For the third occasion, Bucharest played host to a noteworthy event for the fashion sector of the whole region — Mercedes – Benz Bucharest Fashion Week , where Ukrainian designers prominently feature. The team from Vogue Ukraine attended Bucharest Fashion Week for the spring-summer 2026 season — we are eager to share our thoughts.
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In my experience, my initial journey to Mercedes – Benz Bucharest Fashion Week was genuinely inspiring—the fashion dialogue harmonized beautifully with the diverse charm of Bucharest itself. Timeless constructions crafted by renowned Italian and French architects coexist with structures from the Soviet period in the Romanian metropolis, and native designers utilize the most captivating as venues for their shows, welcoming attendees into their space. Throughout the Fashion Week’s three days, in excess of 20 Romanian designers, alongside representatives of the Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Georgian fashion scenes, exhibited their collections at MBBFW .
The primary catwalk was set up in the National Art Museum of Romania . Amongst the Romanian labels presenting their assortments were Rxquette , Borbala , Diana Milkanova , Rafaela Pestritu , Saman Loira , Murmur , Medeea and others. Bucharest also gave a warm welcome to designers hailing from Moldova , namely Katea Gri , Valentina , Vidrașcu , L. Storojuc , Yulia Efros , Ok Kino . Georgia’s participation included labels Tatuna and Lado Bokuchava.
On October 15, the shows' opening day, all eyes were particularly fixed on the Almaz showcase. This up-and-coming Romanian brand unveiled its spring-summer 2026 assortment in a distinctive locale – a hangar positioned on the grounds of a vintage airfield. In anticipation of the show, attendees enjoyed a presentation featuring models near an antique vehicle, a performance by a rapper, culminating in a show that left an impression with its grandeur.
The assortment heavily featured combinations that blended French elegance with practicality. Models strode in leather bomber jackets and wide-shouldered coats matched with sheer dresses and skirts, evoking a sensation that the women had just stirred, donned a jacket, and ventured out to dominate the world. The lineup was structured on a fusion of disparate materials—lace, silk, and leather—depicting the persona of a self-assured, autonomous woman keen on initiating and playing with the rules.
ALMAZ spring-summer 2026
Ukraine’s participation in Bucharest this time around comprised GUDU and KSENIASCHNAIDER — labels noted for their distinct and memorable aesthetic, continually refining their chosen paths season after season. Ksenia Schneider once more demonstrated the myriad opportunities denim provides a designer — upcycled items, geometric figures, and “shaggy” jeans became the cornerstone of the collection. The designer incorporated a sense of lightness and spring using flower-themed prints , as well as patchwork — another KSENIASCHNAIDER hallmark.
KSENIASCHNAIDER spring-summer 2026
My particular highlight of Bucharest Fashion Week was the GUDU label. The mastermind, Lasha Mdinaradze , presented a well-considered and balanced array, notable for its elaborate detail and precise cut. The jackets are especially attention-grabbing – with each beckoning a close inspection of its intricacies. Prominent shoulders, a distinctly emphasized waist, a harmonious interplay of forms—each piece needs countless hours in the label’s Kyiv workshop to produce.
GUDU spring-summer 2026
Exceptional tailoring in the lineup is paired with subtle and current femininity – form-fitting corsets, lopsided tops boasting complex draping, or dazzling gowns encrusted with silver paillettes. A modern woman, however, requires capacity to juggle a multitude of tasks, thus Mdinaradze styled several looks with adidas trainers, instilling a more easy-going sense into the restrained and otherwise formal outfits. Discover more about the GUDU spring-summer 2026 presentation via the link.
The display presented by the Romanian label VOL ( VESTIAIRE D'UN OISEAU LIBRE ) also caught my attention. The setting was an old mansion that featured an indoor pool, in the middle of which a catwalk with a silver, mirrored facade was constructed. The models traveled along the path extending across the water-filled pool – onlookers held their breath as they absorbed the visuals. Bathing costumes, flowing transparent gowns, relaxed yet subtly chic two-piece ensembles, and orb-shaped bags conjured summer on the Côte d'Azur, set against the blue backdrop of the pool.
Notably, the closing of Mercedes – Benz Bucharest Fashion Week featured a series of meetings between designers and retailers coming from diverse regions within Europe—an exceptionally advantageous framework particularly for emerging fashion brands. This consideration exhibited by organizers to participating labels points to a genuinely attentive, tactical methodology – and lends confidence that the creations of Mercedes – Benz Bucharest Fashion Week residents will soon make appearances in markets around the globe.
Text: Yulia Kostecka
