How Serge Tagro Selects Fashion Designers for International Fashion Shows

By: Lara Silver

Every runway begins long before the lights come on. International fashion producer Serge Tagro shares what he looks for when selecting designers for RunwayDiamonds, why originality matters more than trends, and how emerging fashion designers can prepare for international opportunities.

Every season, thousands of fashion designers introduce new collections hoping to reach larger audiences.

Some dream of presenting their work during Fashion Week.

Others hope to collaborate with luxury retailers, celebrity stylists, or international buyers.

Many believe success depends on finding the right runway.

According to Serge Tagro, founder of RunwayDiamonds and an international fashion producer, the process begins much earlier.

Designers are not selected simply because they produce beautiful garments.

They are selected because they demonstrate originality, professionalism, and the ability to communicate a clear creative identity.

“When I review a collection,” Serge Tagro says, “I’m not asking whether it follows current trends. I’m asking whether I immediately recognize the personality of the designer behind it.”

For Serge Tagro, originality is not an advantage.

It is a requirement.

Why Originality Matters More Than Trends

The fashion industry changes constantly.

Colors evolve. Silhouettes evolve. Consumer preferences evolve.

Trends that dominate one season often disappear the next.

Because of this, Serge Tagro believes designers who build careers around trends eventually struggle to stand out.

Originality creates recognition. Recognition builds reputation. Reputation creates opportunity.

“When someone sees a collection,” Serge Tagro explains, “they should immediately know it belongs to that designer. That level of identity is far more valuable than copying what is already popular.”

This philosophy guides the selection process for RunwayDiamonds, where designers are encouraged to develop distinctive creative voices rather than imitate established brands.

Professionalism Is Just as Important as Creativity

Exceptional design alone does not guarantee success at an international fashion show.

Productions involve photographers, models, stylists, production managers, media organizations, sponsors, and dozens of creative professionals working under tight deadlines.

According to Serge Tagro, professionalism is one of the qualities that separates promising designers from those prepared for international opportunities.

Meeting deadlines. Communicating clearly. Respecting production schedules. Collaborating with creative teams. Remaining flexible under pressure.

These qualities allow an entire production to operate successfully.

“Fashion is a creative business,” Serge Tagro says. “But creativity reaches its full potential only when it is supported by professionalism.”

Fashion Designers Must Also Think Like Entrepreneurs

Many talented fashion designers focus exclusively on creating collections.

Building a successful fashion brand requires a broader perspective.

Designers today must understand branding, pricing, production, marketing, media, customer experience, and long-term business development.

For Serge Tagro, this business mindset has become increasingly important.

A designer may impress an audience once.

A strong business allows that designer to continue growing year after year.

“The runway introduces people to your creativity,” Serge Tagro explains. “Your business determines whether people continue believing in your future.”

Why RunwayDiamonds Invests in Emerging Designers

One of the defining characteristics of RunwayDiamonds is its commitment to discovering and supporting emerging fashion designers.

Rather than focusing exclusively on established names, Serge Tagro believes the future of the fashion industry depends on creating opportunities for new creative voices.

Every generation introduces different ideas. Different techniques. Different cultural influences. Different ways of understanding luxury fashion.

Supporting that diversity benefits the industry as a whole.

“When new designers succeed,” Serge Tagro says, “the entire fashion community becomes stronger.”

Building International Opportunities

As RunwayDiamonds develops collaborations between Los Angeles, London, and Milan, Serge Tagro continues evaluating designers not only for creative quality but also for their readiness to participate in international productions.

Publicly announced plans include expanding collaborations with designers across multiple markets while continuing to strengthen creative partnerships between the United States and Europe.

International growth requires more than beautiful collections.

It requires cultural awareness. Professional communication. Reliability. The ability to collaborate across different creative environments.

According to Serge Tagro, these qualities are becoming increasingly valuable as the fashion industry grows more international.

The Future of Fashion Designers

Technology continues transforming fashion.

Artificial intelligence is changing marketing. Digital media is changing visibility. Global communication is creating new opportunities for designers around the world.

Despite these changes, Serge Tagro believes one principle remains constant.

Authenticity.

