The most anticipated fashion event of the year is approaching—the Annual "Golden Needle" Awards by the Fashion Academy, which will be presented in early December, on the eve of Christmas. During a special ceremony at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, the prestigious awards will honor the best designers, fashion creators, and companies in categories such as "Designer of the Year," "International Designer of the Year," "Fashion Brand of the Year," "Unique Fashion," "Prêt-à-Porter," "Best Young Designer," "Permanent Makeup," and more.
The 35-member journalistic jury, serving as the expert media council, has already submitted its nominations, and in just a few days, the new laureates of Bulgaria's most prestigious and long-standing fashion award will be announced.
For three decades, the Fashion Academy has recognized and supported Bulgaria’s finest fashion creators, providing a platform for the most talented designers and established fashion houses. This year, the tradition continues with an exquisite gala fashion show preceding the official award ceremony. Invited by the Fashion Academy, designers—including past award winners—will showcase their latest collections exclusively for the guests of the grand event.
In connection with this milestone edition of the "Golden Needle," Professor Lyubomir Stoykov, Chairman of the Fashion Academy, stated:
"It is truly exciting to celebrate 30 years since the first 'Golden Needle' award ceremony honoring Bulgaria's top fashion creators. That extraordinary event took place in 1994 at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, shortly after the establishment of the Fashion Academy in Paris with honorary chairman David Pizanti. I believe this cultural and historical achievement will serve as a powerful impetus for the growth and enhancement of Bulgarian fashion design and our fashion industry. In fact, this has always been our fundamental mission over the decades—to inspire and encourage Bulgarian fashion designers and all creators in the field of style and beauty, to elevate their image, and to strengthen their reputation both domestically and internationally. I wish inspiration and success to all participants in the 'Golden Needle 2024'!"
The gala evening will feature special outfits by previous "Golden Needle" award recipients, including Axel Hardy, Polya Kinova / PALOMA FASHION, Dr. Rositsa Rangelova, designer Stoyan Radichev, and Svetoslav Kolchagov. Alongside them, new collections will be presented by Albena Ivanova-Deyanova, designer of benmodel.by.albena; Ivette Apostolova, designer of Ivette Bianchi; Larisa Ninova, designer of Mistelari Leather Collection; Lilyana Petrova – LULU, designer of BYLLU; Milena Petrova, designer of Wolf Walley; and the thriving home textile brand SUHO.
Under the patronage of Christian of Roma, notable hairstylist Emilia Baltalieva and renowned makeup artist Borislav Sokolov (known as Miss Boni) will present through unconventional performances. A highlight of the glamorous evening will also be the makeup show by Gabriela Karchina, a multi-award-winning artist recognized for her achievements in permanent makeup and her contributions to the art of makeup.
The face of the Annual "Golden Needle 2024" Awards is Antoneta Boyanova, a charismatic top model and influencer. The event will be hosted by the stunning Geri Doncheva / Geri Doncheva Yankov. The "Golden Needle" statuettes, as always, are crafted by the exceptional jeweler Angelo Krasini. The fashion show is directed by Boyan Karaivanov, and the perfect looks of the models and host will be ensured by the hairstyling team from V&A Glamour Beauty Salons and professional makeup artists from MAC Cosmetics.