As summer slowly comes to an end, the city of Rijeka is preparing for its most glamorous event, a moment when it will once again confirm itself as an unmissable center of the Croatian fashion scene. On Friday, August 29th, starting at 8:30 PM, the unique stone steps next to the historic Grand Hotel Bonavia will become a spectacular open-air stage for the 17th edition of the Riječke stepenice (Rijeka Stairs). This event, which over the years has grown into the most important fashion event in Croatia, will once again for two hours turn the heart of the city into a runway under the starry sky, attracting numerous fashion lovers, designers, media, and visitors eager for a unique aesthetic experience.

A tradition nearly two decades long guarantees a program filled with elegance and innovation, and this year's edition brings as many as eighteen fashion shows. Renowned designers and leading fashion houses from all over Croatia will be presented on the runway, showcasing their latest collections and offering the audience insight into upcoming trends. A diverse spectrum of fashion expressions is expected, from high fashion and evening gowns to contemporary pret-a-porter and avant-garde concepts, whereby the Riječke stepenice once again confirms its status as a platform that celebrates the diversity and creativity of the domestic fashion industry.

A unique setting in the heart of the city

What makes the Riječke stepenice truly special is their location. The monumental stone steps, located next to the Grand Hotel Bonavia, a historical gem built way back in 1876, provide an unrepeatable backdrop. The fusion of urban architecture and natural elegance creates an open-air amphitheater, where every step of the models resonates with history, and the spotlights illuminate not only the creations but also the beautiful facade of the hotel and the city's skyline. This synergy of space and event transforms the fashion show into a complete cultural and visual experience. It is this atmosphere that attracts not only the local audience but also numerous tourists who want to enrich their stay in Rijeka with such a glamorous event. Free entry for all visitors further contributes to the democratic nature of the event, making high fashion accessible to everyone and integrating it into the daily life of the city.

Over the years, these steps have become synonymous with the summer peak of social events in Kvarner. The evening of the Riječke stepenice is not just an opportunity to see the latest fashion trends, but also a place for meetings, socializing, and creating business opportunities. The entire event, which is often broadcast live on regional television stations, receives significant media attention, thereby further promoting Rijeka as a city of fashion and culture.

A tradition that brings together the best of Croatian fashion

During its seventeen-year existence, the Riječke stepenice has hosted an impressive list of designer names and brands, thereby establishing itself as a key platform for the promotion of Croatian design. Veterans of the fashion scene, as well as young talents who got their chance for a first big break right here, have presented their collections on this unique runway. Names like Miau Couture, Boutique Rival Design, Vesna Sposa, Hero4Heroes, Varteks, and many others have left their mark on the stone steps. Special emphasis is also placed on fashion accessories, so brands like Zepter Hyperlight Eyewear have presented their eyewear collections, while experts from well-known cosmetic houses took care of the models' beauty.

In addition to individual designers, the event regularly collaborates with institutions such as the School for Trade and Fashion Design from Rijeka, providing students with invaluable experience and the opportunity to show their work to a wider audience. In this way, the Riječke stepenice also fulfills its educational and developmental role, encouraging new generations of fashion experts and ensuring the future of the Croatian fashion industry. This collaboration with local craftsmen and associations, such as the Textile and Leather Section of the Rijeka Craftsmen's Association, further strengthens the bond between the event and the local community.

More than a fashion show: a blend of art, entrepreneurship, and tourism

The Riječke stepenice has long surpassed the confines of a classic fashion show. It represents a successful model of symbiosis between culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and tourism promotion. The event actively encourages the development of creative industries, providing designers and craftsmen with a platform to present and sell their products. In this way, fashion becomes a driver of economic growth, creating new jobs and encouraging innovation within the textile industry. The project emphasizes the importance of sustainability by promoting the use of environmentally friendly materials and ethical production processes, which is an increasingly important factor in the modern fashion world.

As one of the most recognizable summer events, the event significantly contributes to the tourist offer of Kvarner. It attracts visitors from all over Croatia and abroad, who come not only for the fashion but also for the unique experience that Rijeka offers. In the eyes of domestic and foreign guests and potential investors, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is profiled as a modern and dynamic region, open to investments in creative industries and sustainable development. The successful combination of glamour, business, and local identity makes the Riječke stepenice a unique project that builds bridges between different sectors and lays the foundations for the long-term prosperity of the local community. The event is regularly accompanied by supporting programs, such as get-togethers and after-parties in popular Rijeka clubs, which further enriches the experience for all visitors and participants.