I’m Always Excited to Explore My Roots: Krikor Jabotian on Armenian Fashion and His Collaboration with Armine Harutyunyan

Yerevan Fashion Week, held from October 8 to 11, once again brought together designers, creatives and fashion industry professionals from Armenia and around the world. Among the guests at the event’s official opening, held at the Erebuni Museum, was Lebanese haute couture designer of Armenian descent Krikor Jabotian.

Admiring the pieces on display, Jabotian took a moment to speak with NEWS.am STYLE about Armenia’s evolving fashion scene, his connection to his ancestral homeland and his collaboration with Armenian model Armine Harutyunyan.

Surrounded by industry professionals eager to meet the internationally acclaimed designer and express their admiration for his work, we kept the conversation brief but we managed tomspeak about his personal connections to his homeland that continue to shape his creative journey.

“I believe there is a very promising fashion scene emerging in Armenia, and I am very proud of it. I am honored to be part of this beautiful homeland and always excited to return, explore more of my roots and heritage, and discover more about where I come from,” Jabotian said, speaking about Armenia’s fashion industry.

“Every single time I come here, I find something new to discover. You feel that there is still so much to do,” he added.

Jabotian’s connection to Armenia is also reflected in his creative collaborations. One of them is with Armenian model Armine Harutyunyan, who gained international recognition after walking for Gucci. The designer says he was immediately drawn to her distinctive Armenian features, and she has since become a muse for him.

“Armine has been a muse since the first day. I met her online, and I fell in love with her inner and outer beauty. She literally embodies the beautiful Armenian features described in the books we used to read as children, reminding me of that beautiful era,” he said.

Although his stay in Armenia lasted less than a week, the visit offered Jabotian an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and spend time with fellow creatives. He explained that his trips are often planned together with two Armenian friends, turning each visit into an opportunity to strengthen personal and professional ties.

“I’ve been coordinating these trips with two of my Armenian friends. We plan our visits to Armenia together, reconnect with our roots, and meet fellow Armenian designers and creative minds. It is incredibly inspiring to stay connected with all these people. There is something truly beautiful about reconnecting with where we come from. We are proud of this beautiful homeland,” Jabotian said.

By Syune Arakelyan