Interview
3 Questions: Gabriel Córdoba Acosta, Fashion Editor, FUCKING YOUNG!
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming Berlin Fashion Week?
I certainly hope to be surprised as I was last time and discover new designers or brands to keep on my radar. I am looking forward to seeing the collections of the younger designers, as from my point of view they are bringing a fresher and more avant-garde vision to German fashion. With all due respect, I will say that they, along with the superb organisation of Berlin Fashion Week, are responsible for the fact that this event is gaining more notoriety and presence in the fashion industry.
What makes Berlin unique for you as a fashion city?
Berlin is a magical city and anyone who has been there will know that. It's true that at first, it may seem a bit cold, but as you explore the city, you realise how interesting it can be. I love its industrial vibe, its mixture of people of different styles and nationalities, the art galleries, and above all to see how it is developing, in terms of fashion. There is indeed a very defined style but I love that. Each city is different and unique and has its essence.
In addition to all this, it has a very good range of stores where you can find cool things. One of my favourite multi-brand stores is located there, Voo Store, an obligatory stop whenever I go to Berlin. The selection of brands is really good and they have pieces or items that can only be found in this establishment.
Which designers or fashion shows stood out to you during your last visit to Berlin Fashion Week? What made them memorable?
Honestly, the last edition of Berlin Fashion Week I wasn't able to enjoy it 100%, because it was held at the same time as Paris Fashion Week. Despite this, I did attend a couple of shows that fascinated me, Sia Arnika and SF1OG. I would highlight the fact that they offered something completely different from what has been understood until now as Berlin fashion. I think these two brands are doing a lot to put Berlin on the international fashion map. I am sure they will go far!
Another thing that struck me about them was the locations chosen for their respective shows. In the case of Sia Arnika, if I remember correctly, it was a milk factory, where the space was all metal and it fitted in perfectly with the proposal. As for SF1OG, it was held inside the Berlin City Hall. I remember very well the moment when as soon as I entered the space I said: WOW, something brilliant is going to happen here. And it did. Last but not least, unfortunately, I missed the LML Studio fashion show, which I wanted to see. After the show, I saw it through social media and I have to say the same as in the previous cases, the location was amazing.
Did you notice any unique or distinctive elements of Berlin's fashion scene that are different in regard to other fashion weeks?
I would say the aesthetics or the style of the guests or the people who were around. I remember a lot of them were dressed in dark tones and technical clothes. You could clearly see that we were in Berlin.
How would you describe the atmosphere and energy surrounding Berlin Fashion Week?
The atmosphere I saw in Berlin during the fashion week was quite relaxed, which I appreciated a lot, as in other cases like Paris or Milan (sometimes) it is too stressful/chaotic. Everything went very smoothly, and I say this because it is true that in other cities there are situations that are too chaotic, such as the entrances to the big shows where you suffer from pushing and shoving to blows, which fortunately did not happen. As for the energy, it was very motivating, given that you could feel the desire of the guests to discover the new proposals and that they were there because they wanted to be, not because they had to be.