During the 16th BCEFW, Budapest Once Again Reinforced Its Leading Position on the Region’s Fashion Map

The 16th Budapest Central European Fashion Week (BCEFW) once again delivered an unforgettable week. During fashion week, more than 70 domestic and 30 Central European designers unveiled their 2026 spring-summer collections. The event generated enormous international interest with fashion industry experts, magazine editors, and photographers arriving from 15 countries, including representatives from WWD, METAL magazine, 10Magazine USA, Vogue Adria, the Ukrainian, Slovenian, and Romanian editions of ELLE, and the Czech Harper’s Bazaar.

In the SS26 season, nearly 100 designers showcased their works, under the organisation of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA), with diploma collections from two higher education institutions – Budapest Metropolitan University and Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design – also featured in the programme. The students’ innovative and contemporary perspective attracted great interest and provided an opportunity for professional networking.

The shows and presentations took place in the Apollo Gallery and at Millenáris, where, alongside regional designers, well-established Hungarian brands and promising talents of the newest designer generation also showcased. At the fashion week, designers from six regional countries – Slovakia, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic – also appeared, strengthening Budapest’s leading role on the Central European fashion map. Nearly 7,000 visitors attended the fashion shows and presentations, with over 50 side events awaiting fashion enthusiasts across Budapest. These included roundtable discussions, discounted shopping opportunities, open showrooms, and designer meetings that helped visitors gain a better understanding of the Hungarian fashion industry.

Celebrities also appeared on the runway: Evelin Nagy participated in several shows on Saturday, Barbara Somossy walked in a Merő dress, while Csinszka opened the Borbala show as a singer. Unreal Industries’ collection was made especially memorable by boxers, while 14 dancers from the Szeged Contemporary Ballet elevated NUBU’s show. In the front row of Kati Zoób’s closing show sat fashion icons whose decades-long domestic and international careers have contributed to the development of the fashion industry. Among the distinguished guests were editor-in-chief Krisztina Maróy, photographer Gábor Módos, and numerous models, including Enikő Sütő, Adrienn Mahelszki, Eszter Csákvári-Sarnyai, Adrienn Nádor, Ági Aipli, Szilvia Strich, and Mari Háfra.

The programme not only put the designers’ creations in the spotlight but also emphasised the prestige of creative industry professions and the importance of sustainability. Through this event, 250 students and representatives gained direct experiences about the operations of the creative sector.

The Fashion Hub programmes filled the day for those curious about the background and operation of the fashion industry with diverse experiences. Several workshops, lectures, and professional events facilitated knowledge sharing in the National Dance Theatre. Domestic and international experts shared their experiences on their journeys, and young models offered an insight into the challenges of their careers.

This year, BCEFW once again demonstrated that it serves as a bridge between domestic and international fashion as the leading fashion event in the region, providing an inspiring platform for designers, professionals, and an audience interested in fashion.