The Hungarian capital was bustling during the 12th BCEFW

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) organised the Budapest Central European Fashion Week for the twelfth time, attracting over 2,500 visitors to its main event at Millenáris between the 2^nd and 3^rd of September. In the last week of August, the almost 20 side events of BCEFW, the weekend shows, and the Fashion HUB, which was available for the first time, invigorated the fashion scene. Nearly 40 brands presented their newest pieces; among them, 14 regional designers debuted, which is the highest number in BCEFW’s history. Diversity characterised the programmes and collections; each generation could find the pieces and cultural recreational activities for their liking.

Budapest was buzzing with fashion again; the BCEFW put the spotlight on domestic and regional, creative and cultural diversity through fashion for a whole week. From the 28^th of August until the 3^rd of September, numerous events offered opportunities for those interested in connecting to the fashion world; roundtable discussions, workshops, musical programmes, fashion shows and special purchasing possibilities were all available. The nearly 20 side events were an effective lead-up to the weekend events, which attracted domestic celebrities, international guests, and the broad domestic and international audience.

The BCEFW’s two-day fashion show series took place in Millenáris. Catwalk shows and special outdoor shows were realised in Millenáris Building G. More than 2,500 visitors participated in the weekend programmes, and over 20,000 people followed the fashion shows live on Facebook in high quality. Special attention on sustainability was a common point for the organisers and designers, which manifested in minimising waste, the choice of materials and tailoring techniques. Following the Milan Fashion Week’s practice and with the intent of forming a tradition, a Fashion HUB opened its gates: those interested could view the designers’ presentations and interesting professional roundtable discussions and presentations in the Millenáris National Dance Theatre. In the Fashion HUB’s pop-up store, visitors could purchase popular domestic and regional designers’ pieces.

“In this season, in addition to strengthening our regional fashion industry role, one of the aims was to attract and involve the younger generations in the programme. This time, we saw especially talented new entrant designers at the Young Talents and New Generation sessions who brought freshness and a 21st-century vision to the runway. I hope we will hear about them in the future. It is good to see that fashion, culture, and creative values can mobilise masses season after season. This is the driving force behind BCEFW.” – said Anita Forintos-Szűcs, Deputy General Manager of the HFDA.

Since January 2023, the BCEFW has been developing its strategy with the Advisory Board consisting of international experts. As a result, in the SS24 season, the fashion designers could apply and were selected based on a transparent, professionally well-founded criteria system. In line with the BCEFW’s strategic goal,

that is, playing a regional central role, regional designers debuted at the event in larger numbers than ever before. In addition to 24 Hungarian brands, Ukrainian, Romanian, Czech, Polish, Slovakian and Serbian designers came to the event, which provided a possibility for creative energies to meet, valuable discussions, and trade opportunities.

The BCEFW aims to act as a diving board, thus helping domestic and regional brands to increase their international visibility and expand their sales activities. The detailed reconsideration of the BCEFW programme, its diversity and expansion were welcome in professional circles. The representatives of many showrooms attended the event, including Studio Zeta, the Spazio 38 Showroom from Milan, and buyers from the Swiss Hay-Hay Concept, who also viewed the exclusive BCE Showroom. In addition to the buyers of Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf, as well as the president of Camera Buyer Italia, the representatives of many showrooms attended the event, including Studio Zeta, the Spazio 38 Showroom from Milan, and buyers from the Swiss Hay-Hay Concept, who also viewed the exclusive BCE Showroom. In addition to the Polish Vogue, Elle, and Twój Styl, editors-in-chief and journalists of the Czech and Ukrainian Vogue, the now-launching Vogue Adria, and the Italian L’Officiel and Vogue Italia also visited the event. Gili Biegun, Italian influencer, is a determining and regular guest of the BCEFW, and the Canadian influencer and style icon Grece Ghanem joined her for the SS24 season. Patrick Domingo, lifestyle and fashion photographer, also captured valuable BCEFW moments.

International guests got to know Budapest’s destinations, restaurants, and hotels in a hospitality tour during the BCEFW. The programme series confirms season after season that events such as Fashion Week have a significant tourism impact and the well-known brand of BCEFW has a powerful national image-building effect. 

The joint appearance of regional and Hungarian brands represented the essence of Central European countries’ fashion. Throughout the whole week of BCEFW, fashion was in the focus, and not only fashion enthusiasts gained unforgettable experiences, but thanks to the Fashion HUB programmes, a wide range of generations joined the event. 

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About the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency was founded in 2018 to support every actor in the fashion and design industry in an efficient and structured way, following predetermined strategic pillars: professional coordination, enhancing Hungarian brands’ availability and trade opportunities, educational development and manufacturing development. To realise its goals, HFDA organises domestic events each year, such as the region’s major fashion event, the Budapest Central European Fashion Week, or the 360 Design Budapest exhibition, which has received international awards. Besides, they provide Hungarian creators opportunities for participation and debuting at international professional events such as the Milano Fashion Week or the Maison&Objet and the Milan Design Week design fairs. Their primary tasks include strategic cooperation with professional organisations, increasing exports, and supporting Hungarian brands’ professional development with their mentoring programmes.

Budapest Central European Fashion Week

Since its foundation in 2018, the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency has organised the Budapest Central European Fashion Week twice a year, which counts as the main fashion event of the Central European region. For many years now, the event has been the number one meeting point between the broad audience, buyers, designers, influencers, and domestic and international media in the region. Hungarian fashion and design industry events increase the country’s tourist attraction and national economic growth, provide visibility for Hungarian brands, and may result in international orders. The Agency’s accentuated goal is to connect the Hungarian fashion and design industry to the international professional flow and, in the long run, turn Budapest into a regional centre, strengthening the country’s image.