20 July 2026

Vienna Fashion Week 2026: First Look at This Year's Designer Line-up

Models backstage waiting to enter the runway.

Quick Read

• Vienna Fashion Week returns to MuseumsQuartier from 14–19 September.
• The runway schedule is still being finalized, but Fashion.at has received an early look at participating labels.
• International designers, established Austrian names and emerging talents point to another diverse edition.
• Thai fashion, independent ateliers, upcycling and limited-edition collections are expected to shape this year's programme.

From established Austrian designers to international labels and experimental projects, the first confirmed names already suggest the broad spectrum that has become characteristic of Vienna Fashion Week. Although the final runway schedule has not yet been published, the preliminary designer list offers an early impression of what visitors can expect when the event opens at MuseumsQuartier in September.

Vienna Fashion Week will return to MuseumsQuartier Halle E + G from 14 to 19 September, once again bringing together established designers, independent labels, fashion schools and international guests. According to information obtained by Fashion.at during a telephone conversation with the organisers today, the show schedule is still being finalised. However, the preliminary list of participating designers already reveals several highlights and confirms that the event continues to balance Austrian creativity with international perspectives.

Thai designers remain one of the international highlights

One of the traditions that has developed over recent editions is the strong presence of Thai fashion. Whether this year's presentation will again take place as the dedicated Thai Night has not yet been announced, but three Thai labels have already been confirmed: ISSI RIVA, Rose Mars and NICHp.

ISSI RIVA, created by designer Frank Weeneggsinn (Weeneggsinn Kaewphongsri), has become known for combining traditional smocking techniques with contemporary, gender-neutral silhouettes. The label places craftsmanship at the centre of its collections while interpreting vintage techniques through modern ready-to-wear design. Vienna audiences have already become familiar with the brand through previous Fashion Week appearances.

Bangkok label Rose Mars, designed by Marayat, also returns after presenting its craft-denim collections in Vienna. The brand combines streetwear influences with handcrafted textile techniques, patchwork and experimental denim construction, creating collections that bridge traditional workmanship and contemporary urban fashion.

The newcomer among the Thai participants is NICHp, which is expected to make its Vienna Fashion Week debut this year. Unlike the more streetwear-oriented Rose Mars, NICHp focuses on refined tailoring, fluid silhouettes and elegant womenswear. The Bangkok label has previously presented collections at leading Asian fashion events and is recognised for combining minimalist design with couture-inspired craftsmanship.

An increasingly international platform

The preliminary line-up also underlines the event's international profile. Among the returning labels is Artista, the Budapest-based fashion house founded by designers Katalin Imre, Nóra Rácz and Katalin Stampf. Their collections reinterpret traditional tailoring through contemporary proportions while drawing inspiration from art, architecture and Japanese aesthetics.

Artista has maintained a close connection with Vienna for years. Besides participating in Vienna Fashion Week, the label is represented at the Combinat concept store in MuseumsQuartier, where visitors can experience its collections throughout the year. The brand illustrates how Vienna Fashion Week increasingly serves not only as a runway platform but also as a meeting point for Central European independent fashion.

Shopping alongside the runway

In recent years Vienna Fashion Week has expanded beyond catwalk presentations by integrating a dedicated pop-up shopping area. This concept will continue in 2026. For visitors, the sales space offers an opportunity to discover participating designers without visiting multiple studios across the city. Limited editions, handcrafted accessories and small-production garments are often available directly from the labels, making the retail area an important complement to the runway programme.

Independent designers and creative projects

Among the confirmed Austrian participants is Elke Freytag, who has become known for producing contemporary womenswear in limited quantities. From her atelier and store at Lindengasse 14, 1070 Vienna, she develops collections characterised by clean silhouettes, carefully selected fabrics and small production runs. Rather than following rapid seasonal trends, her work focuses on garments designed for long-term wear, with many pieces created from high-quality surplus fabrics sourced from international fashion houses.

Another project expected to attract attention is Fashion Reloaded by the Pensionistinnenklubs der Stadt Wien. On 15 September, participants will present their new collection "fenWomenal", continuing an initiative that combines fashion, sustainability and social engagement.

Created in an upcycling workshop using donated textiles and garments with personal histories, the collection includes 57 looks as well as matching jewellery and accessories. According to the project, the newly coined term "fenWomenal" represents women who draw strength from their own experiences, talents and independence. The collection also explores ideas of gender, challenges stereotypes and demonstrates that creativity and fashion know no age limits.

Opening night traditionally sets the tone

Although the detailed runway programme has yet to be released, the opening evening traditionally presents selected looks from many participating collections, offering visitors a first overview of the week ahead. It has also become the most prestigious social event of Vienna Fashion Week.

Ticket prices currently reflect this special position. According to the Vienna Ticket booking platform, admission for the Opening Show on 14 September is €190, while tickets for the regular runway days are offered at €29.

With the complete schedule still to come, the preliminary designer list already demonstrates the breadth of this year's edition. International labels, established Austrian designers, emerging talent, educational institutions and socially engaged fashion projects together suggest that Vienna Fashion Week 2026 will once again provide a broad overview of contemporary fashion—from craftsmanship and couture-inspired tailoring to streetwear, sustainability and experimental design. As September approaches, Vienna's fashion community is waiting to see how these diverse voices will come together on the runway.

Image: Backstage at a fashion show; models line up before going on stage. © Fashion.at / AI-generated with ChatGPT.