Fashion Designers from Austria To Know

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A graduate of the University of Applied Arts, Vienna, Porker founded her own label in 2004. She is a fresh face on the scene and definitely a name to keep track of—her work recently won the Chloé Prize at the International Festival for Fashion and Photography in Hyère. After relocating to Paris, she began working as a designer of womenswear for Kenzo.

Femme Maison’s collections explore the complex relationship between body and space—every piece is designed to ‘achieve the perfect silhouette and to guarantee the best fit and form’. The Viennese-luxury brand, set up by this dynamic duo, is distinctly minimalist, self-aware, and overtly feminine—using only delicate handpicked materials such as Austrian wool, cotton, hand knitwear, and silk prints to make beautifully-tailored clothing. Garnering worldwide attention and praise, Femme Maison’s work has been picked up by boutique store Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Their collections have also been featured in many high-end publications, including the New York Times, Vogue Italy, Harper’s Bazaar, Wallpaper, and Collezioni Russia.

Bulgarian-born Petrov set up his hip-women’s fashion brand in 2009, taking influence from the Viennese-modernist style. He creates his clothes with neat precision, avoids any unnecessary frills and embellishments, and only uses the finest materials to create a refined aesthetic. After studying fashion at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, the ambitious designer has gone on to found his own label, setting up his own studio in the heart of the capital.

Working both as a model and a designer, Wieland’s current collection emulates a striking, clean and effortlessly elegant look. A graduate of University of Arts and Design in Vienna, Wieland went on to find success working for ACNE Studios in Stockholm and continues to work as a fashion model. Her current women’s collection is described as ‘strongly sculptural and agile’.

Native Viennese Müller Callisti first took an interest in fashion at a young age, beginning to sew small pieces for family and friends at the age of 13. Launched in 2007, Callisti has gone on to become a well-established household name: the couture-flagship store, in Austria’s capital, has a constantly-evolving collection of timeless and elegant attire designed to enhance a woman’s femininity with smooth lines and also offers delicate accessories. Callisti’s designs have been sported by people including Brooke Shields, who wore a gown from her collection at the Vienna Opera Ball in 2016.

Müller and Mory set up their gender-neutral clothing brand MOTO DJALI in 2013, creating unique and elegant pieces that aim to break the mold. Their designs are slick, striking, and imaginative by incorporating bold, block colours and minimalist patterns to create a sophisticated look. Ethically-sourced materials are always used by the duo as they adhere to the social awareness that lives within their brand.

Originally from Austria, Lang moved to New York City in 1997, where he made a name for himself as a forward-thinking giant in the fashion world. Lang’s designs are of an experimental nature, employing unusual fabrics and materials such as rubber and feathers to create innovative looks that challenge traditional forms. After his departure from the world of high couture, he donated many of his clothes to 18 museums around the world, including the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. Lang is widely considered to be one of the most important figures of the industry from the past 30 years.

This power duo is behind the well-established, high-class brand Schnella Kann— one of Vienna’s most iconic fashion labels. Founded in the 1980s, the pair opened their first shop—a chic and cool space with a minimalist design, lending itself well to the clean-cut clothing that hang effortlessly on the racks—on Spiegelgasse, in the 1st district.

Originally a practicing goldsmith and sculptor, Eberharter founded his label AND_i in 2001. Prior to establishing himself as a designer, he worked as an assistant for various renowned artists in Vienna and produced his own freelance work during this time. Making huge waves in the industry, he already has numerous awards under his belt, including ‘Best Accessories Designer’ in the 2010 Vienna Fashion Awards and the Mercur Innovation Award in 2011. His designs have been picked up by countless famous names, including, Beyoncé and Lindsay Lohan.

Challenging gender norms in the fashion industry, these collaborative designers, known as ‘House Of Very Island‘ are at the forefront of their industry. Their inclusive avant-garde collections, always created using fair-trade and ecological materials, are now featured in Japanese concept stores, as well as in their homeland of Austria. The pair met as students at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna, and continue to work at their studio in the city.