Yervan Fashion Week 2024 - Armenia

Yerevan Fashion Week 2024
*In Armenia, Weaving Tales of Excess and Escapism

written Chidozie Obasi

Designers are giving local customers what they want, but the gestures on contemporary fashion could benefit from some polish.

Oh, the places you’ll go when you come to Yerevan. Armenia’s cultural tapestry has managed to garner global acclaim for its crucial pole of manufacturers throughout the country, eulogising craft and its crafts makers for keeping their traditions alight.

Yerevan Fashion Week 2024
seen by AGHAYAN

seen by AGHAYAN

This season, however, designers went farther. They took elements of regional uniforms from all over the world and blended them together. At Yerevan Fashion Week, an intriguing aspect one could notice was a trace of the original Soviet architecture that remained intact across most of these collections, and even then one couldn’t be sure if the thick cut on the hems of a full check-patterned skirt evoked those of local wearers or the fringed trim of a fitted red-like topper with a peplum over a red-leather pants referenced something specific, or a white overcoat with partially undone breezy outerwear was a positively smart choice.

So Armenian designers were both excessive and escapist. In many ways, these complicated collections weren't about the experience of maximalism per se but rather, about the instant access to the escapes that the world provides. A pool of offerings were so hefty and cumbersome looking. Of course, craft and tradition have value, and we’ve seen some noteworthy examples of both during the shows, notably at Anciela, whose South American heritage cross-pollinates that of sustainable luxury: founded by Colombian-Chilean designer Jennifer Droguett, the brand highlights its dedication to environmental responsibility and artistic expression. At Anciela, it’s easy to see how these essential elements are helping develop a clear aesthetic for the brand: this season, hope was the central theme.

Anciela
seen by Asatur Yesayants

Anciela
seen by Asatur Yesayants

“We wanted a sustainable, British-based designer to come over to Yerevan and encourage her peers to show what she’s doing,” opined Fashion Scout’s Creative Director Martyn Roberts. “I was talking with Orsola De Castro, Co-Founder of Fashion Revolution, she advised on Jennifer’s work, how she’s fun, does community work and her interactive approach with the audience; I thought that she was exactly what would be great to show in Armenia.”

Roberts acknowledges the fact that Armenian designers are very professional, but “sometimes fashion comes across as being elitist, as it’s something you look at from a distance. Moreover, the way she interacts with the local communities is fantastic.”

How do designers do it? Despite the wealth of downturns that are shaping the creative industry with increasingly capricious pace, fashion designers managed work through the challenges of exporting their creations (placing them in concept stores and trade events) to recap some great offerings (case in point: outerwear, mostly) and weaker ones too (other case in point: the footwear, in most cases)—all the while still looking somewhat fresh and in sync with the current lexicon of fashion communication.

“The textile industry is not small, as we have quite big funds for jobs in the sector as well,” opined Vahan Khachatryan, designer and President of the Fashion Designers Council (FDC). “There are almost 10,000 jobs in textiles, so it's something that if it works it’ll allow one to be very competitive in the market.”

If those looked like tough sells with the designers’ own local clientele, there were plenty of other offerings to seduce the customers in a slew of collections that mostly stayed within their—and overall Armenia’s—comfort zone, making for eclectic outings for which these names are known.

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge *Bregenzerwald

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge
*Where Alpine Roots Meet Radical Design

written Monica de Luna

Architectural homage or alpine revolution? Fuchsegg Eco Lodge refuses to pick a side.

Straddling the line between nature and innovation, this alpine retreat disrupts the rustic clichés of mountain lodges with precision design, eco-consciousness, and an unapologetic focus on community. Six buildings, scattered yet connected, form the heart of a space that thrives on chance encounters. Whether in the sauna, the library, or over a glass of locally sourced wine, guests are co-conspirators in the art of living.

The eco lodge becomes one with its surroundings. Owner Carmen Can, rooted in the region, took the alpine aesthetic and twisted it into something audacious yet familiar. Traditional farmsteads serve as the blueprint, but here, it’s less about nostalgia and more about evolution. The architecture whispers alpine, but with a modern edge—clean lines, native wood, and stone set against windows that demand you rethink your relationship with nature.

Forget the buzzwords. Sustainability here is built into the DNA of the place. Fuchsegg’s design strips down luxury to its core: local materials, minimal carbon footprint, and a bio-nahwärme system that heats the entire complex with nothing but wood chips from nearby forests. Even the color palette nods to the landscape—the deep purples of wild blueberries and the earthy browns of the mushrooms Carmen Can used to forage as a child.

