The Austrian Fashion Awards 2024 lit up Vienna’s Otto Wagner Complex on the 14th of November, bringing together a dazzling display of talent, innovation, and Austrian design flair. This year’s event not only crowned its latest winners but also marked the tenth anniversary of the Austrian Fashion Association, solidifying its role in nurturing the country’s creative talent.
Hosted in the historic Art Nouveau theatre, the ceremony celebrated and showcased the collective artistry that defines Austria’s fashion scene. Collections from this year’s honourees, as well as designers supported by the Austrian Fashion Association over the past year, took centre stage in a dynamic presentation of ideas and craft.
Martin Niklas Wieser was awarded the Fashion Award of the City of Vienna, recognising his thought-provoking approach to design. His work reimagines luxury for a world in flux, favouring genderless, class-free garments that challenge conventional norms. After stepping back from the industry to refine his vision, Wieser’s return has been nothing short of impactful, with collections that probe the intersection of fashion, identity, and societal change.
Christina Seewald took home the Outstanding Artist Award for Experimental Fashion Design. Renowned for her contemporary knitwear, Seewald merges fine materials with inventive tailoring, crafting pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Her designs blend fragility and resilience, reflecting her commitment to addressing socio-political themes through sustainability and craftsmanship.
The evening unfolded with a series of mesmerising runway moments, featuring not only the work of the award winners but also designs by a roster of talents supported by the Association. The participating designers, Anastasiia Shpagina, Christoph Rumpf, David Brunnbauer, Florentina Leitner, Jennifer Milleder, Larissa Falk, НИКО, Not Yet FYI, Karolin Braegger and Vanessa Schreiner showcased creations that ranged from conceptual to wearable, highlighting the breadth of creativity cultivated by Austrian initiatives.
Musical performances, sound installations, and the striking venue added layers of atmosphere to the celebration. A notable guest list, including actress Zeynep Buyrac and choreographer Doris Uhlich, lent an extra sparkle to an already luminous evening.
With a decade of support behind it, the Austrian Fashion Association has become a cornerstone of the nation’s creative ecosystem. As this year’s event demonstrated, its commitment to fostering innovation and promoting thoughtful design continues to inspire a thriving future for Austrian fashion.
photography. Thomas Lerch
words. Gennaro Costanzo
