Anelia Antova, ©Zlatimir Arakliev
NEWCOMERS‘ WEEKS‘ x IVAN ASEN 22

New Bulgarian fashion talents showcase individual creations in Sofia.

Bulgarian Designer Salon

2nd edition: Newcomers‘ Weeks x Ivan Asen 22

The Bulgarian designer salon Ivan Asen 22 starts with its second edition of the series ‚Newcomers Week x Ivan Asen 22‘. As part of the event, from November 4 to 14, 2021, the creations of young, up-and-coming designers will be presented in Sofia under the main theme ‚DRAWING NEW REALITIES‘. These are the master’s collections of the graduates of the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, Anelia Antova and Dilyana Cholakova.

Anelia Antova’s collection entitled ‚Cover the reality‘ is based on illusions, magic spells and ancient Bulgarian rituals and beliefs, searching for balance in nature as a leading philosophy. Sustainability plays an important role in the creations. All models have a zero waste character, natural and recycled materials were used. The prints were created through minimal wastewater and a low carbon footprint. The shoes are made of recycled rubber without the use of glue.

Anelia Antova has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fashion from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia. She currently works as a 3D fashion designer in a digital fashion company, and at the same time is a freelance designer. Among her most significant participations in festivals and competitions are those of FASHIONCLASH FESTIVAL – in 2019 and 2020, A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival – 2020, DESIGNBLOK Prague – 2021. In 2021 she won the first places at IDEA MODA Fashion Competition and Fashion Festival Debrecen .

Anelia Antova, ©Elina Krasteva
Anelia Antova, ©Zlatimir Arakliev
Anelia Antova, ©Zlatimir Arakliev
Anelia Antova, ©Elina Krasteva

„We are supporting and showcasing the first steps of new fashion talents.“

Neli Mitewa, designer and founder of the designer salon Ivan Asen 22.

Dilyana Cholakova’s master’s collection ‚Drawing silence‘ is an expression of visual poetry. Silence is represented in a whole series of fluid forms. Deconstructive designs with layerings of different, transparent materials trace the change of the sound wave in the space. The object of study is the bird as a natural form, in particular the veiled owl. Asymmetrical parts of the skeleton and the arrangement of the feathers, which enable noiseless flying, are the focus of interest.

Dilyana Cholakova graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fashion from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia. She was one of the finalists in Sonya Yoncheva’s competition to create her stage outfit for her concert with Placido Domingo on August 31, 21 at St. Alexander Nevsky Square in Sofia. Her two diploma projects, „Salt of Life“ and „Drawing Silence“, are included in the concept of the exhibition ARCHITECTURAL FESTIVAL – BURGAS 2021 and the exhibition „Atanasovsko Lake – the lagoon of life“ – Central Square, Burgas.

Dilyana Cholakova, ©Ioan Mitov
Dilyana Cholakova, ©Ioan Mitov
Dilyana Cholakova, ©Ioan Mitov
Dilyana Cholakova, ©Ioan Mitov


The ‚Newcomers‘ Weeks x Ivan Asen 22′ project is being realized with the financial support from the National Culture Fund Bulgaria as part of the ‚Support of private organizations ’20‘ program.

The models can be seen in the showroom on 22, Ivan Asen II. Street, floor 1 in Sofia in compliance with the epidemic measures. The pre-booking of an individual time slot for a visit is possible via mail (nelmit@yahoo.de) or message on Facebook. Collection pieces can also be ordered.