2026/02/17
More than 40 designers, professional guests from 12 countries, and 5,500 visitors – the 17th Budapest Central European Fashion Week once again demonstrated that Budapest is a key hub for the Central European fashion industry. The strong presence of international media and regional partner organisations further reinforced Budapest’s position on the map of the creative industries.
In February, Budapest once again became the focal point of the regional fashion scene as the 17th Budapest Central European Fashion Week unveiled the collections of more than 40 designers, in front of buyers, influencers, and journalists who travelled to the Hungarian capital from more than 12 countries. Organised by Creative Hungary, the event series further reinforced Budapest’s regional role, featuring more than 50 side events, six international partner organisations, 20 vocational education institutions, and 5,500 visitors.
The shows took place at iconic cultural venues: on Friday, Apollo Gallery showcased the fresh visions of emerging talents, while on Saturday and Sunday, established domestic and international brands took centre stage in the illustrious spaces of the Museum of Fine Arts. The programme featured, in addition to Hungarian, Czech, Slovakian, Polish, Slovenian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Armenian, and Romanian designers, with regional collaborations once again playing a key role.
Over the weekend, 30 international industry guests attended the programmes, including representatives from leading global media outlets such as Vogue Adria, Vogue Ukraine, and Vogue Czech, as well as ELLE Serbia, ELLE Japan, and ELLE Czech, and magazines like Twój Styl, TOP Fashion, and GQ Poland. Additionally, 170 journalists and photographers from 75 domestic and international media outlets reported on the newest collections, while Hungarian and regional brands’ work reached millions through BCEFW’s online platforms.
The AW2627 season’s main focus was talent management. The recently introduced New Generation Individual Show category allowed Chokassy and Valentin Szarvas to showcase individually. At the same time, nearly 60 per cent of the entire repertoire was of emerging talents. Beyond the catwalk, 185 students and instructors from 20 specialised institutions also gained insight into the world of contemporary fashion, reinforcing the long-term mission of nurturing the next generation of talent.
This year, the Fashion Hub offered workshops, roundtable discussions, and a design fair in the Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, the showroom in the city centre provided targeted support for discussions with international buyers. More than 100 exclusive red-carpet guests, including Nóra Ördög, Boglárka Kapás, and Zséda, wore creations by Hungarian designers, further promoting the visibility of domestic brands.
The 17th BCEFW once again demonstrated that the Central European region can remain competitive only by entering international markets through joint platforms and coordinated professional collaborations – and Budapest provides a stable, internationally recognised foundation to support these efforts.
© Creative Hungary. 2026. Minden jog fenntartva.
