2025, May 28
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, the show was attended by more than 800 people, including many well-known public figures and representatives of the design industry. They appreciated the young designers’ creative boldness and ambition, as well as the overall scenography and scale of the event.
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.
“It feels quite natural to incorporate sustainability principles into my collection. It’s a way of thinking I genuinely try to practice in my everyday life. I’m truly grateful that it’s being recognized– that sustainability is not just about recycled garments, but rather a deeper, more comprehensive framework of slow fashion. The opportunity to attend the fashion festival in Hyères has definitely been a dream come true. Especially now, after graduation, it will help me stay motivated to think about fashion in broader, more meaningful ways. It is important to carry the essence of Latvia beyond its borders. A heartfelt thank you for the recognition and appreciation! These past four years have been a true rollercoaster of growth,” says award recipient Līva Ejuba.
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.
About AJ Power Recycling:
AS “AJ Power Recycling” operates within waste management systems for textiles, used packaging, environmentally hazardous goods, and electrical/electronic equipment waste, all overseen by the State Environmental Service (VVD). The company provides businesses with a 100% exemption from the payment of the Natural Resources Tax. AS “AJ Power Recycling” is part of the AJ Power corporate group, which has been active since 2014. In 2023, the group's total turnover exceeded €100 million.
About the Art Academy of Latvia:
The Art Academy of Latvia has a rich history of promoting art and design. Our students and faculty participate in local and international exhibitions, conferences, seminars, as well as in the coordination and organization of international projects aimed at promoting Latvia’s emerging and promising artists and designers. The Academy is firmly committed to continuing innovation and progress in the fields of education and creativity, and to supporting the development of cultural and creative industries in Latvia. Our greatest asset lies in the ideas of young artists and designers, which can only be brought to life through collaboration with supportive entrepreneurs and patrons.
