For Smol Production, organizing this workshop was more than an educational event, it was a statement and a working hypothesis. Could Tbilisi support a project of international level? Would the city respond to a creative director of such scale? Would the local team, production resources, and creative community align with global standards? The answer became clear through the process itself. The workshop gathered a strong audience, assembled a high-level team, and resulted in a final work that was later published in Vogue proved that ambitious productions can be created locally without compromising quality.
This experience reinforced Smol Production’s vision: Georgia is not just a cost-effective production location, but a growing creative hub capable of hosting projects that resonate globally. At a time when the industry faces mass-produced visuals and AI-generated content, the masterclass highlighted the importance of authorship and conscious direction. It showed that Tbilisi is becoming a space where new creative standards emerge

The workshop focused on creative direction
as a system for building ideas rather than a fixed visual style. Participants explored how shooting concepts emerge, how moodboards evolve into strong editorial narratives, and how individual thinking can remain authentic while supported by clear methodologies. Bohdan’s philosophy emphasized that frameworks are not restrictions — they are tools that strengthen an author’s voice and allow unique interpretation.
The program combined a four-hour lecture with a five-hour hands-on practice. During the lecture, attendees examined visual language, reference research, and the process of transforming an abstract idea into a finished editorial. The practical part turned theory into reality: together with the team, participants developed and executed a concept conceived earlier that day, observing real-time creative decision-making on set.

In November 2025, Vangal Studio and Smol Production brought internationally recognized creative director Bohdan Bohdanov to Tbilisi for an intensive creative direction masterclass — proving that projects of global scale are not limited to traditional fashion capitals. Known for his work with leading brands and publications such as Vogue Portugal, Vogue Poland, Numéro, L’Officiel Italia, and Vanity Fair, Bohdan introduced his structured yet deeply personal approach to visual storytelling to the local creative scene

Bohdan Bohdanov

Workshop Backstage →

Creative Direction Workshop
with Bohdan Bohdanov
in Tbilisi

Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili served as the head designer at the Georgian brand MATÉRIEL starting in 2015. A graduate of the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and winner of the Be Next Fashion Design Contest 2015, he went on to establish his own label. His debut Fall/Winter 2018/19 collection brought him widespread recognition and international attention. One of the brand’s signature features is its use of vegan leather, which complements the clean, minimalist silhouettes. The designer draws inspiration from the modern woman, paying careful attention to details and forms. By combining textures, aesthetics, and unexpected accents, he maintains a balance between c
futurism and minimalism.

The list of talented self-taught designers continues with Irakli Rusadze, who founded the brand SITUATIONIST in 2015. Just two years after its launch, he presented a collection at Milan Fashion Week 2017, and already the following year — in Paris.
The brand draws inspiration from Georgia’s rich history, its landscapes, and architectural environment. It boldly works with a variety of materials, combining texture, color, and form. Each collection carries a unique character and authenticity, celebrating the past, the present, and the future.

George Keburia founded his eponymous brand in 2010, presenting a surreal collection at Tbilisi Fashion Week.
Two years later, he gained even greater recognition with his capsule collection “Bird’s Nest,” winning the Be Next 2012 design competition in Tbilisi as well as the Community’s Choice Muuse x Vogue Talents Vision Award. Over the years, the self-taught designer has shaped a distinct brand DNA rooted in whimsical forms, clean lines, and bold color accents. Even his accessories captivate from fluffy hats to uniquely shaped eyewear.

Georgia is not only about mountains, an abundance of flour-based dishes with cheese, wine, and hospitable hosts. If you have ever visited the country’s capital - Tbilisi - you may have noticed the creativity, discipline, and distinctive taste with which people approach their outfits. And Demna Gvasalia’s success brought Georgia into the spotlight of the global fashion industry.
If you find yourself wondering how to truly immerse in Georgian fashion, or if you want to discover talented designers, then this article is for you

SITUATIONIST

George Keburia

Georgian World Of Fashion
Part 1

TATUNA is another Georgian brand, founded by Alieta Nikolaishvili. With a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprint, all clothing and accessories are handmade in Tbilisi. Before launching her eponymous label, Tatuna graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts with a BA in Leather and Accessories. She debuted her first collection at the age of just 16, and the brand quickly expanded its influence and gained international recognition. While maintaining feminine silhouettes, the designer experiments with textures, natural materials, and patterned cuts. Her aesthetic blends femininity and minimalism with geometric and bold forms.

The womenswear brand LADO BOKUCHAVA was founded in 2017. It stands out for its boldness and provocative sensuality. Creative director Lado Bokuchava pays particular attention to details and silhouettes, creating multifunctional pieces that remain comfortable across different body types. The designer admits to drawing inspiration from science fiction films, especially when it comes to monochromatic looks.

Georgia is not only about mountains, an abundance of flour-based dishes with cheese, wine, and hospitable hosts. If you have ever visited the country’s capital - Tbilisi - you may have noticed the creativity, discipline, and distinctive taste with which people approach their outfits. And Demna Gvasalia’s success brought Georgia into the spotlight of the global fashion industry.
If you find yourself wondering how to truly immerse in Georgian fashion, or if you want to discover talented designers, then this article is for you

TATUNA

LADO BOKUCHAVA

Georgian World Of Fashion
Part 2