuality.
ASBY stands for timeless design, cultural storytelling, empowerment, and conscious fashion. The latest collection merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities, featuring rich textures, tailored cuts, flowing lines, and intricate detailing. By collaborating with jewelry brands and using sustainable, high-quality materials, ASBY turns every garment into a piece of wearable art. Beyond clothing, the brand encourages dressing with purpose, embracing individuality, and finding beauty in detail, proving that fashion can be a moving, living form of art.
AURELIA
Aurelia is a fashion label designed for women who embrace all sides of themselves—the graceful, the daring, and the playful. Its collections combine elegance with energy, offering pieces that feel alive, confident, and full of personality. Every design is meant to empower while celebrating individuality, creating clothing that moves with the wearer and sparks joy in everyday life.
Inspired by the fun and freedom of childhood dress-up, Aurelia encourages women to express themselves without boundaries. From statement silhouettes to thoughtful details, the brand crafts garments that are versatile, memorable, and full of character—fashion for those who want to stand out and make every moment their own.
BLIND SON
Blind Son is a contemporary fashion brand that seamlessly blends artistic expression with everyday wearability. Founded by designer Ece Köroğlu, a graduate of Istanbul’s Yeditepe University in Fashion and Textile Design, the brand offers a unique approach to fashion by transforming original sketches into wearable pieces. Each design is meticulously crafted, ensuring that creativity is at the forefront of every garment.
A defining feature of Blind Son is its commitment to using fabrics sourced from natural materials. This dedication ensures that each piece not only looks beautiful but also provides comfort and sustainability. The brand’s collections include a range of women’s apparel, such as sweatshirts, dresses, jackets, pants, bustiers, and sets, all designed to make a statement while remaining versatile for daily wear. With a focus on quality and originality, Blind Son caters to individuals seeking fashion that is both artistic and functional.
BOOTINBIKINIS
Bootin Bikinis is a women-driven swimwear brand founded by Carley Pinsonneault, focusing on femininity, uniqueness, and high-quality craftsmanship. The brand offers meticulously designed swimsuits that blend elegance with playful details. Each piece is crafted from luxurious, buttery-soft fabrics and adorned with custom elements such as lace trims, ruffles, and rosettes, ensuring a distinctive and flattering fit.
Bootin Bikinis celebrates confidence and individuality, offering swimwear that empowers women to express their personal style. What started as a small creative venture has expanded through collaborations with major retailers like PacSun, bringing the brand’s unique designs to a broader audience. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Bootin Bikinis continues to provide pieces that make every wearer feel confident and unique.
DESIGNZ BY MINAAZ
Designz by Minaaz is a fashion brand led by designer Minaaz Zafar, blending cultural influences with contemporary aesthetics. The brand creates pieces that go beyond trends, emphasizing personality, confidence, and artistic expression through textures, colors, and forms.
Known for its presence on international stages, Designz by Minaaz celebrates strong, modern women who value quality, originality, and style. Each collection reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a dedication to creating garments that are both visually striking and deeply personal.
DEVANSHI JAIN
Devanshi Jain is a multidisciplinary designer and artist who founded her eponymous atelier in 2020. Her practice exists at the intersection of art, fashion, and material research, creating wearable objects that serve as tactile narratives of her life. Drawing inspiration from her Jain heritage, Jain’s work is deeply rooted in non-violence and ethical material sourcing. She collaborates with artisans across India and partners with global innovators in plant-based materials to craft pieces that are both sustainable and emotionally resonant.
Operating from a reimagined 1970s brutalist structure in New Delhi’s Dera Mandi, Jain’s studio is a sanctuary for slow, experimental design. The space functions as a gallery, lab, and atelier, where each piece is developed through a process of biofabrication and storytelling. Materials such as algae foam, lotus silk, and hemp-based bio-resins are transformed into sculptural accessories, body adornments, and installations that challenge conventional notions of luxury and fashion. Jain’s work is a meditation on the interplay between nature, memory, and form, offering a glimpse into a future where design is both intentional and alive.
