Hungarian Designer Takes the Global Stage at Harbin Fashion Week

Bráz Noémi, designer and founder of the fashion brand NOEN, and alumna of the Fashion and Textile Design MA program at Budapest Metropolitan University, has achieved notable international recognition. As the only Hungarian designer invited to the prestigious Harbin Fashion Week, she presented her collection at one of the industry’s most respected global events.

Held from January 9, 2026, Harbin Fashion Week operates on an invitation-only basis and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading fashion events. The collection showcased by Noémi received exceptional professional acclaim. In recognition of its strong narrative concept and distinctive visual identity, the organizers extended a rare opportunity for her to stage an independent solo show, elevating her participation beyond the originally scheduled group presentation.

“As a designer, it was incredibly meaningful not only to participate but to present my own show. It represents one of the most important professional validations of my career so far,” said Bráz Noémi.

Following her success in Harbin, the collection was also featured in Beijing at a high-profile pop-up event organized by Global Fashion Net, where it attracted significant interest from both industry professionals and the wider public. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, “The response was overwhelming. I returned with nearly an empty suitcase, which speaks volumes about the level of interest.”

The latest NOEN collection explores the intersection of style, sustainability, and artisanal craftsmanship. Floral motifs, a defining element of the brand’s identity, appear in more expressive forms, complemented by handcrafted crochet and knit pieces. Each garment is produced in limited quantities on a made-to-order basis, deliberately avoiding overproduction and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to responsible design.

“For me, sustainability is not a passing trend but a fundamental principle. Only what is truly needed should be created, and certain techniques are intentionally incompatible with mass production,” the designer explained.

The butterfly motif, central both visually and conceptually, symbolizes renewal and creative transformation. “The butterfly represents inner strength. Navigating the fashion industry can be challenging amid external pressures, yet I have always felt a strong internal drive. This show reaffirmed that I have a place within the profession,” she added.

Harbin Fashion Week featured more than 60 international designers and hundreds of models, with tens of millions of viewers following the shows online worldwide. As a result of her success, Bráz Noémi has already received an invitation to return for the 2027 edition, further strengthening NOEN’s international presence and enhancing the global visibility of the METU alumni community.

Harbin Fashion Week featured more than 60 international designers and hundreds of models, with tens of millions of viewers following the shows online worldwide. As a result of her success, Bráz Noémi has already received an invitation to return for the 2027 edition, further strengthening NOEN’s international presence and enhancing the global visibility of the METU alumni community.