HORROR VACUI

ABOUT THE SHOW

In Latin, "Horror Vacui" means "fear of empty space." Contrary to this definition, Anna Heinrichs showcased mainly colorful and pattern-rich looks, featuring ruffles, drapery, or smocking, all exuding a highly romantic vibe.

With her runway debut, the Berlin Contemporary winner also celebrates the tenth anniversary of her brand. Heinrichs chose the colonnade at the Museum Island as the runway, whose numerous columns symbolize for the designer the enduring power of love—a central theme in her collection.

Your collection is named "Love's Continuum" and pays homage to love. What inspired you?

The love story of my parents, who passed away last year. The title not only refers to their romantic bond but also their coming together despite and with different, even opposing cultural identities.

Translated from Latin, Horror Vacui means "fear of empty space". Far from shying away, you boldly embrace fabrics adorned with elaborate patterns across nearly all your looks – a distinctive trademark.

Which materials, colors, and patterns take center stage this season?

Alongside Horror Vacui classics like cotton poplin, I've utilized many silk taffetas, twills, and satins. The entire collection features fabrics I've used over the past decade for Horror Vacui. Colors range from pink, yellow, and blue to violet and white. This season, I'm also incorporating black for the first time, perhaps as an intuitive nod to mourning. The silhouettes are flowing and feminine. We've seen your signature Millefleur, but there are also monochromatic looks.

All designs are handcrafted with incredible detail, reviving almost forgotten craftsmanship techniques like Honeycomb Smoking, Froschgoscherl, and scalloped hems. Which looks are your favorites?

One of my favorites is a skirt crafted from thousands of individually hand-stitched hearts. Another standout is the patchwork pieces featuring a sailship motif, composed of over 100 different fabrics from the past decade. The sailship is a central motif in quilt art, such as among the Amish, symbolizing the voyage to America, migration, and transformation. It signifies carrying a cultural identity to a new place, where one passes on their heritage while embracing new influences, thus creating something entirely new. My maternal grandfather's ancestors were German Mennonites who migrated to Pennsylvania and present-day Ukraine.

ABOUT THE LABEL

At the heart of HORROR VACUI lies a profound respect for the artisanal heritage, encapsulated in the intricate details that define each piece of our collection. Founded by Anna Heinrichs, a visionary designer with a deep passion for traditional craftsmanship, HORROR VACUI has, over the past decade, established itself as a beacon of timeless elegance and sustainable fashion. Our commitment to craftsmanship not only preserves ancient techniques but also imbues each garment with a soul, echoing the hands that brought it to life.

Artisanal Excellence as a Sustainable Choice

Our signature techniques - the hand-cut scallop edge, the meticulous honeycomb smocking, and the ornate Froschgoscherl pleating - are more than decorative elements. They are a testament to our belief that true sustainability involves creating garments of such beauty and craftsmanship that they become heirlooms, cherished and passed down through generations. This approach not only honors the artisanal skills but also champions a future where fashion is valued for its heritage and lasting appeal.

Global Recognition and Ethical Production

HORROR VACUI’s dedication to artisanal purity and aesthetic sophistication has garnered international acclaim, with features in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Vogue, Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, and many others. Our collections have graced the shelves of the world’s most discerning stores, a reflection of our brand’s universal appeal and commitment to excellence.

Behind our creations is a partnership with a specialized atelier in Ukraine, a collaboration rooted in mutual respect and shared values. This close-knit team of artisans, whom we’ve worked exclusively with since our inception, embodies the heart of our production. Their skillful hands bring HORROR VACUI’s visions to life, ensuring each piece meets our high standards of quality and ethics. This collaboration not only supports our dedication to responsible manufacturing but also strengthens our commitment to creating fashion that respects both people and the planet.

A Vision for the Future

As HORROR VACUI embarks on the next chapter, our participation in the Berlin Fashion Week, supported by the Fashion Council Germany Berlin Contemporary, is a pivotal moment. It’s an opportunity to showcase the richness of handcrafted fashion, to share our journey of sustainable luxury, and to inspire a shift towards more meaningful consumption in the fashion industry.

HORROR VACUI is a movement towards a future where fashion is a dialogue between tradition and innovation, beauty and responsibility. Join us as we continue to challenge the boundaries, one stitch at a time.

All images, brand descriptions and further information are available at the official Berlin Fashion Week MEDIA HUB.