11 October 2025  The German fashion designer Marcel Ostertag brought glamour, elegance, and purpose to Vienna last night, October 10, 2025, with the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2026 collection "Paradise" at the SO/Vienna hotel— the video from the defilee can be viewed at the end of the page. Known for merging theatrical flair with technical precision, Ostertag has deep ties to the Austrian capital — as a teenager, he trained as a ballet dancer at the Vienna State Opera, a formative experience that still echoes in the poise of his collections. After studying at Central Saint Martins in London, he founded his eponymous label in Munich, later relocating to Berlin. His work frequently intersects with popular culture, from collaborations with brands like Tamaris to appearances on Germany's Next Topmodel. From Ballet to Berlin: Marcel Ostertag's Viennese ConnectionOstertag's fashion shows are known for their polished dramaturgy and star-studded casts — and Vienna's edition was no exception. The runway at SO/Vienna featured models from the Germany's Next Topmodel cast, ensuring the level of glamour the format is known for. Shimmering fabrics, confident walks, and the designer's unmistakable flair transformed the Praterstraße venue into a stage of controlled exuberance.Top Model Glamour and ORF Star Onka Takats Return to the RunwayAmong the highlights of the evening was Onka Takats, the popular ORF presenter who celebrated her modeling comeback earlier this year at Berlin Fashion Week, also for Ostertag. Her reappearance in Vienna bridged television charisma and runway confidence. After the show, Takats conducted a short on-stage interview with the designer, shifting the spotlight from glamour to compassion.Fashion with Purpose: Charity for TierQuarTier WienThe evening's charitable heart was a fundraiser for TierQuarTier Wien, a facility that cares for abandoned animals. Ostertag emphasized that his label does not use animal leather, and explained that the chosen charity reflects a social concern: during the pandemic, many people adopted pets out of loneliness — only to abandon them later. He noted that these animals deserve care and dignity and that supporting such institutions is a way to give them a second chance.At first, the Viennese audience seemed restrained — a characteristic trait of local event culture — but the atmosphere soon warmed up. With a few enthusiastic bidders and generous donations, the charity picked up speed and turned into a success. The subsequent shopping event and after-show party continued in lively spirits, blending philanthropy with fashion. By the end of the night, one impression stood out: Vienna's fashion scene remains a chic yet warm and easygoing society, where style meets sincerity — and where the elegant ambience of SO/Vienna certainly added to the charm of the evening. Images: ORF presenter Onka Takats and designer Marcel Ostertag speaking on stage after the presentation of the Spring/Summer 2026 collection 'Paradise' during the charity fashion show at SO/Vienna on October 10, 2025. The image on the right shows moments from the runway, with models in tiered red lace and black high-shine dresses walking past the audience. Photo: © Fashion.at |