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Diversity Fashion Show 2026 Turns Fashion into a Bridge Between Cultures in Chișinău

On May 30, Chisinau, Fashion became a shared language of identity, creativity and belonging as the Diversity Fashion Show 2026 brought together people from different cultural and national backgrounds for an evening dedicated to inclusion and cultural exchange.

Held at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the third edition of the initiative welcomed designers, students, models, artisans, entrepreneurs, representatives of ethnic communities, government officials and members of the diplomatic community.

Founded by Yerie Mary Kamara and organized in partnership with ZIPHOUSE Fashion Innovation Hub, the Technical University of Moldova and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Republic of Moldova, the event created a space where traditional heritage and contemporary creativity could meet on the same runway.

The programme featured traditional clothing and modern fashion pieces inspired by Romanian, Ukrainian, Roma, Gagauz, Bulgarian, African and Asian cultures. Through colours, fabrics, music and artistic performances, participants shared stories about their communities, identities and traditions.

A central part of the 2026 edition was the participation of young people. In the months preceding the final event, youth from different communities took part in workshops and creative activities, working with donated fabrics and materials to develop their own designs and artistic concepts. Several of these creations were later presented during the show.

The collaboration also gave students of the Technical University of Moldova an opportunity to transform African fabrics donated by Yerie Mary Kamara into original fashion pieces, combining cultural influences with the ideas of a new generation of Moldovan designers.

“When I started this initiative in Moldova, my hope was to create a place where people could meet one another through creativity, beauty and mutual respect. This edition showed that fashion can preserve identity, tell important stories and bring communities closer. Diversity is not something that separates us - it is a strength that we can celebrate and share,” said Yerie Mary Kamara, founder of the Diversity Fashion Show and African Fashion Show for Charity.

“The Diversity Fashion Show 2026 showed how fashion can unite cultures and create meaningful dialogue between communities. A special part of this initiative was the involvement of UTM students, who created original collections using fabrics donated by Yerie Mary Kamara, proving how important it is to include young people in creative and international cultural projects that help develop their talent, confidence and future opportunities,” said Carolina Tulgara, Executive Director of ZIPHOUSE Fashion Innovation Hub.

“What we are seeing today is about much more than fashion—it is about connection. Through colors, fabrics and creativity, the Diversity Fashion Show brings people together and highlights the richness that diversity brings to Moldova. By creating spaces where different cultures, stories and voices can meet, we strengthen mutual understanding and build more cohesive communities. This is what social cohesion looks like: people from different backgrounds coming together with a shared sense of belonging and humanity,” said Ester Ruiz de Azua, IOM Moldova Chief of Mission.

The Diversity Fashion Show was launched in Moldova in 2023 as the African Fashion Show for Charity. Over three editions, the initiative has grown from a celebration of African fashion and charitable engagement into a wider platform for cultural diversity, women’s empowerment, minority representation and social cohesion.

The 2026 edition reflected this evolution by bringing local communities, young creatives, international partners and the diplomatic community together around a common message: every culture deserves to be visible, respected and celebrated.

Partners and supporters

The Diversity Fashion Show 2026 was founded and organized by Yerie Mary Kamara and the African Fashion Show for Charity, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Republic of Moldova, ZIPHOUSE Fashion Innovation Hub, the Technical University of Moldova and the National Museum of History of Moldova. Partner of the project in the Republic of Moldova, also the host of the 2 editions: Lara Moraru.

Thank you to all of you who made this event possible and remarkable:

