The falling of the Berlin Wall twenty years ago signified the unification of Germany. With this also came a merging of talent and a burst of creativity in art and design. Today, while the fashion scene maybe still up and coming, the new talent has begun to draw attention to the nation’s capital. The fifth year of Berlin Fashion Week opened this past week with mixed reviews; while some shows were still lacking in direction others showed the potential for international recognition.
The standouts of the week surprisingly did not come from the fashion week regulars but instead they were the eight fresh-faced talents of the Designer for Tomorrow show. The Designer for Tomorrow fashion show gave eight up and coming graduates from fashion and art schools a platform to showcase their work. Peek & Cloppenburg sponsored the newcomers acknowledging two standouts at the end of the show.
Eight designers including Arkadius Glesek, Chantal Margiotta, Derya Issever, Eva Maria Bogar, Lena Pfell, Sam Frenzel, Sasa Kovacevic, and Simon Hannibal presented noteworthy womenswear and menswear collections. Sam Frenzel showcased his winning womenswear collection consisting of garments in muted tones of gray. The designer played with shape and transparency in his collection showcasing voluminous trousers and bubble skirts while also including sheer silk tops and transparent sequence pants.
New York based Kai Kuhne also presented a collection at Berlin Fashion Week. The use of geometry and structure could be seen throughout his collection. The sharp tailoring and intricate seaming of his garments presents a refined and sophisticated look. The collection drew its inspiration from movement and transition.
Other shows during the week included a bridal themed show by Kaviar Gauche, a colorful and pattern filled collection by Custo Barcelona, and a collection by Kilian Kerner, which was inspired by five anonymous diary entries. You can check out all of the Spring/Summer 2010 Berlin Fashion Week shows at www.mercedes-benzfashionweek.com/index.php.