But it's the communal energy that makes Fuchsegg a space worth experiencing. The architecture practically begs for interaction. There’s no seamless connection between structures because you're meant to feel the earth beneath your feet. It's a design choice as much as a philosophy—one that insists on breaking down the boundaries between isolation and connection.
Want to hunker down solo? Go ahead. But if you're craving collective energy, rooms can be reconfigured into larger apartments for groups. It’s this flexibility, both physical and social, that defines the space. A retreat where rooms can grow and contract as easily as the conversations between guests.
And then there's the Gasthaus—a true communal hub that blurs the line between hotel and home. It’s where locals mix with visitors, and regional cuisine takes center stage. The kitchen embraces bold, hyper-local ingredients, using minimal intervention to create dishes that reflect the essence of sustainable dining. The wine list features local artisans who infuse their philosophy into each bottle, offering an authentic taste of the region.

There’s a tension here between reflection and creation. One moment you're buried in an art catalog from the lodge’s extensive library, and the next you’re brainstorming on the terrace with panoramic views of the Winterstaude. Even the lodge’s seminar rooms challenge the corporate mold—spaces that breathe with light, wood, and the openness of nature. Whether you're here for yoga or business, Fuchsegg accommodates and elevates the experience.

The sauna and year-round outdoor pool act as a soft reset, letting you detox under the Alpine sky. Yoga platforms edge the property, giving you a new way to connect with the environment.

The Fuchsegg experience is luxury without the gloss—unpolished, raw, but undeniably intentional. It's in the handcrafted furniture, the unpretentious vibe of the shared spaces, and the kind of design that feels less curated and more discovered.

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge offers a getaway and it dares you to rethink what a lodge can be. The lines between traditional and modern blur, and what emerges is a space that challenges the very idea of retreating. At Fuchsegg, you evolve.

visit Fuchsegg Eco Lodge Website www.fuchsegg.at
follow on Instagram @fuchsegg


all images (c) Günter Standl

Too Young Too Simple Studio

Raw Vision with Too Young Too Simple Studio
*East London’s Underground Photo Revolution

written Monica de Luna

East London's creative underground pulses with a new rhythm, where grassroots photography is a movement reclaiming the narrative of community.

Amidst the city’s shifting landscapes and economic tightropes, these collectives breathe life into the everyday, turning ordinary scenes into frames of resilience and connection. In the heart of this movement, the lines between artist and audience blur, revealing a space where creativity knows no gatekeepers.

credit for all images
(c) Too Young Too Simple Studio

Too Young Too Simple Studio stands as a beacon in this scene, transforming from a mere workspace into a crucible of East London’s creative energy. Their Free Friday Mixers are a call to arms for those who believe in the democratization of art. Here, learning come from from the alchemy of collaboration and shared experience, a reflection of a world where the traditional rules are rapidly dissolving.

These grassroots groups are reshaping the art landscape by refusing to bow to the exclusivity of formal institutions. Instead, they create platforms where anyone with a vision, regardless of background or resources, can contribute to the collective story. It’s a movement where art is wrested from the hands of the elite and returned to the streets, to the people.

In this new creative order, the community is the medium, and the message is one of defiance and hope. The photographers of East London are of course capturing images but they’re also capturing the spirit of a community that refuses to be defined by its challenges. Through the lens of these grassroots collectives, the everyday becomes extraordinary, and art becomes a force that unites rather than divides.

visit Studio www.tooyoungtoosimple.co.uk
follow on Instagram @tooyoungtoosimplestudio

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz *Urban Comfort

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz
*Urban Comfort with a Scandinavian Soul

written Sarah Arendts

Berlin’s dynamic energy, full of contrasts and history, finds an ideal companion in Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz.

The hotel stands as a modern sanctuary, merging Scandinavian design principles with the urban vibrancy of Berlin. For young families, it offers a place to rest and provides an environment that complements the city’s pace and the needs of its guests.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz
Presidential Suite

credit for all images
(c) Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz 

Positioned at Potsdamer Platz, the hotel places Berlin’s rich cultural and historical offerings at your doorstep. A short walk takes you to the Berlin Wall, the green expanses of Tiergarten, or the interactive buzz of the Sony Center. Such proximity to key attractions makes it a convenient base for families eager to explore the city without enduring long trips across town.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz greets you with a design that is unmistakably Scandinavian—clean lines, natural materials, and a palette that calms the senses. The hotel’s interior embodies simplicity, yet it exudes warmth through the use of wood and soft, ambient lighting. This creates a space that is inviting, allowing families to relax and recharge in a setting that feels homely and stylish. With a dedicated kid's corner, the hotel ensures that children are welcomed and entertained, creating an atmosphere where parents can relax, knowing that their little ones are well cared for, without feeling overwhelmed by constant attention.