• ZIP HOUSE FASHION HUB
• NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOLDOVA / MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ISTORIE A MOLDOVEI
• INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION / ORGANIZATIA INTERNATIONALA A MIGRANTILOR IN MOLDOVA
• TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOLDOVA / UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN RM
• CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN LIGHT INDUSTRY OF CHIȘINĂU / CENTRUL DE EXCELENTA IN INDUSTRIA USOARA DIN CHISINAU
• MOLDOVA MOVERS
• TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT GROUP – TMG SERVICES / SERVICII ECHIPAMENT LOGISTIC PENTRU EVENIMENTE
• UMBRA RESTAURANT – RESTAURANTUL UMBRA
• DATINUM WINERY / VINARIA DATINUM
• AQUA UNIQA – WATER / APA AQUA UNIQA
• MODELS BY ADI ACADEMY / MODELE PROFESIONISTE DE ADI ACADEMY
• MEDIA PARTNER: VOCEA BASARABIEI/ PARTENER MEDIA – VOCEA BASARABIEI
• INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY FOR SOCIETY / INSTITUTUL DE EDUCATIE SI PSIHOLOGIE PENTRU SOCIETATE
• NOTRE – MOLDOVAN BRAND OF SILK ATTIRE / NOTRE – BRAND MOLDOVENESC DE ȚINUTE DIN MĂTASE
• CASA CRISTEA MOLDOVAN FASHION BRAND OF CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE / CASA CRISTEA – BRAND MOLDOVENESC DE MODĂ ȘI ELEGANȚĂ CONTEMPORANĂ
• OPTICA FAMILIEI
• MAKE UP – ELENA TURLAC
• PHOTOGRAPHERS: ANDREI BEIU; TATIANA BUTUC
• RECORDING AND EDITING PROMOTIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO AND DOCUMENTARY FILMS: AMMEYYU TIGIST TOLA / ÎNREGISTRAREA ȘI EDITAREA MATERIALELOR VIDEO PROMOȚIONALE PENTRU REȚELELE SOCIALE ȘI A FILMELOR DOCUMENTARE: AMMEYYU TIGIST TOLA
• EVENT COVERAGE VIDEOS: THOMAS KRAL; MARIA FASTOVETS/ MATERIALE VIDEO EVENIMENT: THOMAS KRAL; MARIA FASTOVETS
• VOLUNTEERS AND PARTNERS OF THE SHOW: SVETLANA SHISHKINA, NICOLETTA SARA FRIGENI; AMMEYYU TIGIST TOLA; MARCELO LIMA; CAROLINA TULGARA; SOLIS; SARAH CHESTERS; TIMUR ZAJ; ULIANA IVANCO; MARIA DUMITRITA CIOBANU; MIHAI CUCOS; MIHAI TURCAN
• SPECIAL OTHER THANKS TO SUPPORTERS: EU DELEGATION; SERGIU CEBOTARI; VEACESLAV CEBOTARI; DOROTHA; SOLIS; CYNTHIA ELISOA ANTONELLA LUCITTI; INTERNATIONAL WOMEN CLUB MOLDOVA; MUSEUM MANAGEMENT – LIVIA ERMURACHI, ALEXANDRU ARGINT, OLGA ANDRANOVICI; LUDMILA STIHI; NICOLAE PORUBIN; CEZARA CEBANU; FELICIA JEREGHI; TATIANA MUNTEAN;
• SPECIAL GUEST AND INTERNATIONAL MODEL: KAMILA LUMOR
• EMBASSIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS: IOM, UN, EU DELEGATION; ROMANIA; CHINA; GREECE; INDIA; KAZAKHSTAN; AUSTRIA; JORDAN; EPHIOPIA; SIERA LEONE;
• MINORITY GROUPS: GAGAUZIA, ROMA, NIGERIA, INDIA
• BOARD 2026: YERIE MARY KAMARA, LARA MORARU, AMMEYYU TIGIST TOLA; NICOLETA SARA FRIGENI; SVETLANA SHISHKINA
• FOUNDER: YERIE MARY KAMARA

One of the key highlights of this year's event is the collaboration between African and Moldovan designers. Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, founder of the event, recently embarked on a journey to Holland where she handpicked exquisite African fabrics. These fabrics will serve as the canvas for Moldovan designers, who will skillfully weave them into stunning garments that will grace the runway.

This unique collaboration not only showcases the fusion of African and Moldovan design aesthetics but also provides an invaluable platform for young Moldovan designers to showcase their talent to a wider audience. By coming together in this creative endeavor, designers from both continents have the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and foster cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of fashion.

The impact of the African Fashion Show for Charity extends far beyond the runway. Last year's edition garnered attention not only within the local community but also in international publications. The event was featured in Sierra Leonian news outlets, highlighting its significance in promoting African culture and supporting charitable causes. Additionally, the prestigious FAWCO magazine, Inspiring Women, showcased the event, recognizing its role in empowering women and promoting diversity in fashion.

As the countdown begins to May 25, 2024, all eyes are on the runway, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of breathtaking designs, the rhythm of African beats, and the joy of giving back to communities in need. Join us as we embark on this journey of fashion and philanthropy.

General sponsor: ASICS - Asociatia pentru sustinere iniativelor comunitatii si sportului

Partners: National History Museum of Moldova, Regency hotel, Basavin Winery, TMG services, ZIP house fashion hub

Beneficiaries: Hospices of Hope Moldova, ZIP house fashion hub

The Success of African Fashion Show for Charity 2024: A Celebration of Creativity, Cultural Diversity, and Philanthropy

On May 25, 2024, the National History Museum of Moldova came alive with the vibrant colors and diverse styles of the African Fashion Show for Charity. This event, attended by 250 people, featured 12 stunning fashion collections, all united by a single purpose: to support charitable causes. Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, originally from Sierra Leone, the show is a testament to her passion for fashion and her dedication to philanthropy.

The event's face, international model Kamila Lumor, volunteered her time to support the cause, adding an extra layer of glamour and prestige to the occasion.

One of the key highlights of this year's event is the collaboration between African and Moldovan designers. Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, founder of the event, recently embarked on a journey to Holland where she handpicked exquisite African fabrics. These fabrics will serve as the canvas for Moldovan designers, who will skillfully weave them into stunning garments that will grace the runway.

The organizers of the second edition of the African Fashion Showcase for Charity are on the lookout for innovative services to make this event unforgettable. Here's your chance to be part of something truly special!

1. Capture the Moment: Do you have a talent for photography and videography? We need your skills to document every glamorous detail of the event on May 25, 2024. From stunning outfits and mesmerizing models to behind-the-scenes magic, we want it all captured in a short, compelling video and breathtaking photos. Plus, your behind-the-scenes footage will be featured in our social media reels and stories!