FRANCINI_K
Francine Keiser is a Luxembourg-based fashion designer whose couture creations have graced the runways of New York, London, and Paris Fashion Week. Known for her refined craftsmanship and eye for timeless elegance, she blends modern sophistication with artistic detail, creating garments that embody both luxury and individuality.
Her boutique, Francini_K, located in Luxembourg, serves as the heart of her brand — a space where couture meets contemporary style. Each design reflects her dedication to quality and creativity, offering clients not just clothing, but a statement of confidence, elegance, and global fashion sensibility.
GUSH COUTURE
Gush Couture by Felwa is a distinguished fashion label established in Saudi Arabia in 2014, renowned for its couture creations that seamlessly blend modern sophistication with cultural heritage. The brand’s ethos revolves around celebrating empowered femininity through meticulously crafted garments that embody timeless elegance.
Each collection by Gush Couture by Felwa is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, featuring limited-edition pieces designed to inspire and uphold the essence of luxury. The brand emphasizes exclusivity, creativity, and sustainability, offering designs that resonate with women seeking both style and substance. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Gush by Felwa continues to set new standards in the world of high fashion.
HUMAN CONNECTION
Human Connection Online is a contemporary fashion brand that champions the celebration of individuality and diverse beauty through its curated collections. Established in 2023, the brand offers a range of luxury clothing designed for women who embrace their unique identities and express themselves confidently.
With a commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, Human Connection Online provides garments that serve as both fashion statements and expressions of personal style. The brand’s philosophy centers on the idea that fashion is a powerful medium for connection, allowing individuals to showcase their true selves. Through its offerings, the label empowers women to embrace their authenticity and make meaningful connections with the world around them.
I AM
I AM is a contemporary fashion brand that seamlessly blends comfort with style, offering a range of women’s clothing and accessories that cater to the modern woman’s lifestyle. With a focus on versatility and freedom, I AM’s collections feature soft fabrics, trendy colors, and unique designs that make a statement while ensuring comfort throughout the day. Each piece is crafted to empower women to express their individuality with confidence and ease.
The brand’s offerings include a variety of wardrobe essentials such as T-shirts, shirts, and accessories, all designed to complement the dynamic and multifaceted nature of today’s women. Whether dressing for a casual outing or a more polished look, I AM provides stylish options that are both functional and fashionable. With a commitment to quality and design, I AM continues to be a go-to choice for women seeking clothing that reflects their personal style and active lifestyle.
JAVANFAR
JAVANFAR is a high-end fashion label founded by Kevin Javanfar, inspired by his heritage and a vision of originality and excellence. The brand embodies confidence, individuality, and a commitment to creating pieces that honor a lasting legacy.
Each garment is carefully crafted with attention to detail and authenticity, combining contemporary silhouettes with timeless craftsmanship. JAVANFAR designs encourage wearers to embrace their uniqueness, exude confidence, and carry the spirit of youthful achievement in every aspect of their daily lives.
LA GHADHADHAH
LA GHADHADHAH is a luxury fashion brand that transcends traditional clothing, transforming garments into wearable artworks that express culture, craftsmanship, and individuality. Each piece is meticulously designed to evoke emotion and inspire connection, blending heritage with modernity to create timeless beauty and refined sophistication. The brand celebrates the richness of human expression, inviting individuals to explore a world where clothing becomes a medium for introspection and grace.
Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistic luxury, LA GHADHADHAH offers limited-edition and bespoke pieces that honor the interplay between tradition and innovation. Every stitch, fabric, and detail is an ode to the art of storytelling, producing creations that resonate with the soul. More than just a brand, LA GHADHADHAH represents a movement toward artistic elegance, paying tribute to the everlasting beauty and inner strength we all possess.
LEANA
Leana Lab is a fashion brand that embodies the principles of timeless design, intentional living, and elevated craftsmanship. Their creations are characterized by limited collections that prioritize quality over quantity, resulting in pieces that are designed to last a lifetime. Each garment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that it not only serves as a functional item of clothing but also as a statement of elegance and purpose.
