LMA Fashion Show “I Am Fashion” Shines in Bright Neon Green

In a dazzling display of creativity and innovation, the Art Academy of Latvia (LMA) presented its annual fashion show “I Am Fashion” at the iconic Riga Film Studio. Immersed in a vivid neon green ambiance, the event brought together 27 emerging designers who showcased 21 conceptually bold and visually compelling collections.

Now in its 32nd edition, the LMA fashion show continues to serve as a vital platform for young designers to explore the intersection of artistic expression and contemporary relevance. This year’s event highlighted not only the students’ technical proficiency and conceptual depth, but also their confidence in shaping the future of fashion through a unique visual language.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Riga Film Studio to experience this celebration of fashion,” said Agnese Narņicka, Head of the LMA Fashion Design Department. “It is a real pleasure to witness the dedication and creativity of all those involved. My heartfelt gratitude goes to our students, lecturers, staff, supporters, and the entire creative team — this was truly an unforgettable evening.”

This year’s “I Am Fashion” show attracted an audience of more than 800 guests, including prominent public figures and leading representatives of the design and creative industries. Attendees praised the young designers’ creative courage, the conceptual ambition of their collections, and the show’s compelling scenography and production value.

For fashion enthusiasts who were unable to attend in person, the experience will continue through a dedicated fashion show film, set to premiere during the LMA Design Days. The film, directed by Ivars Brauers, offers a cinematic interpretation of this year’s fashion showcase and provides a unique perspective on the event’s energy and vision.

The 2025 presentation of the fashion show featured the creative interpretations of: Haralds Babris, Kate Eisak, KatrīnaErmanoviča-Hermanoviča, Uģis Zauerhagen, Ieva Purviņa, ElzaEvelīna Pāvulāne, Annija Pikšena, Sofija Estella Donga, MilanaMihailova, Alberts Žitņevs, Alice Sedliņa Brūdere, AnnijaPauzere, Elizabete Agate Meisīte, Jurģis Emīls Liepiņš, Krišjānis Brasliņš, Kristens Cipsts, Letitija Orlova, Pavel Žēlezņaks, Santa Kirmuža Svilāne, Nils Alencevičs, ArtūrsSkurstenis, Paula Vēvere, Krišjānis Perkons, Līva Ejuba, Linda Gusta, Vitālijs Kondraščuks, and Ilze Muciņa.

The “I Am Fashion” show concluded on a high note with the presentation of the AJ Power Recycling Award—presented for the second year in a row in collaboration with the Design Days sponsor of the Art Academy of Latvia, celebrating the most creative and innovative approach to sustainability in fashion.

This year’s recipient is Līva Ejuba, a fourth-year student in the BA programme at the LMA, honoured for her emotionally resonant collection “From the Edge of the Cloud.” Inspired by personal memories and cultural traditions, the collection reflects on themes of loss, remembrance, and the passage of time. Drawing from her childhood recollections of her grandmother and Latvian cemetery rituals, Ejuba crafted three garments that serve as a poignant bridge between the past and the present. The collection embraces the principles of slow fashion, with all textiles hand-woven and embossed. Committed to a zero-waste philosophy, Ejuba thoughtfully incorporates every leftover fabric into new designs, underscoring her dedication to sustainable craftsmanship. The result is a quiet, contemplative collection—rich with personal meaning and environmental mindfulness.

As part of her award, Līva Ejuba will receive a scholarship to attend the International festival of fashion, photography and accessories, Hyères, France, this coming October. This prestigious festival is a key platform for emerging fashion talents across Europe, offering invaluable exposure to global trends and networking opportunities within the international fashion industry.

As part of the “I Am Fashion” event, visitors had the exclusive opportunity to preview and purchase the newly released book “I Am Fashion” — a publication that presents the Art Academy of Latvia’s fashion design students not only as designers, but also as critical thinkers, storytellers, and cultural commentators. The book invites readers to reconsider the role of fashion in contemporary society, exploring how design can express identity, provoke dialogue, and reflect deeper social and emotional narratives. Featuring thought-provoking visuals and essays, “I Am Fashion” expands the boundaries of traditional fashion discourse.

The publication was developed by a distinguished creative team, including photographer Reinis Hofmanis, graphic designer Matīss Zvaigzne, fashion designer Indra Miklāva, and content curators Agnese Narņicka and Pāvels Žeļezņaks, with editorial contributions by Baiba Bože. I AM FASHION will be available for purchase starting from 26th of May at the I AM FASHIONpop-up shop, located at Audēju street 16, 4th floor (price 20 euros).

“I Am Fashion” Pop-Up Showroom Opens in Riga, Alongside Graduate Design and Art Exhibitions

From 26 May to 30 July, the LMA Pop-Up / Showroom “I Am Fashion” will be open to the public at the “Stories” exhibition space in Galerija Centrs (Audēju street 16). This temporary showroom will offer visitors a unique opportunity to meet the designers behind the “I Am Fashion” show and purchase original pieces from their collections. The project is organized in collaboration with the Butterman association, further extending the visibility of emerging talent within Latvia’s fashion scene.

In addition to the showroom, the Art Academy of Latvia will host two major exhibitions celebrating this year’s graduates. From 6 to 29 June, the “I Am Design” exhibition will be on display at the LMA main building, Kalpaka boulevard 13, featuring works by graduating design students. From 13 to 29 June, the “Being Art” exhibition will showcase fine art graduates’ projects across multiple venues, including Kalpakaboulevard 13, Kronvalda boulevard 4, and other locations throughout Riga.

This year’s “I Am Fashion” show was brought to life by a talented creative team, including: Agnese Narņicka – Creative Director, Baiba Bože – Producer, Matīss Zvaigzne – Book Designer, Reinis Hofmanis – Collection Photographer, Docent Indra Miklāva – Author of Visual Style, LMA Graphic Design students – Graphic Design. Together, this team crafted an inspiring platform that not only showcased cutting-edge student fashion but also affirmed the Academy’s role as a hub of artistic and conceptual innovation.