Halle E at MuseumsQuartier welcomed Velvet Nights, the opening show marking the 18th edition of Vienna Fashion Week. The evening brought together leading names from Austrian fashion, members of the press and international cultural partners. More than an opening event, the night offered a first look at the six-day programme ahead while creating a space for professionals from different generations to meet and exchange ideas.
A Red Carpet Filled with Leading Austrian Figures
On the evening of September 14, the entrance hall of Halle E at MuseumsQuartier became a meeting point for Vienna’s fashion and cultural crowd. Led by Creative Headz founders Elvyra Geyer, Zigi Mueller-Matyas and Maria Oberfrank, the annual fashion week continues to hold an important place in the city’s cultural calendar. Before the show began, there was a clear sense of excitement as guests gathered to see the latest creative ideas take the stage.
The red carpet welcomed familiar names from Austrian entertainment, media and society. Designers Atil Kutoglu, Alex Kiesling and Gitti Krenn were among those in attendance, alongside models Kerstin Lechner, Eser Akaba and Kathi Stumpf, as well as publishers Christian and Ekaterina Mucha.
The guest list also included actress Patricia Aulitzky, actor Stefano Bernardin, Eurovision star Cesar Sampson, singers Doretta Carter, Sandra Pires and Kim Cooper, and musician Lukas Fendrich. The gathering reflected the close relationship between fashion and Vienna’s wider creative scene, bringing together people from across the city’s cultural landscape.
A Cross-Generation Stage for a Lifetime
The opening show offered a first look at the creative direction behind this year’s programme. Hosted by Sylvia Graf, the evening brought together established names and emerging designers, creating a natural conversation between different generations of Austrian fashion.
The presence of veteran designer Atil Kutoglu alongside rising talent Nicolas Dudek highlighted the range of voices shaping the country’s fashion scene today. After the runway show, Halle E turned into a relaxed meeting space where industry professionals could connect and discuss ideas for the seasons ahead.
Supporting young talent remains one of the key focuses of this year’s programme. Projects from the Atena Neuhuber Fashion Academy were placed in the spotlight from the opening days of the event. On September 16, The Next Generation show will continue that focus, featuring three emerging names: Dew & Juju, Maria Lingenover and Konstantin Theodor.
Rather than placing new designers on the sidelines, Vienna Fashion Week is giving them a central place in the programme — creating room for fresh ideas and new approaches to fashion.
Beyond Austria for a Promising Fashion Landscape
Vienna Fashion Week is also opening its doors wider to international voices. On September 17, the International Trade Promotion Department of Thailand (DITP Thailand) will bring three Thai brands — Frank Weeneggsinn, Nichp and Rose Mars — to audiences in Vienna.
The showcase adds another layer to the week’s cultural exchange, connecting the Austrian fashion scene with new creative perspectives from Southeast Asia.
Sustainability and circular fashion are also an important part of this year’s programme. The Look! Fashion Talk on September 16 will be open to the public, offering a closer look at some of the social and environmental questions facing the fashion industry.
On September 18, environmental company Saubermacher will host a discussion titled Recycled Fashion, exploring the journey of textile fibres from collection and recycling to the creation of new garments. Following the talk, Fröhlich and Saubermacher will present designs made from recycled materials on the runway, bringing the idea of resource-conscious fashion into the show itself.
Transcending the Runway for Enhanced Experiences
This year’s programme also extends beyond the traditional fashion show format, with Halle E and Halle G serving different purposes throughout the week.
While Halle E remains the main runway venue, Halle G will become a busy Pop-up Store from September 16 to 19. Visitors will have the chance to get closer to the collections, see the details and fabrics up close, and shop pieces from brands including Empowerment Studio, Pitour, Plural, ROEE and Fröhlich, as well as emerging designers.
The week will continue with collections by Elke Freytag and a collaboration between Kokoknit and Grünschnabel & Gänseblümchen, before leading into the closing night, Look! Fashion Night, supported by Suzuki. Designer Atil Kutoglu will close the runway programme.
The 18th edition of Vienna Fashion Week brings together a wide network of local partners, cultural organisations and businesses. Opening with Velvet Nights, the event sets the tone for a week that brings together Vienna’s fashion heritage, emerging talent, international exchange and a growing focus on sustainability.
