Everything you need to know about BCEFW 2024

This year’s Budapest Central European Fashion Week took part of the city by storm. It ushered in local fashion lovers, as well as international designers, for a week full of fun and fashion. But was it really? I had the pleasure of attending this year’s BCEFW, and it was definitely an interesting experience. Here’s everything that happened.

What happened at Budapest Central European Fashion Week AW2425?

Out of pure luck, I came across this year’s BCEFWAW2425 event early last week, and I went straight to the BCEFW website for all the information.

They had all the important details on their website, from the schedule and side events to the application process.

The show didn’t just focus on the main events but also the side events held in various locations around the city. This was a great initiative because it gave all artists a chance to showcase their work and reach new audiences.

Events at BCEFW AW2425

This season’s fashion week featured various side events, each happening throughout the week, including:

• Pop-up stores
• Roundtable discussions
• Fashion shows
• Workshops
• Personal styling
• Cocktail parties
• Showroom parties
• Fashion week offers

These side events are a wonderful opportunity for different brands and organizers to showcase their work. They’re always accessible to the public, cater to fashion enthusiasts, and play an important role in bridging the local and international fashion scene.

This year, I had the chance to attend two side events, which I’ll talk more about later.

Main events at Budapest Fashion Week 2024

The BCEFWAW24/25 took place on Saturday (27th) and Sunday (28th)and featured numerous local and international designers. The main event was held at the Museum of Fine Arts, a very fitting location for such an event. The program showcased various collections between 10 am and 8 pm on Saturday and up to 9 pm on Sunday.

A lot of shows were open to the public, but a few were “invite” only. Not too far from the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian Art and Business (HAB) on Andrássy út was also hosting a Fashion Hub bursting with free events. These featured a workshop with upcycling designer Borbala, roundtable sessions, and complimentary cocktails for those attending the BCEFW main event.

BCEFW 24/25 New Generation

The new generation showcased their talents in a joint show within the BCEFW framework featuring DAN!ELLE, and newer designers CHOKASSY, FANNI LSZL‎‎‎, JUDIT BÁRÁNY‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‏‏‎.

As the name implies, the new generation collective show was a chance to bring new and innovative ideas to the table.

But don’t be mistaken; new ideas don’t mean the disregard of old traditions and customs. If anything, this new collection presented ways in which the future forward generation would still pay respect and homage to their origins.

Chokassy

The collection, titled ‘Ecce Tenebrae,’ meaning ‘let there be shadow,’ in Latin, symbolizes a metamorphosis and the journey toward creating one’s ideal self. Highlighting the process of self-creation amid struggle, the collection narrates the transition from the unconscious self to the achievement of bliss. The transformation is portrayed through color and fabric choices, transitioning from dark, upcycled, torn leathers to artisanal off-white linens.

Judit Bárány’s Collection

“Ancient power,” “culture,” and “permanence” were the keywords behind Judit’s collection. After seeing the pieces down the runway, it was not hard to see why. The designer collaborated with contemporary artist Major Kamill to incorporate ancient culture into the modern pieces and produced a 24-piece men’s collection.

DAN!ELLE Space Geisha AW24/25 Collection

This modern collection was inspired by Japanese culture and featured a unique blend of tradition and modern society. Think strong female power, femme fatale aura, and a partly male, partly female character, and you’ll have a great representation of their collection. The line placed a strong emphasis on male and female equality by creating pieces catering to both sexes.

FANNI LSZL’s Collection

Many people, especially foreigners, may not be too familiar with Dezső Korniss’ work. But Fanni’s pieces for this year’s BCEFW gave us a glimpse into that era. The collection was inspired by Hungarian art after 1945, particularly the work of Dezső Korniss.

The collection gave an immersive experience for the audience with manipulated, abstract patterns and anthropomorphic shapes.

SAGIO

SAGIO brought an interesting show to BCEFW with high craftsmanship, unique cuts, and a celebration of the naked female figure. The collection made an emphasis on love, freedom, and a seductive feeling of superiority. “Intellectual Femininity” was the underlying message, conveying the idea that with his collection, women can feel empowered to achieve anything.

Anticipated collections at BCEFW AW24/25

All collections were, hands down, really impressive. But, a couple of collections made news and were anticipated for a long while. What these collections had in common was the concept of continuity in their collections rather than creating entirely new ones.

These include:

• Dóra Zsigmond‘s witchcraft-inspired designs drew inspiration from oral stories and paid homage to rural traditions.
• RAD DUET showcased metallic and fluorescent elements for a visually striking effect.
• UNREAL Industries brought a different take on streetwear and some controversy, as many people interpreted the show differently.

Another jaw-dropping moment of Budapest Central European Fashion Week was the exclusive “invite only” event by Pelso. Their show was held at a lesser-known pool at Széchenyi Spa, bringing a refreshing atmosphere to fashion shows.

Highlights from BCEFW Autumn-Spring collection

My favorite thing about BCEFW and all the side events was the chance to see a different side of Budapest. Meeting different types of creatives throughout the week, including designers, photographers, artists, and models, was my highlight for fashion week.

I was also impressed by the side events because they made fashion week so accessible, and I think this is how it should be, especially if the intention is to grow.

The only thing I felt could have been better about the program was publication prior to the event. There weren’t many ways to know about the fashion week unless you worked in the industry.

Social media would have brought more hype to the event, just like Copenhagen Fashion Week does. It would have also been great to see fashion photographers or influencers documenting what people were wearing at the events.

But who knows? That can be something I can look forward to next season.

Budapest Central European Fashion Show AW2425 Side Events

What to look out for this spring | Deevo

The next couple of months will definitely be interesting for fashion lovers in Budapest and the rest of Central Europe.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with the creator of a new shopping app launching in March. This app is called Deevo, and it will be a must-have for fashion enthusiasts looking for vintage and streetwear.

The number of vintage stores and streetwear brands is gradually increasing in Budapest. But we can’t say the same for online shopping.

That’s where Deevo comes in.

With Deevo, you’ll have direct access to the hottest brands and stores, making shopping completely seamless. You won’t have to leave your house to shop or even travel to get your favorite fits. Deevo is created by Tommy, a Nigerian fashion enthusiast living in Budapest, whose goal is to make fashion and shopping more accessible.

Who’s behind Deevo?

I’m Tommy, the founder of Deevo, an innovative fashion app that connects vintage and streetwear vendors to shoppers. I have experience in programming and web design, and I’ve always been drawn to fashion. I’m currently studying Business Administration in Budapest, and my goal for Deevo is to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for our users.

Deevo x Dot:Dot

Deevo will launch in collaboration with Dot:Dot, a brand consulting agency. They provide marketing strategies for brands and businesses in Budapest. Their newest project is Deevo, and they’re behind the app’s brand identity and marketing up until it’s launch.

Dot:Dot will be one of the brands to look out for this year. Their work is fundamental in influencing culture, and they’ll connect all the dots between models, photographers, designers, artists, and all creatives.

Do you have a brand or small business? Do you need branding?

Meet the team.

Who’s behind Dot:Dot?

Raphael

Hello, I am Raphael, an international student studying Business Administration. My love for fashion and Business Fashion led me into modeling. This experience constantly allows me to learn about the industry and also meet and collaborate with many other creatives in the industry.

Find me on Instagram

Micheal

I’m Michael, an artist from Nigeria, currently residing and studying in Budapest. I’m also the creative director of Dot:Dot brand consulting, and I also create and perform music. I love collaborating with other creatives, building community, and mastering my craft.

Find me on Instagram