Akris Unveils Stunning Ballet Costumes for 2026 New Year Concert

Akris Enters the World of Ballet for the 2026 New Year Concert

The renowned Swiss fashion house Akris is set to grace the stage of the 2026 Vienna Philharmonic New Year Concert with beautiful ballet costumes designed by its creative director, Albert Kriemler. This year, the celebrated choreographer John Neumeier will direct the ballet performance, further enriching the collaboration between fashion and performing arts. The concert, a New Year's tradition, will be broadcast live on NHK E-television on January 1st, 2026, at 7 PM.

For over two decades, Kriemler and Neumeier have shared a deep passion for fashion, music, and dance, a collaborative journey emblematic of their artistic devotion. Kriemler first designed ballet costumes for a New Year concert in 2006, and this upcoming event marks their reunion since they originally met at this very occasion two decades ago.

Dancers from the Vienna State Ballet will showcase Kriemler’s exquisite designs during their performance of Johann Strauss II's celebrated pieces, "The Roses from the South" and "The Diplomatic Polka." The ballet will take place on two iconic Vienna stages, co-produced by ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. "The Roses from the South" waltz will be performed at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), while the majestic Hofburg Palace will host "The Diplomatic Polka."

In the waltz scene, Kriemler interprets the lightness, grace, and poetic beauty of "The Roses from the South" through his costumes, featuring rose motifs that symbolize the lush nature of southern regions. The airy silk georgette and expertly tailored silhouettes create a striking union. The use of pleated panels and side slits enhances fluidity, allowing the fabric to move freely, adding dynamism to the dancers’ movements. Notably, the dress worn by first soloist Ketevan Papava, named "Bacchara Rose," embodies this vision, engaging in a dialogue with male dancers clad in rich emerald, petrol, and bottle-green velvet jackets.

Contrastingly, "The Diplomatic Polka" showcases themes of diplomacy and bureaucratic rhythm through Kriemler’s designs. His signature wool double-face suits and stretch jersey tank tops embody the precision and structure of the music. The color palette, transitioning between vibrant accents and subtle neutrals, reflects the duality of the rhythmic sound and the theme of bureaucracy, expressed through clever color play.

True to Kriemler's philosophy, these costumes are not mere garments; they exceptionally highlight the dancers' movements and personalities. The timeless modernism of his designs harmoniously aligns with Neumeier's vision of accentuating each dancer's individuality.

A 20-Year Collaboration

Left to right: John Neumeier, Albert Kriemler
Over the past two decades, Kriemler has provided costumes for several of Neumeier’s choreographic works, such as "Beethoven Project II" (2021), "Toulon Garila" (2016), and "The Joseph Legend / The Festival That Vanished" (2008 in Hamburg, 2015 in Vienna). He was also responsible for the costumes of Prima Ballerina Anna Laudere in the collaborative ballet production "Anna Karenina" with the Bolshoi Ballet (Moscow) and the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto) in 2017. Their latest collaboration will be honored in the 173rd work by the Hamburg Ballet, titled "Epilogue," premiering on June 30, 2024. This performance will conclude Neumeier's remarkable 51-year tenure as the artistic director and chief choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet.

For further details on this partnership and the upcoming concert, visit Akris's official website for the 2026 Vienna Philharmonic New Year Concert feature page at Akris.

About Akris

Founded in 1922 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Akris is an international fashion brand led by creative director Albert Kriemler, known for its refined and effortless collections that captivate "Women with Purpose" across various sectors. The brand has been family-owned for three generations and is celebrated for its innovative high-quality double-face textiles, pioneering St. Gallen embroidery, and outstanding photo-print technology. Kriemler joined the Paris fashion scene in 2004, gaining considerable acclaim. Akris also offers a range of accessories, including the sought-after Ai Bag crafted from rare Mongolian horsehair and artistic photo-print scarves, popular among collectors. Akris collections are available in boutiques across major global cities, as well as over 300 retail locations worldwide, with celebrity admirers including Ariana Grande, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama, and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

For more information, visit Akris Official Website, follow Akris on Instagram, check out Akris on YouTube, or register as an official LINE friend at Akris LINE Friend Registration.