Young Hungarian Designers in the Spotlight at BCEFW SS26

Budapest Central European Fashion Week is opening a new chapter in the domestic fashion scene. At the 16^th edition of the event, diploma collections will be included in the official programme for the first time. Alongside Hungary, six Central European countries will present collections from 100 designers. The event places special emphasis on young Hungarian designers, alongside established brands, enhancing the international visibility of local and regional fashion designers, and strengthening the Hungarian audience’s commitment to domestic labels.

By now, BCEFW has become not only a fashion week but a creative industry meeting point in Central Europe. The event serves as a bridge between countries, generations, and industry players, providing a platform both for well-established brands and emerging talents. Between 1 and 7 September, collections by designers from Hungary and six other Central European countries will be showcased, featuring nearly one hundred brands.

A new feature this year is that recent graduates from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) and Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) will also showcase their works. On 1 September, 26 graduates from METU will present their collections at the National Museum, while MOME will hold its sold-out fashion show on 4 September at its own campus, accompanied by a symposium and exhibition.

BCEFW’s commitment to talent development continues this year, with nearly 60% of the showcased brands created by young designers. The Young Talents and New Generation programmes, along with the Fashion Hub events, offer opportunities for emerging designers, including the winners of the HFDA’s “Get in the Picture! – New Talent of the Year” programme.

However, BCEFW is not limited to the runway: for one week, various locations in Budapest – galleries, stores, cultural spaces – will come alive with fashion programmes. Apolló Gallery and Millenáris Building D will house the main fashion shows, while the National Dance Theatre will host industry workshops, discussions, and networking events.

The HFDA aims for BCEFW to be more than just a fashion event: to offer an inspiring and professionally enriching platform that supports the international expansion of Hungarian brands, while also strengthening the domestic audience’s commitment to quality Hungarian fashion. The event also contributes to elevating the profile of domestic designers and encourages more people to choose quality pieces made by Hungarian brands in their everyday lives.