Though the summer season has officially begun, the refined atmosphere of May in Monaco continues to resonate. It is a month synonymous with celebration—marked by high-profile gatherings, cultural prestige, and a tempo that belongs distinctly to the Riviera. At L’Officiel Monaco, we look back at the defining moments of this exceptional period.
On May 18th, the iconic Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo set the stage for Monaco Fashion Days, an event that once again affirmed the Principality’s position at the intersection of luxury, fashion, and global influence. Against the backdrop of Belle Époque grandeur, the event welcomed a curated selection of established designers,emerging talents, and key figures from across the industry.
ARAFTU COUTURE
One of the weekend’s most anticipated moments was the Fashion Star Awards, an exclusive ceremony recognising creative distinction and international innovation. Among the featured maisons were Akel Couture & Babyphotostars, La Maison de Madame, Nina’s by Nina Dulovic, Limerense, Elfida’s Atelier Couture, Bakht Art, and Araftu Couture—each presenting new collections that captured the attention of a discerning global audience.
Beyond the runway, the event reflected Monaco’s enduring commitment to excellence—not only as a setting for glamour but as a cultural touchpoint in the international fashion calendar. In a world that moves quickly, May in Monaco remains a pause—a rare moment where elegance is not performed, but lived.
AKEL Couture
Ukrainian brand AKEL Couture, based in Germany, in collaboration with Babyphotostars international production center, 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.
Kids are like crystals — each one unique, each one glowing in their own special way. Step into a sparkling world of kids fashion, where every kids is a precious gem and every outfit tells a story of joy, creativity, and charm.
Zoriana Semeniuk, designer and founder of the brand AKEL Couture has been named the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards in the category of Best Fashion Designer, recognizing the brand’s outstanding creativity, craftsmanship, and impact on the fashion industry.
Babyphotostars has been named the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards as the Best International Kids Talent Production Center. This prestigious recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing young talent on the world stage.
La Maison de Madame, the esteemed Uzbek luxury womenswear brand founded by Mohinur Shamsutdinova — a visionary with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry — unveiled a new collection that redefines timeless femininity. Each piece embodies charm, sophistication, and impeccable craftsmanship.
In an era where modern women value both comfort and practicality, La Maison de Madame masterfully blends delicate elegance with refined design, elevating everyday fashion into an art form. With this collection, the brand continues its legacy of celebrating the strength and grace of contemporary women through fashion that is both wearable and poetic.
Also, designer and founder of the brand La Maison de Madame, Mohinur Shamsutdinova became the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards in the category of Best Fashion Designer. This prestigious nomination is a significant recognition of her visionary design, exceptional craftsmanship and long-lasting influence on the world of fashion.
La Maison de Madame
NINA’S is a luxury fashion brand from Montenegro that celebrates timeless elegance and femininity through sophisticated silhouettes, premium materials, and meticulously crafted details. Known for merging classic refinement with a modern touch, the brand is designed for women who value authenticity, quality, and enduring style.
The collection spans from tailored businesswear to exclusive evening gowns, with each piece reflecting the personal signature of designer Nina Dulovic—created to empower and highlight the grace of the contemporary woman.
The LIMERENSE brand, founded by Ukrainian designer Alina Matiukhina, made a strong impression by presenting a collection of sportswear that was designed digitally, which became a new chapter in the development of the industry.
For this outstanding contribution to digital fashion, Alina received the Fashion Star Awards in the category 3D Fashion-Tech Designer. Alina is a member of prominent business communities such as the Young Business Club and the Ukrainian Fashion Association, and she actively fosters international collaboration at the intersection of fashion and technology.
Elfida’s Atelier Couture unveiled its new collection, showcasing a striking array of opera coat ensembles paired with matching headpieces for a vintage yet contemporary look.
Key pieces included dramatic opera coats, caftan-inspired designs, shimmering kimonos, and a gender-fluid reversible hooded cape with an adorned fedora, highlighting the brand’s versatility.
Crafted from luxurious fabrics like satin, taffeta, and velvet, the collection featured rich embellishments, including embroidery and sequins. Inspired by the multicultural spirit of New York City, the collection blends global elegance with timeless couture.
Elfida Artinoff, designer of Elfida’s Atelier Couture, has been named the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards in the category of Luxury Fashion Designer. This prestigious honor recognizes her exceptional talent and lasting influence in the world of luxury fashion.
NINA’S
Wissal Labbane — Founder of Bakht Art, a Tunisian fashion house — embodies a unique vision where tradition and avant-garde meet. Born from a deep passion for textile art and timeless elegance, she founded her brand in 2017, initially specializing in customized home linens. Her creative universe soon expanded to include beach dresses, followed by caftans and reimagined Tunisian garments.
Through Bakht Art, Wissal delicately reinvents Tunisian sartorial heritage, infusing it with a futuristic and avant-garde aesthetic. Each piece tells a story — a bridge between past and future — where rich craftsmanship blends seamlessly with a boldly contemporary vision.