The brand’s philosophy centers on dressing with intention and treating one’s body with the utmost respect. This ethos is reflected in their designs, which aim to balance strength and softness, offering wearers garments that are both empowering and graceful. By focusing on limited editions, Leana Lab ensures exclusivity and a commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Their pieces are more than just clothing; they are an invitation to embrace a lifestyle of mindfulness and intentionality.
LIZZY GEE
Lizzy Gee is a fashion brand based in Brooklyn, New York, known for creating chic, sustainable designs for all genders and sizes. Their pieces frequently use recycled, upcycled, deadstock, and organic textiles — made to order or one-of-a-kind — reflecting their commitment to reducing waste and prioritizing ethical production.
The brand blends artistic storytelling with garments that make a statement while remaining wearable. Lizzy Gee exists not just as fashion, but as a language of identity, responsibility, and creativity.
MAISON DOUE
Doué is a fashion label founded with a mission to celebrate confidence, strength, and femininity. For the founders, fashion has always been more than just clothing — it’s a language of self-expression and empowerment. The brand was born from a desire to create pieces that make women feel powerful, put-together, and proud of who they are. Every design reflects this ethos, combining elegance with intention to help women own their energy and showcase it through their wardrobe.
The latest Doué collection draws inspiration from transformation and growth, exploring the in-between spaces where women step into new phases of life. The pieces are designed like modern armor: strong, beautiful, and versatile, allowing the wearer to face whatever comes next with confidence. With a focus on refined strength and timeless femininity, Doué continues to empower women to express themselves boldly, while maintaining authenticity, purpose, and sophistication in every garment.
MAXIMME ADRIEN
Maximme Adrien is a fashion brand that thrives on instinct and originality, created by Max Illa as a response to the limits of conventional design. The label turns personal discovery into bold, wearable art, offering silhouettes that break away from the ordinary while honoring individuality and strength.
Guided by its philosophy of “Disruptive Evolution,” Maximme Adrien blends sculptural shapes, rich lamb leather, and striking details like oversized flaps and dramatic cuffs. Each piece is designed to create harmony in contrast—celebrating change, amplifying confidence, and redefining what modern fashion can be.
MELERINEROSE INTERNATIONAL
Melerine Rose International is a luxury fashion label born from a deep love for community and a bold global ambition: to build the first international luxury brand originating from a township. The brand seeks to reimagine Africa’s place in the global luxury market by telling authentic stories, preserving rich cultural heritage, and creating a lasting legacy.
At its core, Melerine Rose International embodies empowered femininity and meticulous craftsmanship. Each creation is a limited-edition work of art designed to inspire, celebrate, and uphold women with timeless elegance. The brand emphasizes autonomy, creativity, innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices, while fostering a sense of exclusivity and luxury through every design, service, and experience. The latest collection, a personal homage to the founder’s mother, explores the duality of feminine resilience and masculine strength. Tailored silhouettes inspired by Italian heritage, rendered in a sophisticated palette of black, red, and accent colors, reflect African identity, personal history, and the pursuit of a bold dream. Through its work, Melerine Rose International tells a story of culture, perseverance, and empowered elegance that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
MUZA x MORFA 1998
Moralda Durra, founder of Morfa 1998, is a visionary Albanian designer whose work bridges cultural heritage and modern haute couture. Growing up immersed in craftsmanship and ethnographic tradition, Moralda channels her passion for history and artistry into sculptural, statement-making garments. Her designs draw inspiration from the Xhubleta, the traditional Albanian dress recognized by UNESCO, reinterpreting its voluminous forms and intricate details through a contemporary lens.
The latest collection, “A Thousand and One Threads”, presents eight sculptural pieces crafted from industrial black felt and rope, transforming heritage into modern art. Each garment embodies structure, memory, and narrative, celebrating Albanian identity while resonating with a global audience. Through Morfa 1998, Moralda tells a story of roots, resilience, and creativity, proving that fashion can honor the past while inspiring the future.
NAZIMAKNITS
NazimaKnits is a fashion brand that combines traditional crochet techniques with contemporary design, offering a wide range of handmade garments and accessories. Founded by Nazima Khan, the label is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and unique creations, including crochet bikinis, crop tops, hats, bags, and home accessories. Each piece reflects quality, creativity, and a personal touch that celebrates individuality.
