I n a world where trends evolve faster than seasons, few designers manage to anchor their identity while sailing through the tides of innovation. One such rare voice is Buga Osidze, the Georgian designer who transforms cultural heritage into runway statements. With roots deeply grounded in Georgia and a heart set on global impact, Buga's journey from sketching clothes in childhood to showcasing designs in Times Square reads like a fable stitched in silk and ambition.
His journey began not with a splash but a subtle shift. “Even as a child,” Buga says, “I tried making simple clothes more interesting.” That innate curiosity became a calling. After graduating from university, he landed at Marigold—one of Georgia’s most esteemed fashion houses. There, he fused modern design with Georgian traditional attire, crafting elegant silhouettes for both men and women that whisper stories of legacy.
This wasn't just about fashion—it was about cultural diplomacy. “Working on Georgian national clothing was a great responsibility,” Buga shares. “It’s my way of honoring my country while inviting the world to see its beauty through modern eyes.” That philosophy bore fruit. His designs walked through countries like Italy, Greece, Belgium, and beyond. And on May 26, 2023—aptly Georgia’s Independence Day—his dreams crystallized under the spotlight of New York's Millennium Theatre. That show was followed by showcases in Philadelphia and Atlanta, and to top it off, his work lit up Times Square.
But behind every visionary is a maestro shaping the rhythm of their rise. Enter Dimitri Manuel, the iconic producer whose eye for cultural alchemy has made him the quiet force behind Buga’s U.S. debut. Known for turning underground brilliance into global phenomena, Dimitri saw in Buga not just a designer, but a cultural emissary. “Dimitri is the lighthouse,” Buga says, “guiding this ship into deeper, richer waters.”
The next port of call? Williamsburg. Soon, Buga and long-time creative partner Nino Ekseulidze will open a studio where art, history, and elegance will coalesce. Nino, the founder of Mint Atelier, brings her own flair for women’s couture to the partnership—a duo that promises to shift the city’s fashion narrative stitch by stitch.
Currently, Buga is immersed in sportswear—a surprising pivot, perhaps, until you hear him explain it. “Athletic fashion doesn’t have to be generic,” he smiles. “I’m creating pieces that echo movement, strength, and design. It’s function and finesse.” Just like the NBA games and tennis matches he attends in his spare time, this collection is about precision, rhythm, and elegance in motion.
Since moving to the U.S. in 2022, Buga has found more than opportunity—he’s found freedom. “America lets me dream loud,” he reflects. And he isn’t dreaming alone. His community grows with every sketch, every stitch, and every show.
From the cobbled streets of Tbilisi to the flashing lights of Manhattan, Buga Osidze’s journey isn’t just a fashion story—it’s a love letter to heritage, boldness, and the timeless art of reinvention.
Credit:
Photographer: @dreamfashionprodnyc
