Monaco Fashion Days, held on May 21st at the prestigious One Monte-Carlo in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, brought together the elegance, creativity, and international spirit of the global fashion industry on the glamorous French Riviera. The exclusive event welcomed acclaimed designers, emerging talents, influencers, media representatives, and distinguished guests from around the world, transforming Monte-Carlo into a refined celebration of couture, luxury, and artistic expression.
A major highlight of the event was the Monaco Fashion Awards — an exclusive ceremony celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements within the international fashion industry. The evening combined breathtaking runway presentations with prestigious award recognitions, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of glamour, sophistication, and international prestige.
Among the standout participating designers and brands were AKEL COUTURE, ELSA FAIRY DRESSES, BY VEL, ARAFTU COUTURE, ELAW, LA MAISON OPALE, DAWN BRADBURY DESIGNS, and YESI ROSE FASHION — each unveiling unique collections that celebrated couture craftsmanship, elegance, creativity, and modern glamour before an international audience in the heart of Monaco.
LA MAISON OPALE
LA MAISON OPALE unveiled its celestial-inspired collection “Les Célestes,” created by designer Aurélie de Boisvilliers. The collection showcased entirely handcrafted macramé couture pieces inspired by goddesses, warriors, and luminous feminine energy. Through intricate knotting, flowing silhouettes, and poetic textile artistry, “Les Célestes” celebrated strength, grace, and the timeless beauty of the feminine spirit..
Through this remarkable presentation, LA MAISON OPALE highlighted the artistry of handcrafted couture and a unique vision of contemporary feminine elegance.
AKEL Couture
AKEL Couture unveiled the “Women like Crystals” collection, inspired by the elegance, strength, and uniqueness of women, drawing a poetic parallel between femininity and the brilliance of the world’s most precious crystals. Lustrous satin, intricate embroidery, sculptural silhouettes, and hand-applied crystal embellishments came together in a celebration of luxury, individuality, and modern couture sophistication.
The collection once again embodied AKEL Couture’s signature philosophy — “Shining is our DNA”.
AKEL Couture Kids
AKEL Couture in collaboration with international production center Babyphotostars, unveiled its enchanting new collection, Kids like Crystals. Inspired by the purity and sparkle of childhood, the Kids like Crystals collection celebrates the individuality of every child. Playful shimmer, delicate embroidery, and magical details transform each look into a fairytale moment.
ELSA FAIRY DRESSES
ELSA FAIRY unveiled its new couture collection “FLEUR,” created by designer Iryna Mykytiuk. Inspired by the delicate strength of petals and the sculptural beauty of blossoms, the collection transformed flowers into architectural couture statements through voluminous silhouettes, oversized floral details, layered textures, and refined craftsmanship.
Blending fantasy with structure and softness with precision, each look celebrated feminine evolution, elegance, and quiet strength, while further reinforcing ELSA FAIRY’s signature couture identity defined by emotional storytelling, sculptural beauty, and modern sophistication.
BY VEL
by Vel is a Ukrainian children’s and teen fashion brand founded by two sisters in 2019, transforming imagination, freedom, and childhood dreams into a unique fashion language. Continuing its signature Secret Garden story, the new collection “Alice Through the Looking Glass” invited guests into a poetic world where reflections, fantasy, and inner freedom merge into contemporary couture expression.
The collection featured airy flowing dresses, sculptural silhouettes, unconventional shapes, and delicate pastel tones reimagined from the brand’s earliest collections — symbolizing the brightest childhood dreams and emotions. Through its distinctive aesthetic blending tenderness, boldness, and playfulness, by Vel once again celebrated authenticity, creativity, and the magic that lives within every child.
VELINE by VEL
VELINE is the sophisticated evolution of the by Vel universe — a natural continuation of the brand’s aesthetic, now reimagined through refined silhouettes, modern femininity, and a bolder creative identity. The collection explored the balance between softness and confidence through elegant tailoring, sculptural corset details, flowing chiffon layers, and luxurious silk-touch fabrics that moved effortlessly with the body.
Defined by luminous satin, textured organza, delicate draping, and a restrained yet expressive palette of ivory, black, nude, and rich seasonal tones, VELINE embodied contemporary elegance with a couture-inspired spirit. More than a collection, VELINE represented the evolution of the brand into a new era of refined sophistication, strength, and timeless modernity.