The brand has gained recognition through showcases at major fashion events, including New York Fashion Week, and maintains a strong presence on social media. NazimaKnits continues to inspire a global audience by blending artisanal skill with modern style, creating pieces that are both fashionable and timeless.
PAPER DOLLS COLLECTION
Paper Dolls Collection is a fashion label founded by designer Natalie Soto, known for its unique fusion of slow fashion principles and street style aesthetics. The brand emphasizes sustainability and individuality, offering meticulously crafted pieces that blend artistic expression with wearable design. Each garment is thoughtfully constructed, reflecting a commitment to quality and a distinctive visual narrative.
The collection features a range of items, including graphic tees, mixed-media skirts, and accessories like woven handbags, each piece showcasing a blend of textures and influences. For instance, the “Street Art Graphic Dress Shirt” and “Mixed Media Bubble Skirt” exemplify the brand’s dedication to innovative design and craftsmanship. By integrating elements of street art and contemporary fashion, Paper Dolls Collection creates a unique sartorial experience that resonates with those seeking individuality and artistic flair in their wardrobe.
PATUTI
Patuti is an American brand that fuses Italian fashion heritage with contemporary trends, creating chic and elegant collections for women. Inspired by Italy’s rich textile traditions, Patuti aims to bring refined luxury and impeccable craftsmanship into everyday life. Each piece is carefully designed to convey timeless elegance and the effortless sophistication characteristic of Italian couture.
The brand believes in fashion as a means of self-expression and inspiration. For Patuti, clothing is more than fabric—it’s a canvas where women can tell their stories, showcase individuality, and embrace confidence. The collections are designed to celebrate the diversity of women’s lives, whether for an evening out or a professional setting. Patuti also actively supports initiatives focused on women’s rights, education, and entrepreneurship, believing that empowered women contribute to a thriving society.
PAULINA’S FRIENDS
Paulina’s Friends is a fashion and textile design brand built on the philosophy of “wearable haute couture.” The label creates one-of-a-kind statement pieces that merge art, identity, and emotion. Each design is unisex, seasonless, and crafted from eco-friendly fabrics, vintage materials, and deadstock textiles, celebrating individuality while promoting sustainability and slow fashion values.
More than just a fashion brand, Paulina’s Friends is also a creative platform that connects fashion with art, lifestyle, and cultural dialogue. Through its collections, events, and exhibitions, the brand challenges conventional norms and highlights diversity across age, gender, and culture. Every piece is not only a garment but also a form of storytelling — a wearable expression of authenticity and inclusivity.
PHILLIPA SIGNORELLI
Blending art, technology, and design, Phillipa Signorelli creates garments that feel both futuristic and otherworldly. Her graduate collection, Perception, showcases a fusion of avant-garde techniques—such as laser cutting and machine pleating—with sculptural silhouettes, drawing inspiration from light artists like James Turrell.
“I find constant inspiration in my surroundings—art, nature, and architecture. These influences always emerge in my work, whether through shape, texture, or atmosphere,” says Phillipa. Comprising six looks, her latest collection offers a fully immersive experience, challenging traditional forms and reimagining the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
PROJECT N11
Designed in London, Project N11 is a fashion brand built on the idea that clothing should empower the individual. With a focus on bold expression and contemporary design, the label merges modern aesthetics with an inclusive spirit, encouraging wearers to embrace their own identity through style.
The brand’s first drop marks the beginning of a journey dedicated to creating pieces that go beyond trends, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to dress with confidence and originality. Project N11 is more than fashion — it’s a movement of self-expression and empowerment.
PS FASHION
PS Fashion, founded in 1996 by Slađana and Predrag Pantović in Čačak, Serbia, has grown from a small clothing workshop into one of the country’s largest fashion brands. With over 500 employees and flagship stores across the Balkans, as well as locations in Paris and Toronto, the brand has established a strong presence both domestically and internationally.
