Berlin does its own thing

The February edition of Berlin Fashion Week was a resounding success! Here, we've compiled some of the most touching moments, exciting announcements, and beautiful voices once again.

Celebrated Premiere: Intervention

Intervention, curated and created by Mumi Haiati, founder of the internationally acclaimed Berlin creative and communications agency Reference Studios, marks a new format for Berlin Fashion Week. His idea: "To create a novel platform for national and international designers integrated into the official Berlin Fashion calendar."

The Intervention debut took place in the defunct C&A department store in Neukölln, where alongside brand pop-ups and art installations, fashion presentations were held. Among them were Gerrit Jacob, Back2Back, and the much-anticipated Anonymous Club runway show of the season. Not only did New York designer Shayne Oliver mingle among the model cast, including colleague Stefano Pilati, but Berlin's who's who also populated the front row, from curator Klaus Biesenbach to artist Anne Imhof.

Find all information and images of the collection here.

“Berlin Fashion Week is regaining a reputation for nurturing exciting emerging talent, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity that sets a blueprint for others to follow.” Malhia Shoaib, Vogue Business 

Fashion Festival: Rianna + Nina

Vibrant colors, multicolored Swarovski stones, and an eclectic mix of patterns: Once again this season, Rianna + Nina demonstrated their mastery of the art of "more is more." The collection, inspired by icon Maria Callas, was presented by the duo in the imposing halls of the Bode Museum. Particularly impressive—and emotional—was the grand finale this year, where all models posed around the tearful designers: A pure celebration of color and joy in fashion.

Find all information and images of the collection here.

"But the strength of this fashion week lies primarily in its authenticity and diversity. The 32 shows of Berlin Fashion Week showcased a variety of talents with different life stories and backgrounds. The collections were presented in fantastic show locations closely intertwined with the history and present of this city." - Lisa Riehl, Harper's Bazaar

Moving Solidarity: PLNGNS

One of the most touching moments of Berlin Fashion Week was when Mitya Hontarenko used his runway not only to showcase his fashion but also to draw attention to the ongoing war in his Ukrainian homeland. Alongside his sustainable, innovative, and artistic looks, the Ukrainian flag with the inscription "Free Maripol Defenders" appeared at the finale. Additionally, in collaboration with the label Wild Heart, the designer created T-shirts before and after the show, the proceeds of which benefit refugees. "It's our small way of having a big impact," explains Mitya Hontarenko.

Find all information and images of the collection here.

"As soon as Berlin Fashion Week loosens up, releases itself from false expectations, and focuses on its own potential strengths, there is no problem anymore. Because everything is there: vibrant subcultures as reference and inspiration (from the Four Blocks dealers to the sex-positive party audience), a constant stream of emerging talents and enthusiastic audiences, defunct department stores (which will probably increase in the future), and a long tradition of rising from ruins and debris." - Adriano Sack, Die Welt

Couturesque Craftsmanship: Lou de Bètoly

Craftsmanship and its own unique aesthetic have always been at the center of the collections of Frenchwoman Lou de Bétoly. The looks she showcased this season were particularly moving and impressive. Not only were there many—33!—but they were all handmade, couturesque, and resembled delicate works of art. In her runway show, set in a former furniture store amidst contrasting construction site atmosphere, she staged her pastel-colored, absolutely intricate crochet designs, ranging from lingerie and body-hugging minidresses to coat designs, leaving the audience in awe.

"After seeing all the shows from the front row, one thing is clear: the future of the fashion world looks promising, according to these designers. They all place great emphasis on sustainability, work with upcycled materials, employ cutting-edge techniques, and view fashion from their own unique perspectives." - Emma Vloeimans, Harper’s Bazaar NL

Major Announcement: The FCG and VOGUE Fashion Fund

Internationally, the Fashion Fund, initiated by Condé Nast, is one of the most prestigious and coveted fashion awards worldwide. In the USA, UK, Spain, and China, support for emerging designers is already established, and now Germany follows suit. Vogue and the Fashion Council Germany, with the support of the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises, have joined forces to support upcoming design talents. The winner will receive not only a cash prize but also an exclusive mentoring program, PR support, and a slot on the official Berlin Fashion Week calendar for February 2025. All totaling a value of around 100,000 euros.

For more information, visit: https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/fcg-vogue-fashion-fund-submission

“But now, it seems, Berlin Fashion Week has found its own groove. Its organizers have decided Berlin should do its own thing and concentrate on what the German capital does best: creativity, culture, clubbing and the fostering of independent, artistic spirit.” - Cathrin Schaer, WWD