Berlin Fashion Week SS26: These Are the Winners of Berlin Contemporary and Studio2Retail

Berlin, 22 April 2025 - The winners of the BFW concept competition in the categories "Berlin Contemporary" and "Studio2Retail" have been announced: a total of 25 concepts will receive funding and will be presented during Berlin Fashion Week, taking place from 30 June to 3 July 2025, in the German capital. Through these two programs, the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises / as part of the Project Future state initiative, in cooperation with the Fashion Council Germany, is specifically supporting innovative and responsible concepts for fashion presentations during Berlin Fashion Week. The competition is funded by the State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE).

THE RESPONSIBLE MOVEMENT OF FREEDOM, INCLUSION, AND CREATIVITY

Berlin Fashion Week remains committed to its motto "The responsible movement of freedom, inclusion, and creativity" in turbulent times, sending a strong signal for freedom as well as for the values of authenticity, diversity, and openness - values that define the city of Berlin. Buyers, journalists, industry experts, and other visitors from all over the world can expect a diverse program of fashion shows, presentations, and events. For the first time, the "Berlin Contemporary" concept competition was open to international labels outside of Germany and Ukraine. With Buzigahill (Uganda), PALMWINE IceCREAM (Ghana), and Orange Culture (Nigeria), three brands from the African continent were selected as winners.

ESTABLISHED BRANDS AND EMERGING TALENTS: BERLIN CONTEMPORARY SS26

For the sixth time, the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises / as part of the Project Future state initiative and the Fashion Council Germany are honoring 19 outstanding show and presentation concepts as part of "Berlin Contemporary." Each awarded label receives €25,000 and will present its spring/summer 2026 collection during Berlin Fashion Week.

From a total of 79 submissions in the "Berlin Contemporary" category, a distinguished jury - consisting of Christiane Arp, Herbert Hofmann, Johanna Dramé, Ola Ebiti, Patrick Pendiuk, Sara Sozzani Maino, and Stavros Karelis - selected 19 winners. Among the awarded brands are well-known names such as GmbH, Haderlump, and LUEDER, as well as newcomers presenting in Berlin for the first time - including David Koma, Gerrit Jacob, and Ioannes. The inclusion of international labels among the winners marks a clear step toward a more global orientation for Berlin Fashion Week. International winners include David Koma (UK), PALMWINE IceCREAM (Ghana), and Orange Culture (Nigeria). One of the prizes was once again exclusively reserved for a label from an African country: Buzigahill will also receive support for production, PR, and guest management. This season's winning designers are:

• Andrej Gronau
• Balletshofer
• Buzigahill 
• COLRS
• David Koma
• Gerrit Jacob 
• GmbH
• Haderlump
• Ioannes
• Kitschy Couture
• Laura Gerte
• LUEDER
• MARKE
• Milk of Lime
• Orange Culture
• PALMWINE IceCREAM
• Richert Beil
• SF1OG
• Sia Arnika

BERLIN FASHION WEEK FOR CONSUMERS: STUDIO2RETAIL

While Berlin Fashion Week shows and presentations are reserved for invited guests, the "Studio2Retail" program opens the doors to the city: brands, showrooms, and stores have the opportunity to present their event concepts to a wider Berlin audience. The format, initiated by the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, is supported with five grants of €5,000 each. An additional prize is once again sponsored by Berliner Sparkasse. From 44 submissions in the "Studio2Retail" category, a high-profile jury - consisting of Avi Jakobs, Grit Thoennissen, Johanna Dramé, Manuel Almeida-Vergara, Marvin Appiah Korang, Scott Lipinski, and Thimo Schwenzfeier - selected six winners. The awarded brands are:

• APOC x Madomorpho
• Effenberger Couture
• Lou de Bètoly
• Selva
• Sezgin
• Vladimir Karaleev

REGISTRATION & ACCREDITATION

Calendar registration for shows and presentations during BFW is open via the BFW website until 2 May 2025. Brands are also expected to answer questions regarding the sustainability requirements during this process. Side-events for the official calendar can be registered until 28 May 2025.

Accreditation for events on the official Berlin Fashion Week calendar opens on 20 May 2025. At the same time, the preliminary schedule will be published. Accreditation is strictly reserved for industry professionals. The accreditation tool is available via the Berlin Fashion Week website.

Image material for Berlin Fashion Week is available for download from the official Media Hub.