Akris costumes to star in the Vienna New Year's Concert 2026

(CONNECT) The St.Gallen fashion label Akris has designed the costumes for the ballet that will be featured in the broadcast of the Vienna New Year's Concert 2026. They are the work of designer and Akris creative director Albert Kriemler, and the choreographer for the piece is John Neumeier. According to a statement, the collaboration between Kriemler and Neumeier began 20 years ago and will celebrate its anniversary in 2026 – on both occasions as part of the Vienna New Year's Concert, which the statement describes as one of the world's most famous classical music events.

Akris describes the design of the dresses as simple, flowing, and adorned with rose patterns. It is reportedly inspired by both the lightness of the waltz and the precision of the polka. The dresses are made of silk georgette, and the suits of velvet and double-faced wool. Overall, according to Akris, the costumes are designed to make movement, expression, and dance visible. “I work with slits, pleated stripes, and play with silk georgette – a fabric I first held in my hands at 22 and have never really let go of since,” Albert Kriemler is quoted as saying. He explains that he only makes ballet proposals with his own fabrics, which he says he has been sourcing for years from a weaver in Como.

According to the statement, the designer and choreographer have collaborated on numerous occasions over the past 20 years. Beethoven Project II, Turangalîla, and Joseph's Legend/Vanished Festivals are named of some of the most significant works in John Neumeier's choreographic oeuvre. Albert Kriemler was also at Neumeier's side for his final work as director of the Hamburg Ballet.

The New Year's Concert 2026 will be conducted for the first time by Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He is music director of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The concert will be broadcast on 1 January 2026 and transmitted to 150 countries. ce/yvh