
This summer, Berlin Fashion Week (July 8-13) has been put on ice: the Mercedes-Benz tent has lost its Brandenburg Gate spot to the World Cup Fanmeile and will be setting up shop inside an ice skating rink in Wedding. We asked our favourite fashion experts their opinion on the week’s highlights and pitfalls.
Martina Rink, originally from Meerbusch in North Rhine-Westphalia, is the author of the upcoming book Fashion Germany, which will be launched at Fashion Week.
Favourite up-and-coming designer at Fashion Week?
I have an eye on the girls from Holy Ghost.
The one show you never miss?
I try always to go to the Schumacher show, the Augustin Teboul presentation and visit René Storck’s showroom.
Best party to attend this season?
The Vogue/Mercedes Benz Fashion Night party at Borchardt & Burda Style. And of course, my own book launch at The Corner!
What to wear?
Something pink – it makes me feel complete.
What not to wear?
Who am I to judge? But a lot of German people do not understand that there is a big difference between carnival and Fashion Week…
Favourite tradeshow?
Sven Krüger is the wonderful founder of Project Galerie and I am a big fan of what he has created for Berlin’s fashion industry.
How does Berlin compare to other Fashion Weeks?
Berlin is still growing, but I am not sure if it will ever mature and understand that fashion is culture and a craftsmanship. Germans are very strong when it comes to know-how and quality. I am just waiting for these strengths to be visible again, like the days of Karl Lagerfeld, Wolfgang Joop and Jil Sander. But Germany already has many talented fashion photographers and producers, art directors and creative directors out there.
Top survival tips?
Lots of water, smiling, laughing, writing, networking and lipstick.
Mayra Fateh and Michal Tesler are the founders of Eve Without Adam, an online journal, female collective, community power house and creative agency based in Berlin. Mayra is from Ibiza and Michal is from Berlin.
Favourite up-and-coming designer at Fashion Week?
We always like the work of Malaika Raiss.
The one show you never miss?
Esther Perbandt does really nice shows. We also like the approach of Patrick Mohr. His show at Kaufhaus Jahndorf was out of control!
Best party to attend this season?
Our own! We are throwing a party with some cool international brands and special guests at Cookies on July 10th. Watch out for “Les Enfants Terribles”.
Favourite tradeshow?
Since we both worked at Bread & Butter for over four years we will always go and see the family.
How does Berlin compare to other Fashion Weeks?
If we try and draw comparisons to Paris, New York or London… Berlin can pack up and go home. It is still in its baby shoes trying to grow.
Top survival tips?
Don’t try to catch every single party you are invited to: there are too many “free drinks” events on offer. Also try to take a break from the Fashion Week madness at some point. Berlin has so much else to offer!
Mumi Haiati is the founder of PR Consultancy Bureau Haiati, and works with top designers such as Iris van Herpen, Dodo Bar Or and Silencio Paris, among many others. He is from Düsseldorf but based in Berlin.
Favourite up-and-coming designer at Fashion Week?
Augustin Teboul, Martin Nicklas Wieser, Isabell de Hillerin.
The one show you never miss?
My fellow Persian’s show – Leyla Piedayesh, aka Lala Berlin.
Best party to attend this season?
Don’t waste your time – just go to Panorama Bar!
What to wear?
Lots of fur.
What not to wear?
There are no rules.
How does Berlin compare to other Fashion Weeks?
Seek and Premium are doing a really great job. The Mercedes-Benz tent is pretty provincial unfortunately, with C-list celebrities on the front row rather than important international press. Other fashion cities have councils that give professional advice to designers and curate strong Fashion Weeks, but that’s missing here in Germany, and that means the Fashion Week here is pretty weak!
Top survival tips?
Liquid breakfasts.
Best-dressed personality?
Berlin’s best-dressed lady is stylist Niki Pauls.
Berlin Fashion Week is on July 8-13.