METU Students Showcased at Budapest Central European Fashion Week 2026

In February 2026, Budapest Metropolitan University once again stped into the international spotlight as its talented students took to the runway at the 17th edition of Budapest Central European Fashion Week (BCEFW). Recognised as onf Central Europe’s leading contemporary fashion events, the week brought together more than 40 designers from across the region, showcasing the Autumn Winter 2026/27 season.

METU on the Runway

Clarissa Bánáti, founder of the BÁNCLA menswear brand and a Master’s student in Fashion and Textile Design at METU, presented her AW26/27 collection Modern Ancestry during the New Generation Collective Show. Developed within her academic studies, the collection drew on Hungarian and Transylvanian cultural heritage, blending traditional craftsmanship with refined contemporary tailoring. Her appearance marked a significant professional milestone, reflecting both creative maturity and conceptual depth.

Meanwhile, Jia Yu Wang, presenting under her brand VICTORIA WANG, showcased the FLOWLINE AW26/27 collection in the New Generation segment. This ready to wear line evolved her earlier EtnoFlow concept, harmonising Eastern and Western cultural traditions through everyday silhouettes and innovative techniques. For the designer, participation once again affirmed her growing presence on the regional fashion scene.

A Platform for Emerging Talent 

Organised by Creative Hungary, the fashion week welcomed designers from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Serbia, Armenia, Romania and Ukraine, reinforcing the region’s dynamic position on the international fashion map.

For METU’s students, the event provided invaluable industry exposure in a real professional environment. Faculty members and industry experts alike emphasised that platforms such as BCEFW play a crucial role in connecting academic excellence with professional practice. Beyond the runway, the experience offered visibility, confidence and tangible career momentum as these emerging designers transition from university to the global fashion industry.