The best designers and creators will be selected in the CIS as part of the Creative Economy Days, scheduled for October 28–30, 2026. This international award will bring together professionals from the fashion and light industry across the Commonwealth, according to infohub.kz.
"The Creative Economy Days will take place on October 28–30, 2026, and will serve as a new platform for professional networking among representatives of the fashion industry, light industry, and creative economy of the CIS countries," the CIS Executive Committee said.
The event will succeed the international forum "Commonwealth of Fashion" and will unite leading designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, representatives of educational institutions, government agencies, and development institutions.
"One of the key program highlights will be the presentation of a special award, whose laureates can include designers, heads of light industry enterprises, teachers, staff of educational institutions, and students who create clothing, footwear, accessories, and develop modern creative industries," the CIS Executive Committee reported.
Applications are now open. Documents can be submitted via the official website of the "Commonwealth of Fashion" project until September 30, 2026. The competitive selection will run from July 20 to October 5, 2026, after which an expert jury will determine the winners. To participate, applicants must fill out a form on the project's official website.
Winners will be named in six main categories: "Innovative Production," "Designer of the Year," "Educational Project in Light Industry and Fashion," "Project in Healthy Fashion," "Employer in Light Industry," and "Best Student Project." In addition, two special categories are planned: "For Contribution to International Cooperation Development" and "For Best Social Project in Light Industry and Creative Industries."
"Each category has its own evaluation criteria. For instance, in the 'Designer of the Year' category, the jury will consider the originality and artistic value of the collection, relevance of design solutions, alignment with current market trends, quality of workmanship, and attention to detail," the organizers noted.
It is reported that the main goal of the award is to support professionals who shape the future of the fashion and light industry, implement innovative approaches, create sought-after products, and contribute to the development of the creative economy across the CIS.
Special attention will be paid to young talents. The award is expected to help unlock their creative potential, expand opportunities for professional growth, promote modern design, and strengthen cooperation between representatives of different countries.
The Creative Economy Days will bring together representatives from business, government, educational institutions, development institutes, and the professional community. The platform will serve as a venue for discussing the prospects of creative industries, sharing best practices, and implementing new joint projects in fashion, design, and light industry.
Participant registration will be open until October 23, 2026, via the link on the CIS Executive Committee website.