These were the shows of Berlin Fashion Week SS26

The week kicked off on Monday with Clara Colette Miramon, who presented her third collection titled “Care” in collaboration with PLATTE.Berlin – a reflection on the visibility of care, inspired by medical corsets and caregiving uniforms. She was followed by the Berlin debut of Ukrainian label VIKTORANISIMOV at the Feuerle Collection. Though the collection was presented entirely in black – with uniform-like jackets and cargo pants – the lightweight linen fabrics, reminiscent of bandages, evoked a sense of healing. Bold contrasts also defined Laura Gerte, a Berlin Contemporary winner, whose collection “Desire/Chaos” explored the complexity of the female experience. Strength and vulnerability were mirrored not only in the transformative nature of the garments but also in the material choices – silk scarves and mesh met raw hems and rigid denim contours. Kitschy Couture closed out the first day with an emotional highlight. In the collection “Heimweh”, also recognized by Berlin Contemporary, designer Abarna Kugathasan fused traditional vintage saris with Western fashion codes – creating a heartfelt love letter to both her origins and her new home. 

On Tuesday seven more Berlin Contemporary winners took the runways. Milk of Lime (part of NEWEST) opened day two with its poetic-punk collection “CHIME,” inspired by growing up in rural areas. Fittingly, the show featured the sound of bells, and small silver chimes appeared on tops, belts, and bags – paired with airy fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and vintage-inspired floral prints. The new collection from PALMWINE IceCREAM focused on womenswear for the first time. Pieces such as a leather ballerina corset and hand-painted leather bags were created from upcycled leather, deadstock cotton, organza and mesh in collaboration with Ghanaian artisans. At MARKE (part of NEWEST), the focus was on queer joy from past eras: historical references blended seamlessly with sporty elements, while soft fabrics and floral jacquards told the love stories of literary characters that inspired designer Mario Keine’s collection “The Summer I Never Had“. Balletshofer also looked to the past for inspiration, calling for travel to once again become a moment worth dressing up for. Boxy suits, elegant capes, and lace tracksuits offered the perfect wardrobe for such journeys. #DAMUR presented “Make Me Water,” an ode to fluidity – in body, fashion, and spirit. Bright colors, sheer fabrics, and flowing silhouettes met structured denim and eco-leather, telling stories of devotion, transformation, and the power of letting go. With “Milieuschutz,” Richert Beil unveiled a collection that explored the tension between preservation and renewal. Inspired by the renovation of their new studio – a 135-year-old pharmacy in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district – floral motifs ran through the looks as symbols of transience and care. An oversized blazer with rose embroidery met silk shirts and trousers with handmade lace, while latex-leather trousers reimagined traditional German attire. Sia Arnika presented her take on the “It Girl” with “Summer Time Sadness” – featuring skimpy shorts, tight cut-out tops, micro-pleated skirts, deconstructed shirts, mini dresses, and the brand’s signature clogs. Complementary menswear pieces rounded out the collection. Buzigahill (part of NEWEST) remained true to its ethos with “RETURN TO SENDER 11,” delivering a bold statement on textile colonialism, ownership, and reclamation. The collection stood out with deconstructed silhouettes, handcrafted patchworks, and innovative cuts. Rebekka Ruétz invited audiences on a journey toward a wild and free self – one unafraid of imperfection. Anja Gockel asked, “What colors does your happiness dream of?” Marc Cain opted for restraint and understated elegance with “A Quiet Rebellion” – a quiet counterpoint in an age often defined by volume and speed.

On Wednesday, the historic Palais am Funkturm in West Berlin became the stage for INTERVENTION. Returning for the third time: LUEDER, whose collection “SL∀Y” explored the theme of “slaying the dragon.” Inspired by ancient mythology, she presented her most colorful work yet around a silver dragon installation – combining metallic armor greys with bold hues and feminine silhouettes with utilitarian elements.. David Koma made his Berlin debut with his first-ever menswear show. Titled “I Love David,” the collection combined Y2K denim, graphic prints, and playful touches like hibiscus brooches – referencing David Beckham, Michelangelo’s David, and the designer himself. Ottolinger also celebrated its debut at Berlin Fashion Week. “Heidi” was inspired by the idea of being the cool older sister who breaks the rules so you don’t have to. Fittingly pop singer Kim Petras opened the show, which featured jersey pieces, printed mesh dresses and tops, deconstructed tailoring, and coated denim. GmbH once again impressed with its signature fusion of sharp tailoring and narrative depth. The collection “Imitation of Life” paired refined boxing shorts, satin tops, and shirts with structured tailoring – as well as crop tops and hoodies printed with bold statements.

Haderlump’s new collection was inspired by the forgotten artistic craft of ex libris, which was once used to mark ownership in books. Subtle prints and contrasting decorative seams recalled these miniature works of art, while the wide range of natural materials – from linen and leather to cotton and wool – highlighted the value of the analog in a digital age. Auch SF1OG  (part of NEWEST) also looked to the past: inspired by historical depictions of women in love, the label created a collection about romantic longing. Fittingly, models walked the runway symbolically struck by Cupid’s arrow – wearing jackets and trousers made from antique fabrics, dresses with leather corsets and flowing skirts, and tattooed leather vests that appeared to merge with the skin of their wearers. The Berlin Curated group show offered a stage to Germany’s 16 most promising fashion students on the verge of graduating—sending a strong message about the importance of nurturing emerging talent. In the UBER Arena, Kilian Kerner presented his collection “DDR. Die gestohlenen Kinder” as part of COLLECTIVEFOUR. Danny Reinke drew inspiration from the legendary tapestries of the Maître de la Chasse à la Licorne, while Marcel Ostertag’s “Paradise” was a celebration of togetherness, festivity, and life itself.

COLRS (part of NEWEST) opened the final day with “JUMPING FENCES,” a collection inspired by a carefree journey through Brazil, full of adventure and youthful crushes. Vintage and upcycled pieces told stories of unforgettable moments under the tropical sun. Orange Culture (part of NEWEST) took a different direction with “In the Shadow,” turning the spotlight on what often remains unseen. Designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal used fine embroidery on vibrant fabrics to address the taboo surrounding mental health in his native Nigeria – encouraging the visibility of vulnerability. Andrej Gronau unveiled a collection that retained his signature playful details – bows, stripes, and star motifs – while feeling more mature overall. Alongside brightly colored checked shirts and cotton shorts, the designer leaned more heavily into knits and tailored pieces in muted tones. Gerrit Jacob chose to present his new collection “Game Over” in the form of a film. The visuals featured oversized pieces emblazoned with fictional banknotes, referencing themes such as capitalism, consumption, power, and greed. Closing the Berlin Fashion Week IOANNES presented “Better Grow Thorns Than Thicker Skin” in the Orangerie at Charlottenburg Palace – a poetic statement encouraging vulnerability as a form of strength. This duality was expressed through body-hugging silhouettes, sheer fabrics, delicate ruffles, and pastel tones, contrasted with boxy blazers and coats, along with floor-length leather and sequin fringes on dresses and bags in bold black. After their last show in London, Tell the Truth debuted their new collection at Berlin Fashion Week. Meanwhile, at the Atrium Tower on Potsdamer Platz in the heart of the capital, Neo.Fashion took place on July 2 and 3, 2025. The platform for emerging designers featured numerous fashion shows, events, panel talks, and award ceremonies.