The designers who build lasting careers are those who understand their own creative identity, respect the business side of fashion, and remain committed to continuous growth.

That philosophy continues shaping the way Serge Tagro selects designers for RunwayDiamonds, helping build international fashion shows that celebrate creativity, professionalism, and the future of the global fashion industry.

Because trends may define a season.

But originality defines a career.

Interview with Dimitri Manuel: A Visionary in the Fashion Industry

By: Alva Ree

Interviewer: Dimitri, it’s a pleasure having you here. You wear many hats in the fashion world—the Art Director of MS World USA, the Editor-in-Chief of Celebrity News Magazine, and the Fashion TV and DM Corporation owner. What drives you to take on so many roles?

Dimitri Manuel: Thank you, Valeri. It’s great to be here. Each role I take on offers a unique perspective on the fashion industry. Being an Art Director allows me to shape the creative direction of significant events like MS World USA. As an Editor-in-Chief, I get to influence the narrative around fashion and culture through Celebrity News NYC. Owning Fashion TV and DM Corporation gives me the platform to support new talents and push the industry forward. My drive comes from a deep passion for fashion and a commitment to nurturing new talent.

Interviewer: Regarding nurturing new talent, your modeling school is renowned for discovering fresh faces and helping them grow. Can you tell us more about your approach to mentoring new models?

Dimitri: Absolutely. My modeling school focuses on more than just the physical aspects of modeling. It’s about building confidence, understanding the business, and developing a personal brand. We provide comprehensive training—from runway walks to photo shoots and lessons on professionalism and self-presentation. I mentor many of our models, helping them find their unique strengths and how to leverage them in their careers. My goal is to equip them not just with skills but also with the mindset needed for success.

Interviewer: You’re deeply invested in your students’ growth. What do you think sets your school apart from others?

Dimitri: Our holistic approach and the emphasis on individual growth sets us apart. We’re not just looking for a specific “look”—we’re looking for personality, resilience, and the ability to connect with an audience. Our curriculum includes the technical aspects of modeling and media training, fitness, nutrition, and even financial management. We aim to create well-rounded professionals who navigate the fashion industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Interviewer: You’ve also contributed significantly as the Editor-in-Chief of Celebrity News NYC Magazine. How do you balance your responsibilities across these various roles?

Dimitri: It’s all about having a great team and setting clear priorities. I’m fortunate to work with talented professionals who share my vision and passion for fashion and media. Time management is crucial—I allocate specific times of the day or week for different roles. For instance, mornings might be dedicated to the magazine, while afternoons are for Fashion TV or my modeling school. It’s a dynamic balancing act, but it never feels like work when you love what you do.

Interviewer: As the owner of Fashion TV, you’ve been instrumental in bringing fashion to the forefront of global media. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in this role?

Dimitri: One of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of trends in a constantly evolving industry. Fashion is always changing, and media consumption habits are evolving just as rapidly. We’ve had to innovate continuously, whether that’s through digital content, social media engagement, or immersive experiences like live-streamed fashion shows. Another challenge is maintaining a balance between high fashion and accessibility—ensuring our content appeals to industry insiders and the general public.

Interviewer: With such a diverse portfolio, what’s next for you and your ventures?

Dimitri: We’re always looking to innovate and expand. We’re exploring new technologies like virtual and augmented reality for Fashion TV to offer more immersive experiences. At DM Corporation, we’re working on a new platform connecting aspiring models and fashion professionals with industry opportunities globally. And for Celebrity News NYC, we’re planning to expand our digital footprint with more interactive content and features. I’m also looking to launch a foundation to support underprivileged youth aspiring to enter the fashion industry.

Interviewer: That sounds incredible. Dimitri, you’ve achieved so much, and continue pushing the boundaries. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Dimitri: Stay passionate and be relentless. The fashion industry is challenging and competitive, but it’s also gratifying. Never stop learning—whether it’s about fashion, business, or even technology. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. And most importantly, stay true to yourself and your vision. Authenticity is what will set you apart in this industry.

Interviewer: Wise words, Dimitri. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It’s been a pleasure.

Dimitri: Thank you, Valeri. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

 

Published By: Aize Perez