Atena Neuhuber: When Fashion Speaks

Resilience, sustainability and hope are the central themes explored in designer Atena Neuhuber’s show. Under the title “1001 Nights,” she presented her creations on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at VIENNA FASHION WEEK together with 26 Iranian female designers.
Neuhuber, who is herself of Iranian descent, uses the collection to address the current political situation in Iran and, together with the participating designers, to make a statement. At the heart of the presentation are themes such as identity and freedom, expressed through the language of fashion.

FROM SIMORGH TO NIGHT COURT

The show began without a major speech, starting instead with a film. An open book was shown with the words “Dawn of Isfahan” written inside—a new day breaking over West Asia. A woman in traditional clothing was depicted sitting at her window, next to an important symbol of Persian mythology: the Simurgh, a famous mythical creature also known as the king of birds. It is considered a symbol of wisdom, protection, and rebirth, and to this day represents strength, hope, and overcoming great adversity. Its appearance at the beginning of the show could therefore be understood as a deliberate nod to these themes, providing an initial hint at the motifs running through the production.

The video invited visitors to VIENNA FASHION WEEK to accompany the protagonist through a day in Isfahan, with the story filmed from a bird’s-eye perspective. The cinematic experience was structured by the recurring appearance of the book introduced at the beginning.
As the day began, viewers were guided further into the “Garden of Eden.” This designation could likewise be understood as a deliberate allegorical reference to the biblical Garden of Eden. It represents paradise, but also marks the beginning of a story about temptation, freedom and its loss.
In connection with the themes addressed earlier, this may be interpreted as another exploration of freedom and its restriction.

The show then continued into the scene “Desert Mirage.” It concluded with “Night Court.” A lively gathering was shown, with people sharing a meal, talking to one another and clearly enjoying the evening.
This final section could also be read as a deliberate contrast to the scenes that preceded it, conveying an atmosphere of carefree and joyful social life.

ON THE CATWALK

The actual fashion show then began, with Atena Neuhuber presenting looks together with the participating designers that reflected the allegories introduced earlier. The collections were characterised by the use of silk, lace, glitter and fringes.
Throughout the presentation, contrasts were repeatedly explored – for example, between delicate fabrics that moved fluidly and seemingly effortlessly across the models’ bodies and more structured, geometric forms such as pronounced shoulder pads and deliberately placed cut-outs.
At the centre of the collection, however, was always the expression of femininity and sensuality.

By bringing together fashion, film and cultural symbolism, the show created a lasting impression.