CHIANG MAI, THAILAND — Russian design is set to take centre stage at Chiang Mai Design Week 2025 this December, with a large-scale cultural presentation organised by the Russian-Thai Business Council (RTBC). The showcase, titled “Russian Soul: modern heritage”, will highlight how contemporary creators reinterpret centuries-old craftsmanship for today’s global design landscape.
Spread across three thematic zones — “Russian North,” “Golden Ring” and “The Steppes” — the exhibition will feature more than 150 works from 20 Russian brands and artisans, offering Southeast Asian visitors a rare look at the country’s artistic diversity. The curated journey aims to connect traditional culture with new design expressions emerging in Russia’s creative industries.
A broad panorama: from ancient crafts to modern aesthetics
Several of Russia’s most recognisable heritage manufacturers will headline the event:
- Gusewsky Crystal Factory, famous for its precision-cut crystal.
- Gzhel Association, known worldwide for blue-and-white porcelain.
- Vladimiro-Suzdal Patterns, preserving historical painting techniques.
- Orenshal, makers of traditional lace-like down shawls.
- Palekh Watch, producing timepieces decorated in the Palekh lacquer miniature style.
- Tvorenie, presenting Palekh-inspired boxes and textiles.
Alongside traditional houses, a new generation of designers will offer a contemporary perspective:
- DressbyStesha, blending modern fashion with romantic Russian influences.
- SelSovet, reviving archival Soviet aesthetics.
- KoKo, presenting modern kokoshnik-inspired headpieces.
- Gayana, fusing Russian and Asian ornamentation in scarves and accessories.
- Cocos by Abrau Durso, a lifestyle brand rooted in resort culture.
- Tonka Perfumes Moscow, known for conceptual fragrance compositions.
The exhibition will also feature works by Honored Artists of Russia Nikolai Glukhov, Alexander Vetrov and Evgeny Antonov, as well as contemporary creators including Diana Belousova, Evgenia Lapshakova, Daria Chirkova, Irina Suchkova and Svetlana Pavlova.
Education as cultural diplomacy
A key component of the Russian programme will be its academic contribution. Experts from the HSE University School of Design, one of Russia’s leading design institutions, will host lectures and workshops on cultural codes, heritage interpretation and design innovation — strengthening creative exchange between the two countries.
First-Hand
“For us, Chiang Mai with its rich creative heritage is an ideal partner for dialogue,” said Vladimir Kovalev, Executive Director of the RTBC. “Russian design is a living organism that combines heritage with modern solutions. By presenting these brands in Thailand, we hope to build long-term connections between businesses and creative communities of both countries.”
Strengthening cultural ties
Organizers say the “Russian Soul: modern heritage” project underscores Russia’s readiness to engage globally through design, offering a perspective in which traditional craftsmanship and forward-looking creativity coexist.
Background
The Russian-Thai Business Council (RTBC) brings together more than 60 companies across various sectors, supporting bilateral business cooperation and investment. Chiang Mai Design Week is one of Southeast Asia’s leading creative festivals, known for showcasing high-quality regional design and promoting the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, contemporary innovation and international cultural exchange.