ARAFTU COUTURE
ARAFTU COUTURE unveiled its new collection presenting a refined vision of modern femininity, where delicate craftsmanship met structured contemporary design. Centered around fine lace, silk tulle, fluid layers, and architectural silhouettes, the collection explored the balance between transparency and volume with effortless elegance.
Blending romantic influences with a confident contemporary spirit, each look highlighted lightness, grace, and sophistication through rich textures, refined construction, and expressive tones ranging from pure white to deep dramatic shades.
The collection was presented on the runway by the models of Cleopatra Models — the Romania-based modeling agency and talent development platform founded by former Miss Romania World 2002, Cleopatra Popescu.
DAWN BRADBURY DESIGNS
DAWN BRADBURY DESIGNS unveiled its new collection created by designer Dawn Bradbury. Inspired by the idea of combining comfort with effortless elegance, the collection featured sophisticated kaftans defined by fluid silhouettes, refined details, and a luxurious sense of ease.
Blending modern glamour with relaxed sophistication, each look reflected the brand’s signature aesthetic — timeless, graceful, and effortlessly wearable. Following a successful runway debut at Palm Beach Fashion Week at Mar-a-Lago, Dawn Bradbury Designs continues to gain recognition for its elegant vision of contemporary luxury fashion.
Dawn Bradbury, founder of DAWN BRADBURY DESIGNS, was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of Newest Fashion Designer of the Year in recognition of her elegant creative vision combining effortless luxury, femininity, and contemporary sophistication. Through her refined kaftan designs and inspiring creative journey, she continues to establish herself as a rising name on the international fashion scene.
YESI ROSE FASHION
YESI ROSE FASHION unveiled the “Rosa Primorosa Collection Couture,” created by founder and designer Yessie G. Hennessey. Inspired by the timeless beauty of roses, romance, and feminine elegance, the collection featured dramatic silhouettes, handcrafted floral details, flowing fabrics, and refined couture artistry.
Blending glamour with sophisticated femininity, each look celebrated confidence, beauty, and modern couture expression, creating a poetic fashion universe filled with passion, elegance, and artistic refinement.
Yessie G. Hennessey, founder of YESI ROSE FASHION, was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of Influential Fashion Icon in recognition of her sophisticated couture vision and romantic aesthetic. Through her elegant handcrafted designs inspired by femininity, glamour, and timeless luxury, she continues to captivate international audiences with her distinctive creative identity and refined couture artistry.
The following were also recognized as laureates of the Monaco Fashion Awards for outstanding achievements:
Rina Patel, founder of Style by RINA and House of Rina, was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of Best Red Carpet Stylist in recognition of her elegant and intentional approach to styling. Through her unforgettable red carpet looks embodying confidence, authenticity, and timeless sophistication, she continues to establish a distinctive presence within the international fashion and luxury scene.
Sofia Ognevskaya was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of Best Fashion Star in recognition of her elegance, artistic versatility, and international stage presence. As an actress, opera singer, Vienna Opera Ball debutante, and laureate of multiple international vocal competitions, she beautifully combines fashion, performance, and timeless sophistication on the international stage.
Enama Edine, founder of LA SUBSAHARIENNE, was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of Best Luxury Fashion Brand in recognition of her visionary creative direction and refined aesthetic. Through exceptional craftsmanship, powerful silhouettes, and a distinctive fashion universe where luxury, art, and contemporary elegance unite, she continues to establish a strong presence within the international luxury fashion scene.
Ana Miloykovich was honored at the Monaco Fashion Awards with the prestigious title of TOP Model in recognition of her elegance, refined image, and sophisticated approach to fashion and visual storytelling. As an internationally recognized model and Miss Europe 2021, she continues to captivate the European fashion scene through her distinctive presence, timeless style, and contemporary sophistication.
“Our mission is to create a prestigious international platform in the Principality of Monaco where designers from around the world can present their vision, share their story, and inspire through fashion as a universal language of beauty, culture, and identity.”
— Zoriana Semeniuk, Founder & President of Monaco Fashion Days
From couture elegance and refined craftsmanship to visionary creativity and modern glamour, Monaco Fashion Days once again established itself as an exceptional international platform where fashion, luxury, and culture meet in the heart of Monte-Carlo.
Key MUA: @svetakushnir
Key Hair: @svetlana__everest
Chief of Beauty Team: @makeup_paris_study
Producer: @zarina.semenyuk
Photo: @gennaropiscopoimmagini
Production: @monacofashiondays
