21 April 2026  A recurring platform for independent designThe Edelstoff – Market for Young Design & Craft has become a regular fixture in Vienna's creative calendar. The event takes place several times a year and brings together independent labels from fields such as fashion, jewelry, product design, art, cosmetics, and culinary production. As reported in a recent Fashion.at article on the winter edition, the format combines curated design with a relaxed market atmosphere. It is no longer a hidden tip, but it still offers a reliable way to discover emerging talents and small-scale manufacturers. In 2026, the Edelstoff event is scheduled to take place four times: the winter market was held in February, the upcoming spring market on the last weekend of April, followed by autumn and Christmas editions later in the year.Spring edition: 170 labels and international mixThe upcoming spring edition will be held on April 25 and 26 at the Marx Halle. Around 170 selected labels are expected, including approximately 40 international participants from countries such as Germany, Italy, Croatia, Poland, and Slovakia. The event combines exhibition and experience. Alongside fashion and design, visitors can explore ceramics, cosmetics, and food products. A workshop area invites hands-on participation, with activities ranging from block printing to jewelry making and DIY scented candles. A 1,000 m² street food area with food trucks and bars complements the program, while additional elements such as a preloved fashion section, a kids' area, and a Shiatsu lounge expand the offer.Navigation and discovery: from filters to "new" labelsOn its website, Edelstoff currently lists around 170 exhibitors. Visitors can browse them using filters such as fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, or street food. A dedicated "New" category highlights first-time participants.Among these are die.dirndlerei, which reworks traditional dirndl garments using upcycled materials such as vintage fabrics and ties, with a clear focus on craftsmanship and material reuse. Graphic approaches are visible in labels like diezampano, based between Vienna and Barcelona, presenting bold, illustrative design work, and EBIA, a young artistic project rooted in drawing and textile-based prints. EBIA explores themes of body perception and acceptance, often translating hand-drawn figures into unique, handmade pieces. Between market and meeting pointEdelstoff positions itself between curated design fair and accessible public market. With an entry fee of five euros and barrier-free access, it aims to remain open to a broad audience. While the scale has grown over the years, the core idea remains unchanged: to provide a space where independent designers can present their work directly to the public, and where visitors can engage with new ideas in design and craft.Images: Graphic works by diezampano (left) and EBIA (right), shown as prints and on textiles; © diezampano, © EBIA |