Known for its romantic yet strong aesthetic, PS Fashion creates stylish, versatile clothing for modern women, ranging from chic office wear to casual dresses and skirts. Emphasizing quality, craftsmanship, and elegance, the brand continues to celebrate the identity and confidence of women, earning recognition such as the “Moj izbor” award for the best domestic brand in clothing and textiles.
SF BY SARAH FUAD
SF by Sarah Fuad is a Saudi fashion designer celebrated for her refined occasion-wear and dedication to timeless elegance. Drawing inspiration from her early love of fashion and her mother’s enduring wardrobe, she built a brand that blends modern trends with classic sophistication.
Founded in 2020, Sarah Fuad creates designs for bold, confident women who value luxury, quality, and individuality. Each piece embodies grace and strength, crafted to empower women while honoring the beauty of timeless style.
SIREN COUTURE
Siren Couture offers a luxurious take on swimwear, designing unique, couture bikinis crafted for women who desire something extraordinary. Each piece is handmade and released in very limited quantities — only 12 styles per year, with just 4 pieces of each design available. The exclusivity ensures that anyone wearing Siren Couture is adorned in something truly rare, transforming every beachside or yacht event into a moment of standout elegance.
More than just swimwear, Siren Couture places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and detail. Their designs combine high-end materials, intricate finishes, and a sense of enchantment, aimed at clients who value sophistication and individuality. With appearances at runway events like Milan Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, the brand anchors itself in both fashion prestige and artisanal quality, making every Siren original not just a bikini, but a statement piece.
TONMOYEE
Tonmoyee Mokaddes is a fashion brand that merges Bangladeshi cultural heritage with contemporary design, creating sophisticated and vibrant clothing for women who value self-expression and individuality. Founded by Tonmoyee Mokaddes, the label is known for its intricate craftsmanship, bold colors, and attention to detail, offering pieces that tell a story and celebrate tradition in a modern context.
Based in New York, Tonmoyee Mokaddes has expanded its presence internationally, providing collections that resonate with women worldwide. Each garment combines cultural inspiration with contemporary style, offering unique fashion that bridges the past and present while empowering women to express their identity through clothing.
TRILLIONAIRE / THE TRILLIONAIRE CLOTHING
Trillionaire is a luxury streetwear brand based in the United Arab Emirates, founded in 2021 with the mission of raising street style into the realm of opulence. Inspired by minimalist design and the lavishness of its surroundings, the label combines clean aesthetics with ultra-premium materials like silks, leathers, and cashmere. Every piece is crafted to reflect sophisticated simplicity — keying into a lifestyle where less feels richer.
What truly sets Trillionaire apart is its commitment to ethics and cultural resonance. The brand builds collections that draw from the UAE’s blend of heritage and modernity, embedding Arabic calligraphic elements and references into their visuals while respecting sustainable practices in production. More than fashion, Trillionaire aims to cultivate a mindset — inviting wearers to express inner richness and confidence, not just outward status.
VAIDA
VAIDA is a German studio specializing in bespoke design and tailoring of wedding and evening dresses. Led by designer Vaida, the studio offers unique creations for brides seeking exclusivity and a flawless fit.
At VAIDA, every project begins with meticulous construction and fabric selection, ensuring dresses that perfectly enhance the wearer’s figure and reflect their individuality. The studio also provides services for updating vintage gowns, giving them a modern touch while preserving their original charm. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, VAIDA brings wedding dreams to life with elegance and sophistication.
ZAN STUDİO
ZAN, meaning “woman” in Farsi, is a fashion brand created exclusively for women, designed to celebrate strength, creativity, and individuality. The label embodies the balance of feminine and masculine energies, capturing the modern woman’s duality through bold, glamorous, and original designs. Each piece expresses volume, confidence, and sophisticated extravagance, creating a wardrobe that is both striking and empowering.
Focused on versatility and timeless style, ZAN crafts collections that not only shine individually but also complement and revitalize previous pieces. This approach allows women to mix, match, and evolve their wardrobe over time, creating new combinations that reflect their unique personality. Synonymous with power, elegance, and modern chic, ZAN is a brand for women of all ages who seek fashion that is as dynamic and confident as they are.
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