Italy’s National Fashion Competition

XVIl Concorso Nazionale Professione Moda Giovani Stilisti,

Riccione Moda Italia. CNA FEDERMODA.

It was an honor to be chosen as one of 30 finalists for Italy's National Fashion Competition. The competition included several categories, and I was selected for the shoes and accessories category along with two of my classmates.

We traveled together by train from Rome to Riccione, a seaside town on Italy’s Adriatic coast, and stayed at Hotel Mediterraneo, right by the beach.

During our time there, we attended different fashion events, met other finalists from across Italy, and shared dinners together as a big group. It was exciting to be surrounded by so many creatives, artists, designers, and fashion professionals.

View from the train to Riccione

Hotel Mediterraneo, Riccione

Dariya Repina in Riccione, Italy

From Rome to Riccione

Fashion Competition: The Main Event

Each finalist first presented their collection on the runway, showcasing their designs before the jury and audience. As the presentations concluded, anticipation grew while everyone waited for the announcement of the winners.

Well-known guests from the Italian fashion industry were part of the jury, alongside members of the press, creatives, professionals, and other attendees, which made the event feel even more special.

Runway at Italy’s National Fashion Competition

XVIl Concorso Nazionale Professione Moda Giovani Stilisti

Riccione Moda Italia. CNA FEDERMODA

Runway at Italy’s National Fashion Competition

XVII Concorso Nazionale Professione Moda Giovani Stilisti

Riccione Moda Italia, CNA Federmoda

Highlights from the event

Seeing my mini fur collection on the runway at this event was a special and rewarding experience.

Dariya Repina fur collection on the runway

Dariya Repina fur collection on the runway

Dariya Repina fur collection on the runway

Dariya Repina fur collection on the runway

Designs by Dariya Repina presented at Riccione Moda Italia

The Collection I Presented

For the competition, I created pieces made with fine fur and leather, inspired by the concept I mentioned in my previous post: a fusion of 80s–90s punk, rock, and hip-hop street style. I wanted to channel that bold, edgy energy into each design while keeping the pieces refined and wearable.

If you’re curious about the inspiration behind this concept, check out my previous post.

Fur bag by Dariya Repina

Fur leg piece by Dariya Repina

Shoes by Dariya Repina

Dariya Repina fur collection

Fur bag by Dariya Repina

Designs presented at Riccione Moda Italia

The Finalists’ Exhibition

My mini fur collection, along with the work of other finalists in the same category, was showcased in an exhibition open to the public. Visitors could walk through the space and see the finalists’ designs up close.

Dariya Repina shoe and accessory designs on display at Riccione Moda Italia

Designs by finalists in the shoe and accessory category

Designs by finalists in the shoe and accessory category

Designs by finalists in the shoe and accessory category

Shoes by the winner of the shoe and accessory category

Finalists’ exhibition at Riccione Moda Italia

Beyond the Prize

When the shoe and accessory design category winner was announced, my classmate took home the prize. I was genuinely happy for her. She was talented and deserved the recognition.

Even though I didn’t win, the experience opened new doors for me. It gave me confidence, introduced me to other creatives, and reinforced my passion for design.

Looking back, Riccione Moda Italia was an exciting experience and a memorable part of my early journey as a designer.