Russia’s fashion industry is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. As Western brands have receded from the market, a powerful wave of import substitution, the rise of local designers, and a strategic pivot toward new international partners from Turkey, China, India, and the Middle East have reshaped the landscape. At the heart of this new ecosystem are the country’s premier fashion events—bustling trade shows and spectacular weeks that have become essential for anyone looking to understand, enter, or expand within this massive market.
Here is your guide to the most significant fashion industry events in Russia.
CPM – Collection Première Moscow: The Industry’s Powerhouse
If there is one event that serves as the absolute cornerstone of the Russian fashion business, it is CPM – Collection Première Moscow. Held biannually at the sprawling Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, CPM is the largest international fashion trade show in Russia and the EAEU countries. It is not merely an exhibition; it is the central meeting point for the entire industry ecosystem.
Each season, CPM brings together approximately 1,000 participating companies and over 20,000 trade visitors, including retailers, distributors, buyers, and media. The show is structured around a powerful B2B model focused on pre-orders for upcoming seasons. For instance, the 45th season (February 2026) featured over 700 brands from 23 countries presenting their Fall-Winter 2026/27 collections. The upcoming 46th season (September 1-4, 2026) will showcase the Spring-Summer 2027 collections, continuing this critical rhythm for the market.
Beyond the vast exhibition halls filled with womenswear, menswear, lingerie, footwear, and accessories, CPM offers two other critical components:
- Russian Fashion Retail Forum (RFRF): A massive business forum attracting over 200 top speakers from not only fashion but also banking (Sberbank), tech (Yandex, Ozon, Wildberries), logistics, and retail real estate. This is where the business of fashion is dissected and debated.
- CPM Fashion Stage: A dedicated catwalk venue where dozens of brands, from renowned Russian designers like Alena Akhmadullina and Igor Chapurin to international houses, present their collections to buyers and celebrities.
The international presence at CPM is particularly noteworthy, reflecting Russia’s new trade realities. The February 2026 edition saw strong contingents from Turkey (over 100 brands), China (over 140 brands), India (over 20 brands), Italy (over 50 brands), and Belarus (over 20 brands). For international brands and manufacturers, CPM is the single most effective gateway to the Russian and CIS fashion market.
Moscow Fashion Week: Celebrating Creativity and Global Dialogue
While CPM is the commercial engine, Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) is its creative and cultural counterpart. This event has cemented its status as a vital fixture on the international fashion circuit, serving as a grand finale to the traditional season that begins in Paris and Milan.
Moscow Fashion Week is a powerful platform for both established Russian heritage houses and emerging avant-garde designers. It bridges the gap between luxury, sustainability, and international collaboration. The event showcases a sophisticated mix, with leading domestic talents like Alena Akhmadullina, Sergey Sysoev, and the House of Leo presenting alongside international guests from Spain, China, and Turkey.
For attendees, MFW offers a unique lens through which to view the evolving aesthetic of Russian fashion. Recent themes have included a strong focus on sustainable luxury, with brands like Spain’s Madame & Mister Sibarita debuting collections using organic fabrics and innovative materials like tomato-based vegan leather. At the same time, a revival of mid-century glamour and ultra-feminine silhouettes is also prominent. This is the event for spotting trends, discovering new designers, and witnessing the cultural narrative of Russia’s fashion future.
Other Key Events and Strategic Importance
Beyond these giants, the fashion calendar includes specialized events that cater to specific niches. The dreams by CPM exposition, held within the main CPM show, has become a dedicated and influential hub for the lingerie, beachwear, homewear, fitness, and sleepwear segments. Another notable event is the CPM designerpool, a special project corner and networking space that supports young designers and winners of competitions like the “Admiralteyskaya Igla”.
Why should international fashion professionals pay attention?
- A Market in Transition: With the departure of many Western brands, a significant void has been created. Russian retailers and consumers are actively seeking new suppliers, brands, and concepts, creating a window of opportunity for companies from Turkey, China, India, and other “friendly” nations.
- The Rise of Local Powerhouses: Russian brands like Tatyana Parfenova, Alexander Bogdanov, and Savage are expanding and gaining loyalty. Partnering with, or understanding, these local giants is key to navigating the market.
- E-Commerce Integration: Both CPM and MFW heavily feature Russia’s massive e-commerce players like Wildberries, Ozon, and Lamoda, highlighting the crucial role of online retail in the country’s fashion ecosystem.
- Practical Hub: The vast majority of major events are held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow, a world-class venue that is easily accessible. Russia’s visa and travel processes are also becoming more streamlined for attendees from partner countries.
Russia’s fashion events are no longer just regional showcases. In 2026, they are dynamic, resilient, and increasingly influential platforms that are actively shaping a new era for the industry. Whether your goal is to secure wholesale orders at CPM, scout the next wave of creative talent at Moscow Fashion Week, or understand the technical innovations in the dreams by CPM segment, the Russian fashion calendar is packed with essential appointments. For global fashion professionals looking east, Moscow is the place to be.
