Celebrating the 17th Edition of the FASHIONCLASH Festival: A Cultural Triumph!

The vibrant city of Maastricht served as a dynamic backdrop for the 17th edition of the FASHIONCLASH Festival, which took place from November 14 to 16, 2025. This international and multidisciplinary fashion festival once again demonstrated its significance as a platform for a new generation of designers, artists, and performers, bringing together talent from the Netherlands and over 25 countries worldwide. However, it remains disheartening to note the lack of support from the Dutch government for such a unique and culturally rich event, which is a shame not only for the artisans involved but for the nation’s cultural tapestry as a whole.

Over the course of three memorable days, FASHIONCLASH Festival captivated audiences with an engaging and thought-provoking program of performances, exhibitions, films, workshops, talks, and participatory projects. The program included standout components such as The CLASH House, the New Fashion Narratives exhibition, the Fashion Film Program & Awards, and the participatory initiative Fashion Makes Sense, among others. This remarkable festival presented a multifaceted view of contemporary fashion culture and enriched the local community’s engagement with the arts.

Photos by: @m_vanschijndel @lauraknipsael

www.fashionclash.nl | IG @fashionclash_festival

Beginning and Ending with Unity: EAR to EAR & Mounira Al Solh

The festival’s exploration of connection and creativity commenced on a powerful note with EAR to EAR, a choir that embodies intuitive listening and shared breath, kicking off the proceedings on Friday evening. Led by interdisciplinary artist Júlia Galarza Arévalo, EAR to EAR transformed the performance space into a living organism, showcasing how beauty can arise from genuine connection and collective listening. This soul-stirring performance set the tone for the days to come.

As the festival drew to a close on Sunday, it left attendees with another resonant performance featuring Mounira Al Solh and Oasis One World Choir, whose sounds encapsulated stories of memory, migration, and shared hope. These performances artfully bridged the festival’s programming, encapsulating the spirit of FASHIONCLASH: an invitation to reflect on our shared humanity.

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A Grand Opening Night Exploration: New Fashion Narratives

The opening night showcased the New Fashion Narratives exhibition at Bureau Europa, marking the festival’s commencement in style. Through this exhibition, a talented group of four fashion makers, who had collaborated during a residency week in Maastricht, presented a curatorial concept centred on collective movements and the intersection of fashion, activism, and communal practices. Their work, embodying diverse creative expressions, challenged traditional fashion narratives and engaged audiences in a broader conversation about social issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notably, two groundbreaking films—Do I? and The Feminine Urge—highlighted the latest trends in fashion film-making, each taking home awards for their unique perspectives. The festival spotlighted the evolution of fashion into a legitimate art form, reinforcing its power to tackle pressing social issues while exploring identities and transformation.

Showcasing Brazilian Creativity: The ESSENCE Showcase

The festival included the ESSENCE showcase, curated by Marlon Claessen, which featured a captivating fashion show presenting designers from Brazil. This celebration of Brazilian artistry highlighted the richness of cultural heritage and the intersection of traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Each designer’s collection told a story deeply rooted in Brazil’s diverse cultural landscape, reminding spectators of the importance of tradition and innovation in today’s fashion realm.

Photos by @lauraknipsael

Interdisciplinary Approaches: The CLASH House

A key highlight of the festival was The CLASH House at ENCI Maastricht, a creative platform where fashion meets performance art. Under the guidance of theatre-maker Nadîja Roza Broekhart and choreographer Laisvie Andrea Ochoa, participating designers explored alternative methods of presenting fashion. The diverse range of performances underscored the festival’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating the potential of fashion to merge with other art forms.

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Embracing Inclusivity: Fashion Makes Sense

The Fashion Makes Sense program stood as a testament to the festival’s dedication to social design, inclusion, and education. Connecting professionals and young people, it fostered collaborative creative processes that engaged the community at all levels. The participatory projects showcased during the festival reflected an inspiring blend of creativity and social responsibility, emphasising the need for systemic change within the fashion industry.

A Heartfelt Closing: Voices of Change

As the FASHIONCLASH Festival 2025 drew to a close, audiences were left enriched by the live performance of Mounira Al Solh and Oasis One World Choir. This heartfelt presentation underscored the festival’s commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and celebrating the unifying power of music and art. Attendees navigated through a poignant installation, reinforcing the idea that fashion holds the potential not only to adorn but to tell stories and provoke thought.

An Inclusive Exploration Across Maastricht

Beyond the main events, FASHIONCLASH invited visitors to explore various locations across Maastricht, fostering a lasting engagement with fashion and creativity. From independent fashion publications to innovative design workshops, the festival’s impact resonated far beyond the central venues, serving as a vibrant reminder of what a supportive government could cultivate in the arts.

In conclusion, the 17th iteration of the FASHIONCLASH Festival was not just an exhibition of fashion; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and cultural exchange. Its multifaceted programming and dedication to showcasing emerging talent were commendable, making it a significant event in the fashion calendar. Yet the oversight of the Dutch government in oppressing such a unique, empowering event is a disservice to the arts and culture sector. As we look forward to the next edition, we hope for greater support, recognition, and investment in the initiatives that champion creativity, community, and culture. This festival is our pride, and together we stand to ensure its enduring legacy.

www.fashionclash.nl | IG @fashionclash_festival

After Party