The rooms are designed with an eye for detail, ensuring that every family member has space to feel comfortable. Bunk beds for children add an element of fun to the room, transforming it into a place where the day’s adventures can continue. The main sleeping area offers a king-sized bed, promising restful nights in a calm, quiet environment.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz does not merely incorporate sustainability—it lives it. The hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in its use of recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and an overall design that minimizes environmental impact.

For families, this focus on sustainability adds depth to the experience. It’s an opportunity to show children that luxury can be responsible and that choices made in design and operation can have a positive impact on the planet. The hotel’s green roof, for example, provides insulation and fosters biodiversity, serving as a living example of Scandic’s commitment to the environment. The roof is home to bees that produce the hotel’s own honey, further enhancing its eco-friendly initiatives. The restaurant continues this philosophy, offering dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every meal is as conscious as it is delicious.

Terrasse

Kidscorner

Rooftop, own honey production

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz offers an experience that feels as though it was designed with families in mind. The breakfast buffet is a prime example, featuring a wide range of options that cater to adults and children, ensuring that everyone starts the day satisfied and ready for what lies ahead.

The hotel’s location further enhances the family-friendly experience, with nearby attractions like the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offering endless entertainment for children.

The staff at Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and respect for privacy. They are always ready to assist, offering helpful tips or a warm smile, yet they know when to step back, allowing families to enjoy their time together.

visit Scandic Hotel Website www.scandichotels.de
follow on Instagram @scandichotels

Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen *A Wonderland for Family Adventures

Serengeti Park
A Wonderland for Family Adventures

written Amanda Mortenson

Serengeti Park Hodenhagen offers a thrilling escapade into the wild, tailor-made for families seeking a blend of adventure and educational experiences. This vast park, sprawling over 220 hectares, is a wildlife haven offering attractions that promise to captivate both the young and the young at heart.

From the moment you drive through the gates, the adventure begins. Serengeti Park is ingeniously divided into four thrilling sections: the Animal World, Water World, Monkey World, and Leisure World, each offering a unique glimpse into diverse habitats and fun-filled activities.

Serengeti Safari
White Rhinoceros

Mokoro Water Ride

credit for all images
(c) Serengeti Park 

Animal World is the heart of Serengeti Park, where families can embark on an enthralling safari. Imagine cruising in your vehicle or hopping on one of the guided tours, coming face-to-face with free-roaming giraffes, zebras, or rhinos. This section of the park provides an immersive experience that mirrors a true African safari. It's an exhilarating adventure for kids but also a fantastic opportunity for them to learn about wildlife conservation and the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures.

Water World adds a splash of excitement with its boat tours, allowing visitors to explore the serene waters while encountering unique water-dwelling animals and birds. It’s a gentle contrast to the wild encounters of the Animal World, perfect for younger children and relaxing family moments.

In Monkey World, laughter fills the air as families watch playful lemurs and cheeky monkeys frolic in their naturalistic environments. This part of the park allows for close-up interactions under safe conditions, offering an unforgettable learning experience about primate behavior and their playful antics.

Leisure World is where the thrill amplifies with a variety of amusement rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether it’s the exhilarating roller coasters for the adrenaline seekers or gentler rides for the toddlers, there’s no shortage of fun. Beyond rides, this zone hosts live shows and interactive sessions that weave educational narratives through entertaining performances, making learning fun and engaging.

Bus Tour

Flamingo

Aqua-Safari

What makes Serengeti Park to us so particularly special is its commitment to providing educational experiences wrapped in fun and excitement. Each encounter is designed to teach visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship, echoing the park's mission to promote awareness through direct engagement.

For those looking to extend their adventure, Serengeti Park offers cozy lodges and campsites, turning a day trip into an enchanting overnight stay amidst the sounds of the wild. It’s an ideal way for families to unwind after a day of exploration and to prepare for another day of adventure.

Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen represents a break from the routine; it’s a journey into the heart of nature, a celebration of wildlife, and a valuable educational excursion that leaves lasting impressions on all who visit.

visit Serengeti Park www.serengeti-park.de
follow on Instagram @serengetiparkhodenhagen