What an experience! This was a whole new world for me, but MetroFW is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The theme for this year’s competition was architecture. Fashion designer Maria Grigoryan, the co-founder of Mellardi Fashion, was among the 10 finalists chosen to represent Armenia. @mellardiofficial chose an ancient structure in Armenia — the Temple of Garni— built by King Tiridates I in the first century AD. After Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in the early fourth century, it was converted into a royal summer house. According to some scholars it was not a temple but a tomb and that is perhaps why it survived the destruction of pagan structures centuries ago, once Armenia converted to Christianity. Every detail was thought out and symbolic on this stunning gown. For example, the 24 prominent high columns which support the temple; the color as well was chosen because at sunset the color on the structure reflects this beautiful lavender hue. Maria took the traditional “taraz” elements and gave them a modern twist. She sent 400 hours on this masterpiece and did everything my hand. The founder of @metropolitanfashionweek Eduardo Khawam is truly an immigrant success story. He was born in Venezuela but his parents are from the Middle East— his mother is Greek-Armenian and his father Syrian. He created Metropolitan Fashion Week to celebrate fashion and costume designers @eduardokhawam Thanks @devinenews for encouraging me to do this and you were right it was fun! For me, the best part about participating in events is getting to meet creative and inspiring people along the way. Thank you Maria and Areg for asking me to be a part of this special event! 🇦🇲 @lida_sdr thank you for transforming me and making me feel beautiful Lusine & Anet @lusanetcollective the gorgeous silver pieces complimented the gown beautifully ❤️💙🧡