What are the reasons for organising a fashion event like the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?
Austria has a very creative designer scene. At the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK the designers have the chance to show their knowledge and creativity. Buyers, designers but also fashionistas have a place to share ideas and interact. We are very pleased that we are partners with the MuseumsQuartier Vienna and the quartier21/MQ, to realize this unique project. We are sure that it will benefit our fashion and art scene.

What are your short and middle term goals?
To us it is very important that we can welcome a lot of fashionistas, motivated designers and satisfied sponsors. More detailed: With a fashion event like the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK we hope to promote the Austrian fashion scene on a national as well as on an international level. Our future plan is to organize the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK twice a year like all the other fashion weeks in the world.

The idea to establish Vienna as a centre for fashion is not new at all. Why is the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK different and what is so special about it?
That’s right. Vienna hosted some very good fashion events in the past. But we do not want to just produce a catwalk event: We want to create a communication platform. Designers can get in contact with national and international buyers during opening hours- not just at the after show parties. The fashion conscious customers are an important part of our concept. They will see the latest trends and buy directly from the designers.

How do you see your target audience? Who is invited to come?
Everyone is more than welcome to visit the Mq Vienna Fashion Week. Everybody can visit, from the head of buyers of a big chain to every woman and every man who has an interest in fashion. We want the perfect mix of industry, trade and fashion conscious consumers. After all we create a platform for the exchange of ideas not just catwalk shows.

What kinds of fashion can we expect?
We focus on prêt a porter as well as urban design.

You always talk about Austrian designers. Do you exclude international ones?
Fashion always was and will always be international. Our main focus lies on Austrian designers but we have managed to get the right balance between national and international designers. For more details check our website: www.mqviennafashionweek.com.

Which designers are invited? Do you have a frame program?
We do not want and also cannot favour one particular designer. The MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK will feature 65 national but also international designers: Some with their own catwalk show, some with representative stands. From September 24th until the September 27th 30 fashion shows will take place- lounges, coffeehouses and chill out areas will be offered to the visitor as well. To make a long story short: The Austrian fashion scene will be assembled at one spot!

What are the highlights?
Each day is a highlight! Especially we are looking forward to the 24. of September: A night hosted by DIVA Magazine with the show of the international well-know designer Michel Mayer. Another highlight will be Friday where the focus lies on menswear. Tom Rebl will show his amazing collection. We are also very proud that Marcel Ostertag- winner of the Ringstraßen Galerien Design Award 2009 will show his collection on Saturday. Sunday stands in the light of Urban Design with the Austrian hat designer Julia Cranz (Anna Netrebko und Sarah Jessica Parker wear her creations).

Just come and see!

The Ring Hotel, Vienna´s Casual Luxury Hotel, is partner of the MQ Vienna Fashion Week 09.