Berlin Fashion Week

As a part of my online internship with San Jose Fashion Week's magazine, I wrote a review of Berlin's fashion week in January. Enjoy :)

Berlin Fashion Week
January 20-23, 2010

 
 Twice a year, Berlin becomes a fashion paradise while it hosts the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This winter, the event took place between January 20-23th at Bebelplatz-the historical heart of the city.
To kick off the week, designer Schumacher took over the catwalk. Her fall/winter 2010 collection embraces the high class luxury and notorious deconstruction that has an exceptional way in finding its place in the present. Fabrics that hold a traditional elegance such as tweed, velvet and chiffon paired with leather, metallic qualities and neoprene find a new intensity in combination. Schumacher also incorporated a lot of lace paired with wool and jersey into her 2010 collection.

Austrian designer, Lena Hoschek followed with her women’s fall/winter 2010 designs that included beautiful tweed tailoring, fine Italian cotton shirts with suspenders, vests, ties and silken pocket squares. Hoschek’s silhouettes are quite reminiscent of her favorite era, the 1940’s and 50’s; with full skits, feminine details and close to the body cuts. Designer No Ifs is a new fashion label that stands for design with clear lines without the “ands” and “buts.” Head designer, Kilan Kerner describes the line as “non-fussy, self-explanatory fashion that features beautiful detailing for both men and women.” Since this collection sports a more casual, any occasion look, it’s safe to say the line can go from catwalk to sidewalk. German designers, Penkov and Susanne Wiebe and Italian designer, .Dimitri finished off the first day of the Mercedes Benz fashion week .

Anja Gockel had three collections that displayed classy, casual women with style and character. Her London assortment displayed a both casual and elegant daywear line while her Red Carpet designs were more artful and exciting for evening wear. Finally, her winter work “Treasures” combined the finest quality with a classy and young spirit. Gockel incorporated creative business dresses, sporty and elegant faux fur and skinny trousers with embellishments. Perret Schaad’s designs was of wools that were partly printed with silicon gave effects of light and shine, as well as a difference in rigidness. Technical fabrics combined with pastel colors give characteristic looks of unexpected yet coherent aesthetic. Mongrels In Common’s fall/winter 2010 collection, Rena Lange’s rock-n-roll princess assortment and Allude’s clothing line followed in quick succession, leading up to CUSTO Barcelona fall/winter 2010. Custo Barcelona’s autumn/winter 2010 creations were inspired by extreme beauty and the inexplicable attraction of jewels. The stunning gems inspired the collection’s color palette of black and pink diamonds, sapphires, turquoises, emeralds and amethysts to mention a few. His combination of furs and brightly colored sweaters, cardigans and dresses were very boho chic. To finish off the second day of the event, designer Patrick Mohr presented his work. The materials in this year’s fall/winter 2010 line included linen, jersey and jeans to name a few. The majority of his designs are dedicated to the concept of layering: the pieces can be worn arbitrarily with one another and one above the other.

The Arrondissement Aq1 fall/winter 2010 assembly circled around the theme of “oneness universe” which means everything is connected. Silk, fine suede, rainbow python, soft jerseys and flowing velvet details were part of the collection. In addition, Chain-link purses, sky-high shoes, hobble skirts and flowy dresses in energetic and bright colors were included. Marcel Ostertag incorporated a variation of trapeze jackets, a modern take on the original Christian Dior dresses with raised empire waists and detailed v-necks as well as colorful tights in orange, red and black.This season's creations from solely black fabrics seem like night-time silhouettes of a fictitious, obscure metropolis.Hausach Couture displayed exceptionally futuristic garments while simultaneously recreating the typical gowns of the 50’s. Strenesse Blue ended the third day with its frivolous, amusing and at the same time profound fall/winter 2010 designs.

The final day started out with the sophisticated vintage glamour of Frida Weyer’s fall/winter 2010 collection that presented floor length couture gowns and feminine cocktail dresses with vintage character. Michael Sontag presented his work with a lot of cowl necklines, flowy fabrics, eclectic coats and casual wear. IC Berlin’s line presented casual wear with graphic tee’s matched with black pants, lingerie over tee’s while all models wore black framed glasses and had a more playful approach. Chaya’s clothing were comprised of liquid leggings, form fitted dresses, leather skirts, sequence, short tunics and detailed hardware embellishments. It’s not hard to know that Lady Gaga is inspired by the Italian Designers collection shown at Berlin Fashion Week. With large headpieces, graphic leggings, full body, monochromatic outfits, elbow length gloves and asymmetrical lines, the Italian Designers displayed intricate designs during their show. Danish designer Stine Goya was the last designer to take the catwalk with her elegant garments. Predominantly revolving around dusty earth tones, loose and nonchalant silhouettes.

My personal favorites of the week were Custo Barcelona’s bright colored boho chic designs as well as Marcel Ostertag’s take on modern 1940’s fashion. He took Dior’s classic “new look” and transformed it into something beautiful and intricate.  I now have a new desire for European fashion!

During fashion week, Berlin transforms into a national and international fashion metropolis with buyers, fashion experts and media reps coming together to attend the glamorous fashion shows. Berlin welcomed celebrities Justin Timberlake, Sienna Miller and Diane Kruger as they made an appearance to catch their favorite designer’s work. The sixth edition of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin featured the most solid fashion lineup to date and needless to say, was an extreme success! The next fashion event Berlin will host will be in July 2010, showing designer’s spring/summer 2011 collections. Mark it on your calendar!