PLNGNS

ABOUT THE SHOW

For the second time in a row, Mitya Hontarenko presented his latest collection for PLNGNS as part of Berlin Contemporary. This season, too, the Kyiv-based designer stays true to his unique concept, consistently showcasing sustainable designs mainly created from recycled sneakers in a patchwork style.

You presented your runway show at the Lobe Block, a distinctive structure in Berlin's Wedding district. What influenced your decision to choose this venue?

We deliberately chose a location that radiates a certain toughness with its straight-lined concrete and at the same time emphasizes the collection. The Lobe Block is therefore the perfect venue for us.

Your collection is titled "Sneaker Riot". What stands out in particular?

During the design process, it became clear how much the ongoing war influences us. This applies not only to the colors we used, but also to the styles and cuts. Unconsciously, we have artfully created a variety of vests as well as jackets cut to fit the body. The fact that we see both on a daily basis in the form of body armor and military compression suits seems to have subconsciously influenced us in the process.

While last season was very colorful, the colors this season appear almost oppressive. Why?

The colors used in this collection are inspired by what has surrounded us in the past two years. Colors of mourning and pain: Khaki represents war, brown - the land we are fighting for, and black for the sorrow we experience when we lose a loved one in this war. The colors are hand-painted and effortlessly blend into the collection.

Recycling is part of your brand's DNA. From sneakers and thermoshirts to swimsuits - all receive a completely new look thanks to innovative new cuts. What fascinates you so much about recycling?

The magic lies in creating something new with something old. Our main concern is always to develop newer, more creative approaches that do justice to the life of the clothing and the materials used. This season, we have decided to forgo experimenting with new materials and have stayed true to our material selection. Our goal was rather to further develop our skills with the fabrics and materials we already use, and to strengthen our expertise in them.

What role does Berlin Fashion Week play for you as a Ukrainian label?

For us, as participants for the second time, BFW has become a native fashion house that looks after our development and helps to show everything that we have dreamed about for so long and for which we have worked so hard.

ABOUT THE LABEL

"Old sneakers don't need to be burned like trash: "We're showing that there's another, more creative way out.""

PLNGNS was founded in August 2021 and we are looking for new silhouettes by reimagining existing ones. We take old shoes apart and create something new by reworking parts and giving them a new shape.

PLNGNS compares the process of making such shoes and clothing to painting on a canvas: with elements added as you go, the design can evolve as you go.

The main idea is to scale the brand, with a closed cycle of operation, where we recycle the so-called waste from them, create our own material and create new products from this material. We transform old unsuitable shoes into items of individual design, promoting the sustainable development of fashion and taking care of consumer culture in Ukraine and beyond.

It is important that all our products can have the same design for each product, but different execution details, since all used sneakers that we recycle have their own traces of use and individuality, so our products are always unique 1 of 1.

PLNGNS has an environmental advantage: parts of old shoes are used to create new ones, therefore during recycling the process produces virtually no carbon dioxide, and other residues are completely recycled.

Well, here we are and are planning to expand our brand concept in the fashion industry and make our brand model suitable for many brands, thereby turning this “game” around.

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