The Budapest Central European Fashion Week (BCEFW) of this year is set to feature new regional brands and highlight emerging designers, with diverse content. The event, taking place from 28 August to 3 September 3, will be hosted at the Millenáris Park buildings, the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency (HFDA) informed on Thursday, 10 August.
As noted, the key objectives of the prominent regional event include strengthening the role of the region in fashion matters and organising the Fashion HUB focusing on Generation Z.
On 2 and 3 September, collections from 39 brands will be showcased at Millenáris Park, featuring creations not only from 24 Hungarian fashion designers, but also from Ukrainian, Romanian, Czech, Polish, Slovak, and Serbian creators. The event places importance on presenting regional brands alongside local ones, which is reinforced by the presence of international press, influencers, and buyers. Representatives from renowned fashion magazines in the region will be in attendance, including Polish Vogue, Elle, and Twój Styl, as well as Czech and Ukrainian Vogues, and journalists from Italian publications L’Officiel and Vogue Italia.
The organisers are dedicated to providing opportunities for talented designers and brands who create under challenging circumstances, such as those in war-torn areas, with the event showcasing the work of Ukrainian designers as well.
‘The HFDA’s strategic goal is for Hungary to become a long-term fashion and design hub in the Central European region,’ CEO of HFDA Zsófia Jakab stated. She added that the semi-annual BCEFW ‘serves as a bridge connecting industry players from Hungary and the regional countries.’ The event facilitates trade relationships, increases international visibility, and also plays a significant role in tourism, explained the CEO.
This year’s BCEFW will bring several novelties, including a significant one: the event categories have been defined based on a new professional criteria system. This new concept was implemented based on the proposals of the Advisory Board established by HFDA in January 2023, with the primary aim of enhancing the attraction of BCEFW and promoting cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries to draw greater attention to the region’s creative competitiveness.
‘We believe that a coordinated professional event supported by the Advisory Board, such as BCEFW, can turn the creativity in Hungary and the regional countries into a competitive advantage,’ said Deputy CEO of HFDA Anita Forintos-Szűcs. She emphasised their commitment to supporting the younger generation. This year marks the first time the Fashion Hub will be open. ‘The focus on talent development is also present on the catwalks. We hope that among the budding, evolving, new, and emerging designers, many will step onto the international stage,’ the Deputy CEO highlighted.
In addition to designer presentations, the Fashion Hub will provide programmes tailored to the younger generation, allowing them to get closer to the world of fashion and the secrets of the creative industry. There will be lectures on topics like Streetstyle photography or Tik-Tok trends, as well as workshops, panel discussions, and a pop-up store for visitors. Participation is free, but registration is required for certain programmes.
