A Look At The Central European Fashion Week

Budapest has its share of wow moments in pop culture: from Will Smith's viral dance atop the famous Chain Bridge to the record-breaking crowds at the iconic Sziget Festival (more than double the size of Coachella). Steeped in history at the crossroads of Western empires, the sprawling capital of Hungary has become the default "European city" for Hollywood producers posing as Moscow, London, Rome and other locations in blockbuster films. While Hungarian scientists have recently reported a revolutionary discovery of a fifth natural force, Hungarian designers have long perfected the quieter alchemy of fashion. Today, more than ever, Budapest could be a place for much needed intercultural dialogue with fashion rising to the occasion. Earlier this month, Budapest Central European Fashion Week has wrapped its spring-summer 2020 season and here are my impressions from the event.

Established in 2018, the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency has taken on the task of governing the domestic fashion industry and attracting international talent to the local market. The two-venue approach to staging a fashion week illustrated both the potential and challenge familiar to platforms in emergent markets. With many beautiful landmarks fighting for tourist attention, the demanding logistics of multiple runway presentations often comes with limitations. This year's juxtaposition of a contemporary gem Bálna and a historic Tesla building seemed to bookmark the future and the past. The present belonged to the designers.

All eyes were on Nanushka, the country's strongest fashion export, created by Szandra Sándar. The brand designs for "the Modern Bohemian." Given Central European roots of this cultural concept, it has the carte blanche to adapt the style for the digital nomads of the 21st century. Fabulous vegan leather helps! "Designed, crafted and born in Budapest," the Áeron collection by Eszter Áron gently pushed the boundaries of minimalism by introducing softer lines and richer hues to its signature palette.

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