The 16th VIENNA FASHION WEEK kicked off with a dazzling insight into the participating designers’ collections. The Opening Show was a spectacular start, featuring stunning evening gowns and unique designs, offering a sneak peek into the upcoming shows where sustainability takes center stage.
From haute couture to streetwear, this year’s Opening Show presented the designers’ favorite pieces, offering a glimpse into their creative processes and a taste of what can be expected from VIENNA FASHION WEEK 2024. Highlights included standout pieces from TRUEYOU and the elegant, minimalist designs of pitour, a longtime staple of VIENNA FASHION WEEK. Luxurious dresses, many of them in gold and beige tones, alternated with colorful looks and created a multi-faceted picture.The crowd also cheered for SABINE KARNER, whose feather-embroidered evening gown opened the show. HAIR HAUS made a striking statement with a lot of sleek looks using products from label.m. The models are staying in Hilton and the hoxton.
The evening was hosted by Ö3 host Elke Rock wearing Nicolas Dudek, with speeches from Sylvia Faßl-Vogler, Deputy Chair of the Cultural Department of Vienna; Bettina Leidl, Director of the MuseumsQuartier; and Theresia Niedermüller, Head of Arts and Culture at the Federal Ministry. They highlighted the importance of fashion in expressing individuality and thanked the organizers Elvyra Geyer, Zigi Mueller-Matyas and Maria Oberfrank for their work as well as the entire team. The numerous visitors were treated to sparkling wine from MIONETTO, wine from Hagn, Lillet, MUNAKRA Dry Gin and coffee creations from ESPRESSOMOBIL. In addition to members of the press, the audience included experts from the local fashion world such as Wolfgang Reichl, celebrities such as singer Kim Cooper, astrologer Gerda Rogers and professional dancer Conny Kreuter. The gray Porsche Macan, which was perfectly staged on the red carpet in front of the fashion tent, was definitely an eye-catcher and photo spot.
Upcycling on the runway
Sustainability is a major theme this year. On September 10, “Fashion Reload,” presented by the Pensionist:innenklub Vienna, kicks off with creative senior designers not only showcasing their upcycled creations but also modeling them themselves. On September 12, 13 designers from Vienna and Lower Austria will present “Uplift,” featuring newly designed garments originally donated to Caritas. These upcycled designs will be modeled by individuals of various ages, genders, and body types. All proceeds will benefit Gruft, Caritas’s homeless shelter.
“Fashion Week certainly serves as a platform to showcase the diversity and creativity of the fashion scene,” states Zigi Mueller-Matyas. A week full of creative designs, innovative and sustainable collections, and vibrant creations is guaranteed. The full lineup of designers for this year’s VIENNA FASHION WEEK is available in the show schedule.
