The Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs and UzCotton announce a design competition to create Russia’s first fashion collection for literature lovers.

We want a love of books to come to life in everyday clothing—in a minimalist print, an elegant silhouette or a subtle detail that quietly signals a shared passion. We invite designers to explore this connection and express it through fashion. Our aim is to create more than merchandise: we want a genuine fashion collection that appeals to customers through its style and depth of meaning. Literary references should form a subtle yet recognisable code: on seeing a print or silhouette, someone should think, “That’s me—I love books, and I get the reference.”

The concept should not be tied to a single author or a particular literary event. We welcome a wide range of ideas, from references to classic and contemporary literature to interpretations of the book as an art object, literary memes and playful cultural references. We are looking for bold, distinctive designs that help book lovers recognise one another in everyday life.

We invite proposals for two complementary collections:

·A fashion-forward line for a younger audience;

·A more understated collection for mature literature lovers.

The collection should include:

·Everyday essentials: T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweatshirts and hoodies;

·Textile accessories: tote bags, scarves and socks.

A key requirement: the two collections must form a cohesive range—a unified series with a shared style and concept, rather than an assortment of items featuring unrelated prints.

The concept should draw on the following ideas:

·A contemporary visual language for reading;

·The book as an art object: pages, spines and bindings;

·Reading as a state of mind: quiet, solitude, imagination and the chance to live other lives;

·Reader identity and shared cultural references: habits, familiar situations and inside jokes that resonate with book lovers;

·Literature as a foundational part of culture: language, words, genres, characters, literary archetypes and quotations.

We welcome original ideas that elegantly express the identity of a reader while retaining broad appeal. The design language should feel contemporary and fit naturally into an everyday wardrobe: these pieces should look just as at home in the city as at a book fair. Let the literary theme emerge through subtle details rather than bold declarations, so the designs remain relevant beyond the world of books.

The competition rules are available on the Directorate’s website.

To apply, please complete the application form (Russian language). The application deadline is 22 November 2026.

The creators of the most compelling ideas will be invited to pitch their concepts in December at the non/fictio№ International Book Fair for High-Quality Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Entries will be assessed by a professional jury comprising literary critics, designers, publishers, editors and other book industry experts. Following the selection process, the strongest concepts will be developed in collaboration with UzCotton.

The finished collection will go on sale at the 13th Red Square Book Festival in June 2027.