Make Your Mark! Innovative Concepts for BFW AW2027 Wanted

Berlin, 07.09.2026

Berlin Fashion Week SS27: Innovative Concepts Wanted

What impulses are designers setting for a more responsible future of fashion? How do they combine innovation with craftsmanship, modernity with tradition? And above all: what will their collections for the coming autumn and winter season look like? All of this will come to life from 29 January to 1 February 2027—the dates for 
the AW27 edition of Berlin Fashion Week (BFW).

Following an exceptionally successful edition last July—with a total of 53 runway shows 
and 62 side events in the official BFW calendar, as well as more than 150 public events across the city—the next season is set to continue Berlin Fashion Week’s growth trajectory. And once again, Fashion Council Germany (FCG) and the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises are looking for promising talent to help shape it.

From 7 September to 5 October 2026, designers can once again apply for funding of between €5,000 and €25,000 through two concept competitions, enabling them to realise either a side event or a runway show. This marks the ninth time that FCG and the Berlin Senate specifically support outstanding talent in bringing creative presentation concepts to life. In line with the “Sustainability Requirements” introduced last July, only brands that meet the minimum sustainability standards defined in the framework will be eligible for funding.

As in previous seasons, the competitions in the two categories BERLIN CONTEMPORARY 
and STUDIO2RETAIL will once again be co-financed for the AW27 edition of Berlin Fashion Week by the State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the “Projekt Zukunft” initiative.

BERLIN CONTEMPORARY (BC)

A total of 19 runway show concepts will be awarded, each receiving €25,000 in funding. 
An international expert jury—this season comprising Christiane Arp (Fashion Council Germany), Johanna Dramé (Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe), Mumi Haiati (Reference Studios), Stavros Karelis (Onassis Foundation), Susanna Lau (Susiebubble), Sara Sozzani Maino (Fondazione Sozzani), Eniafe Momodu (Prism Creative Limited), Irene Ojo-Felix (Models.com) and Patrick Pendiuk (Vogue Germany)—will consider not only the submitted concept but also the development potential of each brand in its decision. Their focus will be on design excellence, craftsmanship, sustainability, diversity and economic potential. In addition to submissions from Germany, up to six concepts by international brands will be considered. One of the awards will be reserved for a label based in an African country, which will receive additional support with production, guest management and press relations.

STUDIO2RETAIL (S2R)

Six event concepts that actively involve end consumers will each receive €5,000 in funding. Corresponding showroom, pop-up or exhibition formats will be evaluated by a second expert jury—this season comprising Jasmina & David (Jasmina.tv), Mehmet Deniz (KaDeWe), Johanna Dramé (Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe), Elliot Hoste (Dazed), Sonja Hodzode (Creative Consultant), Kirsty Keoghan (eBay), Scott Lipinski (Fashion Council Germany), Kai Margrander (Harper’s Bazaar Germany) and Nina Trippel (Cee Cee Creative)—based on their sustainable approach and potential media impact, as well as their innovative and inclusive character. Five concepts will be funded by the State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund, a sixth award will once again be provided by Berliner Sparkasse.

At the end of the application period on 5 October 2026, the expert juries will select the winning concepts. The funded concepts are expected to be announced on 30 October 2026. Further information and applications: fashionweek.berlin