At the end of August, the stone steps by the Grand Hotel Bonavia will host the country's biggest fashion showcase. Expect 18 runway shows, renowned models, and the return of menswear in a two-hour live broadcast.
The 18th edition of Rijeka Steps, an event that over nearly two decades has become synonymous with top-tier fashion in Croatia, will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026. The open-air stage, set on the steps beside the Grand Hotel Bonavia, will welcome the audience from 8:30 PM, with free entry for all visitors. The program features as many as 18 runway shows packed into a two-hour broadcast on Kanal Ri, also available via Bnet and MAXtv platforms, with technical production by DBoki sound and light.
Event director Ivana Delač emphasizes that this event has long transcended the bounds of a typical fashion show. "We're expecting eighteen open-air fashion shows with a live TV broadcast in a two-hour spectacle. The blend of fashion, creative potential development, and promotion is what has turned Rijeka Steps into a recognizable regional fashion event over nearly twenty years," Delač stated.
On the unique runway, numerous local creatives will present their vision of contemporary fashion. Among them are brands Miau Couture, Hitomo, Mala-Pavla Pinezić, Zepter hyperlight, Boutique Selin, Adriana Rajčić design, Riječanka Art, and Callegari Rijeka. The audience will also see Maykl-Mihaela Štimac Rojtinić, Dal Cuore, Mali Atelje TT, Irena Anđelić Devčić, and Calico Mood, while Vagant studio arrives with a special collection called Back to Blu.
The return of menswear to Rijeka Steps will be marked by collections from brands Look Famous and Gentlemans Club. Members of the Textile and Leather Section of the Rijeka Craftsmen's Association also contribute, with works by Dajana Hlače from DAJANA Tailoring Salon, Sandra Jamić from ELA tailoring services, Doris Janković from DOR JAN FELT, Đina Josipović from STOPICA Tailoring Salon, and Marinela Martinčić Knez from ELLA Tailoring Salon at UO Crikvenica.
Special emphasis is placed on education and support for young talents. Students from the Rijeka School of Trade and Fashion Design will also showcase their creations, reaffirming the event's role as an incubator for future fashion professionals. The runway will also shine with familiar faces from local beauty pageants: former Miss Croatia winners Tomislava Dukić and Lucija Begić, current Miss Beauty Croatia titleholders Marinela Grljušić and Elena Kalajžić, as well as Miss City of Zagreb winners Martina Blažević and Tara Begedin, and Miss Primorje-Gorski Kotar County titleholders Erin Panić Furlan and Lana Krnić.
The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Davor Garić, with music by Robert Salečić, better known as DJ Sale 4love. After the curtain falls on the final show, the celebration moves to Azura lounge & eat club for the after party.
Beyond clothing, great attention is paid to the complete visual impression. A team of makeup artists led by Paola Peček, Patrizia Jaklin, and Greta Karamarko, with support from the JN beauty brand, will ensure makeup aligns with the latest global trends. "Just like in world fashion capitals, at Rijeka Steps makeup is an important part of the overall fashion identity. We'll follow current global beauty trends, but we'll tailor each look to the collections and atmosphere of the show. We want makeup, along with hair, clothing, and fashion details, to create a fully rounded look," emphasized makeup artist Paola Peček. Hairstyles are entrusted to members of the Hairdressers, Cosmetologists, and Pedicurists Guild of the Rijeka Craftsmen's Association, specifically salons Studio Danijela, Freeze, Simpa, and Meo.
During breaks between shows, a segment called dr. Vivian estetic's corner will host celebrities discussing current topics. The entire event is financially supported by the City of Rijeka, the Rijeka Tourist Board, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Kvarner Tourist Board, Jadran Galenski Laboratorij, Jadran Hotels, dr. Vivian estetic's medicine, ATI, Adriatic osiguranje, JO-DA nekretnine, and RB auto.