Wissal Labbane, Founder of Bakht Art, has been named the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards in the category of Best Luxury Caftans Designer. This prestigious recognition celebrates her visionary talent, unmatched craftsmanship, and profound influence on the global fashion scene in creating luxury caftans.
ARAFTU Couture unveiled its new collection, celebrating femininity through designs that blend elegance, refinement, and personal expression. Each piece is crafted to enhance natural grace and confidence.
Founded by Georgiana Mergiu Stavrositu in Romania, ARAFTU began as a family atelier driven by a passion for elegance, quality, and attention to detail. The brand has since gained international acclaim, captivating global stages from Feeric to New York, London, Dubai, and Arab Fashion Week. Known for its sophisticated aesthetic and premium materials, ARAFTU continues to inspire with creations that elevate feminine grace and set new standards in fashion.
Georgiana Mergiu Stavrositu, founder of ARAFTU Couture, has been named the Laureate of the Fashion Star Awards in the category of Best Couture Designer. This prestigious recognition honors her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of couture fashion.
LIMERENSE
Also recognized as Fashion Star Awards winners for outstanding achievements were:
IHAB JIRYIS has been named the Laureate, celebrating him as the finest Middle Eastern visionary in evening and bridal couture. From the tranquil town of Kfar Yassif in Galilee, Ihab Jiryis has gained acclaim for his ethereal eveningwear and intricately crafted couture gowns—each piece reflecting his deep passion for fashion and rich cultural heritage.
IRA LANGEVIN has been named the Laureate in the category of Breakthrough Designer of the Year. More than just an international fashion house, IRA LANGEVIN is a sanctuary of true beauty and timeless femininity. Each dress is a work of art—crafted with passion, precision, and a deep understanding of women—designed to tell their stories at life’s most celebrated moments and on the world’s red carpets.
DIANA BASSAM has been named the Laureate in the category of International Fashion Icon of the Year. Hailing from Monaco, Diana Bassam is a global symbol of elegance and sophistication. With her impeccable style, international presence, and sharp intellect, she effortlessly blends beauty, brains, and business—turning every appearance into a statement of timeless chic.
ALINA LESHCHYNSKA has been named the Laureate in the category of Hair Extensions Icon. A leading expert trusted by celebrities across Monaco and the French Riviera, Alina is the founder of the premium brand WOWHAIR and a top international educator in hair extensions. With over two decades of experience and a legacy of award-winning excellence. she continues to set new industry standards through her artistry, innovation, and dedication to professional training.
ELSA DELGADO has been named the Laureate in the category of Influential Fashion Icon. A Dutch–Cape Verdean supermodel with over a decade in the industry, Elsa has graced global runways from Milan to Cannes. From her early breakthrough with Frans Molenaar to starring in the iconic Vlisco Campaign, she has become a symbol of empowerment, representation, and global fashion influence.
OLGA NEFERTITI — singer, actress, and muse of the sacred fashion theater Aladini — has been honored with the title of Fashion Icon. Renowned for her opulent style and commanding stage presence, she also serves as the official face of The Beauty Queen magazine. A Grammy 2025 nominee and winner of numerous international vocal competitions, Olga captivates audiences at premier global fashion and beauty events. Her appearances include World Fashion Week Dubai under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Princess Anur Tatanaki, as well as high-profile pageants such as Miss & Mrs. Beauty, X-Boss, and Top 100 Most Beautiful Women.
SVITLANA ZAKHAROVA has been named the Laureate in the category of Best Fashion Icon. A Ukrainian-born lyric soprano, Svitlana bridges the worlds of classical music and high fashion with grace and emotion. From Miss Donbas Open 2011 to performances at Paris, Milan, and Monaco Fashion Weeks, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of vocal artistry and timeless style—proving that music and fashion are two voices of the same soul.
Elfida’s Atelier Couture
As part of the event, BlaqBerry—a captivating singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and electrifying stage presence—took the stage. Performing alongside her ballet troupe, BlaqBerry infused every performance with both elegance and energy. A regular at prestigious gala dinners in Monaco, she now graces the stage of Monaco Fashion Days, showcasing her signature style and powerful presence.
“Monaco Fashion Days is more than a fashion event – it’s a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and transformation,” said Zoriana Semeniuk, founder of the event. “We are proud to create a space where artistry meets creativity and where Monaco serves as a beacon for the fashion world.”
Monaco Fashion Days left an unforgettable impression, not only as a celebration of aesthetic beauty but also as a testament to fashion’s evolving role in shaping culture and consciousness.
Bakht Art
Credits:
Key MUA: @roksa_kravchuk_mua
Key Hair: @svetlana__everest
Coordinator MUA & Hair Team: @makeup_paris_study
Photo: @vasiliygalushkin
Fashion Director: @houseofrina2
Producer: @zarina.semenyuk
Production: @monacofashiondays