Vienna Fashion Week S/S 26 : Backstage Exclusive
Suicide Right on the Stage
Eight shows in one day, one location, one runway. Our reporter Athena was present and invited as part of the press corps at Vienna Fashion Week in September 2025. Endymion also took a look behind the scenes, from the hectic atmosphere backstage to the celebrations that followed at the after-party.
We didn’t see all 40 designers who presented over the course of the five-day event, but from what we did see, we certainly formed some opinions.
Arriving in Vienna, we weren’t quite sure what to expect from the local fashion scene. The crowd itself proved to be an interesting introduction. Visitors arrived in a wide variety of styles: some dressed in extravagant looks and unexpected combinations, while others opted for casual outfits or polished office-chic ensembles. A new front-row experience.
This diversity is likely a result of Vienna Fashion Week’s unusually open approach. Unlike many of its international counterparts, VFW makes tickets to all shows available to the general public (for a fee) as if you are watching a ballgame or a musical event. In an industry that often thrives on exclusivity, this commitment to accessibility feels refreshingly different.
However, while we appreciated this effort to open the doors and make fashion more accessible, the runway presentations themselves were occasionally perplexing. Some brands sent their models gliding down the catwalk at an almost painfully slow pace, accompanied by soothing music and collections that felt uninspired, outdated, and lacking clear purpose or style. The result was a show that seemed to drain the energy from the room rather than build in anticipation.
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One collection for example featured brightly coloured polyester dresses and swimwear which looked more like items picked up from a tourist souvenir shop than pieces destined for a fashion runway. No amount of professional styling or confident walking could distract from the question lingering in our minds: who exactly is this for?
Backstage, however, the atmosphere was entirely different. Stylists hurried between stations, makeup artists worked against the clock, and models slipped in and out of looks in a carefully orchestrated frenzy. This is why we decided to go with backstage rather than runway photos for this article. There was an urgency and excitement in the air backstage that made it impossible to be bored. Yet somehow, that energy did not always translate onto the runway itself.
Backstage Buzz, Runway Snooze
The collections that stood out most to us came from younger designers with a clear sense of identity. One highlight was Wisharawish, a menswear label rooted in traditional Thai textiles. The collection balanced craftsmanship with contemporary tailoring, combining rich textures, unexpected silhouettes, and intricate patterns in a way that felt both thoughtful and modern. In a menswear landscape often dominated by repetition, Wisharawish was one of the few creations that offered something genuinely distinctive.
Our second favourite was Kareem Aladhami, a designer who established his label in Vienna after fleeing Iraq. In the decade since arriving, he has developed a passion for sewing and design, drawing on historical references and Arabic influences to create garments that feel deeply personal. His work felt rich with narrative and fresh ideas.
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The day ended at the after-party, where the catwalk and audience seating were cleared away and transformed into a dance floor, with models, designers, journalists, backroom production teams, and visitors celebrating together. It was a fitting finale to an event that prides itself on accessibility and community. No exclusivity, but a free-for-all.
Vienna Fashion Week undoubtedly has potential, and the city is clearly home to no shortage of talented young creatives. Yet it here shows that talent alone is not enough.
A stronger curatorial vision and a greater emphasis on originality could elevate the event considerably. Experienced production teams and creative directors in addition to the designers will be necessary if Vienna wants to compete in the big leagues of fashion. Not to speak of top notch photographers and videographers.
We hope that future editions will make more room for emerging voices with something fresh to say, because Vienna deserves runways that reflect the creativity and ambition of its next generation. After all this city is famously known for the annual Vienna Opera Ball which is highly exclusive, features tons of global celebrities, and which promotes high end fashion and style in its own particular way. So it is all possible in Vienna, and in Viennese style.
Author : Athena
Photos : Vienna Fashion Week
