"Clothes of the millennia – inspiration for today". The NHM Vienna invites you to the Historical Fashion Show
11. June 2026
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the NHM Vienna, the Prehistoric Department
together with the fashion school KunstModeDesign Herbststrasse presents a tour through the history of clothing from the Stone
Age to the early Middle Ages. Modern textile creations, which draw their inspiration from the finds of the Natural History
Museum Vienna, the craft techniques, patterns and designs of prehistory, look to the future.
Location:
Lower Dome Hall, NHM Vienna, Maria-Theresien-Platz
Time: Friday, 19 June 2026, 7 p.m.
The interdisciplinary approach combines the collections of the NHM Vienna with craftsmanship and science. Particular attention is paid to the traceability of the models shown, which were developed on the basis of archaeological, historical and art historical sources. Archaeological finds of textile remains give an insight into old weaving techniques, such as the fabrics from salt mining in Hallstatt from the period between 1,500 and 300 BC.
"Clothing in prehistory, as it is today, is only complete with accessories such as jewellery, belts, needles and brooches. In the collections of the Natural History Museum, we have outstanding objects that bear witness to the high level of craftsmanship in prehistoric times", says Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer, textile archaeologist and director of the Prehistoric Department. "For example, the more than 2,500-year-old textiles from the Hallstatt salt mine are extremely fine, colourfully patterned and of very high quality. These findings can be used to reconstruct the weaving and spinning techniques that are still in use today to produce everyday necessities. Especially today, when DIY and do-it-yourself have become a trend phenomenon, it is enriching to deal with the old techniques and design that have accompanied us Central Europeans for millennia. This is also an important contribution to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage."
Afterwards, students from the KunstModeDesign Herbststrasse fashion school will present the results of their annual project "Hallstatt Revisted – the Hallstatt period as an inspiration for sustainable fashion and art". In doing so, they explored the potential of prehistoric craft techniques and design methods and today designed wearable models with sustainability and resource-saving methods in mind in their designs.
You can find press photos here.
Scientific inquiry note:
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer
Director of the Prehistoric Department, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-275
karina.groemer@nhm.at
General request for information:
Mag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-410
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press Officer, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-626
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
Time: Friday, 19 June 2026, 7 p.m.
55 models – 7 millennia of fashion history
Clothing plays an important role in people's lives. Since prehistory, textile craftsmanship and clothing production have been firmly interwoven with everyday life. This meaning is evident in our use of language, for example through idioms such as "facts are interwoven", "the thread of patience tears" or "making blue". Through the close relationship between clothing and the person who wears it, fashion has always reflected aspects of life, social and economic position, attitudes as well as the role of the person.The interdisciplinary approach combines the collections of the NHM Vienna with craftsmanship and science. Particular attention is paid to the traceability of the models shown, which were developed on the basis of archaeological, historical and art historical sources. Archaeological finds of textile remains give an insight into old weaving techniques, such as the fabrics from salt mining in Hallstatt from the period between 1,500 and 300 BC.
"Clothing in prehistory, as it is today, is only complete with accessories such as jewellery, belts, needles and brooches. In the collections of the Natural History Museum, we have outstanding objects that bear witness to the high level of craftsmanship in prehistoric times", says Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer, textile archaeologist and director of the Prehistoric Department. "For example, the more than 2,500-year-old textiles from the Hallstatt salt mine are extremely fine, colourfully patterned and of very high quality. These findings can be used to reconstruct the weaving and spinning techniques that are still in use today to produce everyday necessities. Especially today, when DIY and do-it-yourself have become a trend phenomenon, it is enriching to deal with the old techniques and design that have accompanied us Central Europeans for millennia. This is also an important contribution to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage."
Catwalk – from the past to the future
With around 40 costumes, a cross-section of clothing from millennia is shown. Based on archaeological finds from the NHM Vienna and historical sources, clothing from the Stone, Bronze, Iron, Roman and Early Middle Ages is presented.Afterwards, students from the KunstModeDesign Herbststrasse fashion school will present the results of their annual project "Hallstatt Revisted – the Hallstatt period as an inspiration for sustainable fashion and art". In doing so, they explored the potential of prehistoric craft techniques and design methods and today designed wearable models with sustainability and resource-saving methods in mind in their designs.
You can find press photos here.
Scientific inquiry note:
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karina Grömer
Director of the Prehistoric Department, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-275
karina.groemer@nhm.at
General request for information:
Mag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-410
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press Officer, NHM Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 521 77-626
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
