Vienna’s 18th Fashion Week has begun: key events
International projects, emerging design and new approaches
VIENNA FASHION WEEK.26 is currently underway in Vienna – the 18th edition of the city’s Fashion Week, taking place from September 14 to 19 at Halle E+G in MuseumsQuartier. This year’s programme brings together around 40 designers and fashion projects from Austria and abroad, alongside runway shows, presentations, talks and pop-up spaces.
The event opened on September 14 with «Velvet Nights», presented with the support of FRITZ! Eyewear. A total of 36 designers took part, each presenting one look. Together, they offered a multifaceted snapshot of Vienna’s contemporary fashion scene – from different aesthetics and silhouettes to experimental approaches to materials and form. The show was hosted by Sylvia Graf.
Another key focus of the programme is its international fashion perspective. On September 15, the Atena Neuhuber Fashion Academy presented «1001 Night: Tonight», a project dedicated to Iranian fashion design. The presentation featured work by 26 Iranian designers. Its central themes were identity, freedom, resilience and hope, brought together through a symbolic journey «from darkness to light».
The international programme continues on September 17. In cooperation with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) Vienna, Thai designers Frank Weenegssinn, NICHP and Rose Mars will present their work. Their designs combine traditional craftsmanship and textile techniques with contemporary approaches to fashion.
The next generation of designers also plays an important role in this year’s programme. As part of The Next Generation, Dew & Juju, Maria Lingenover and Konstantin Theodor will present their work. The September 16 programme also features shows by PALLA VIENNA, SYLGV, PITOUR, DREIZEHN – Air des MQ and Karim Temimi.
Another focus of this year’s edition is the reinterpretation of existing clothing and circularity. On September 15, the Pensionist*innenklubs Wien presented «fenWomenal» as part of Fashion Reloaded, bringing together 57 looks created from existing clothing and personal garments. On September 18, Saubermacher goes Fashion will turn its attention to textile recycling – from collection and sorting to the creation of new materials. The project will also feature a presentation by FRÖHLICH.
Fashion talks are another important part of VIENNA FASHION WEEK.26. On September 16, the look! Future Trend Talk – How to create a Trend! will explore how trends emerge and the role that social change, lifestyle and new needs play in the process. The official aftershow party will take place at Das LOFT later that evening.
The final day on September 19 will feature the LOOK! Fashion Night powered by Suzuki, as well as a show by Austrian designer Atıl Kutoğlu. Ahead of the closing events, Elke Freytag and the collaborative project Kokoknit & Grünschnabel & Gänseblümchen will present their work.
Alongside the runway shows, the Halle G will host the Shopping Area & Pop-up Store from September 16 to 19. Visitors can discover the participating labels up close and purchase selected pieces from their collections.
The history of VIENNA FASHION WEEK dates back to 2009. The event was founded by Elvyra Geyer, Zigi Mueller-Matyas and Maria Oberfrank, who established creative headz together. Since then, the Fashion Week has developed into a platform for Austrian and international designers, bringing together runway shows, emerging talent, international projects and fashion shopping.
In 2026, VIENNA FASHION WEEK is taking place for the 18th time. This year’s edition brings Austrian and international fashion, emerging design, professional talks and new approaches to textiles together at MuseumsQuartier.
Photo: Instagram @vienna_fashion_week
