Sofia’s Most Exquisite Evening with Haute Couture and Music as Fashion Transcends Borders

By Shereen Shabnam

There are evenings that linger in your memory long after the last spotlight dims and the Royale Fashion Show at Palms Royale Sofia was exactly that kind of night. As I arrived at the Grand Hotel Millennium, the air was charged with anticipation. The entrance itself set the mood: marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers, a welcome befitting an event where beauty and culture would be celebrated in their most refined forms.

Our gracious hosts, Milo Borissov and Rossi McKee, welcomed guests with the warmth and charisma that define true hospitality. Their shared vision to elevate Bulgaria as a luxury destination resonated deeply. “This is the first event we are organizing an event with such a focus,” Milo explained with pride, “and our goal is to turn it into a tradition.” Rossi added, “We want to create a meeting place of cultures, a space where music, glamour, and creativity flourish.” It was clear from the outset that this was not just a fashion show. It was a declaration of intent: Sofia is ready to take its place on the global stage for fashion.

The evening unfolded in two unforgettable acts. As the lights dimmed and the first models stepped onto the runway, Lebanese designer Walid Atallah’s vision came to life. His gowns were nothing short of breathtaking with exquisite evening dresses gleaming with delicate beadwork, shimmering crystals, and silken fabrics that moved like liquid under the lights. Each piece seemed to embody a fusion of Middle Eastern heritage and European sophistication, with silhouettes that flattered the body and celebrated femininity in all its forms.

When I looked around the room, filled with luminaries from the worlds of fashion, film, and media, I could sense a shared awe. Among the notable guests with me were Egyptian actresses Rania Youssef and Hala Sedki, Iraqi-Lebanese actress Mariam Hussein Aouidat, and beloved influencers such as Maitha Mohamad and Hiba Haidari from the UAE. Together, we watched the runway transform into a living canvas of creativity.

The first segment of the show presented evening gowns that seemed destined for the red carpet. Dresses with dramatic trains, plunging necklines, and a palette ranging from soft pastels to bold jewel tones. As the models paused to let photographers capture the intricate details, you could hear appreciative murmurs from every corner of the room.

After a short interlude, the atmosphere shifted as the enchanting singer Amel Gharbi took the stage. Her live performance, soulful and evocative, added another dimension to the experience. As she sang, a new wave of glamorous cocktail dresses and gala-ready ensembles graced the runway, designs that balanced modern sensuality with timeless elegance.

Then it was the bridal finale that truly left a lasting impression. A procession of ethereal gowns, each more romantic than the last, swept the audience into a dreamscape of tulle, lace, and delicate embroidery. The culmination of the show was a moving moment when Walid Atallah joined Arab music legend Nawal Al Zoghbi on stage. Her voice soared through the hall, and the synergy between couture and music became a shared celebration of artistry itself.

Reflecting on the evening, I was struck by the generosity and vision of Milo and Rossi, whose hospitality made everyone feel welcome and inspired. Their commitment to establishing Sofia as a hub for cultural exchange felt authentic and urgent. Palms Royale Sofia’s management team expressed great pride in organizing such a fantastic event. The facility spans 6,000 square meters and includes marble finishes, velvet furniture, crystal décor, a 2,000-square-meter gaming area, and two gourmet restaurants that serve Asian and Mediterranean food.

With its exquisite cuisine, and grand gaming area, Palms Royale Sofia proved itself a perfect backdrop for such a landmark occasion. The venue’s blend of sophistication and warmth made it clear why this space will soon be synonymous with world-class experiences. As I left, still wrapped in the glow of the night, it was impossible not to feel hopeful about Sofia’s future on the global fashion calendar. With visionaries like Milo Borissov, Rossi McKee, this is only the beginning.