Berlin Fashion Week events (Jan 19-23) may be “industry only”, but given that entrance is now extended to amateur photographers and bloggers, it ain’t that hard to talk your way in.
Mercedes Benz runway shows and presentations (this season back at the Brandenburg Gate) are still the main event, and we recommend trying to catch a glimpse of this city’s fledgling talents.
Hien Le, Marina Hoermanseder, Isabell de Hillerin and Augustin Teboul are all firm Exberliner favourites.
Meanwhile, peripheral events like the Green Showroom and Africa Fashion Week are not to be missed, and Seek (photo) remains the best tradeshow in town if you want to hunt down the big trends for next year.
Talking the talk is one thing when it comes to blagging your way in to shows and parties, but you had better walk the walk if you want to blend into the Berlin fashion crowd. Here are some tips for Fashion Week dressing.
Less is more
Berliners have been sporting the “I woke up like this” look since before Beyoncé was even born and even Fashion Week tends to be a very low-key level of chic. Flashy labels are a no-no and accessories should be discreet. Anything by homegrown brands, like this Antonia Goy scarf (above), gets you extra points.
Brunnenstr. 5, Mitte, U-Bhf Rosenthaler Platz, Mon-Fri 12-20, Sat 13-19
Day to night
Fashion Week outfit has to carry you through a multitude of shows, meetings and parties, so wear something stylish that takes you from day to night. This leather Deepmello dress can be sexy, stylish or mean serious business depending on who you’re dealing with (and how much you lower the zip!).
Wrap up
The breadth of Fashion Week locations means you will be trotting around in the January cold. Extra padding is never a good look, but then again neither is hypothermia, so something stylish but warm is a must. This Nobis coat is more military chic than Michelin man, but will keep you snug as you queue for shows.
Mini-me
Small children are a timeless front-row accessory, but they have to be adorable, wellbehaved (no tripping up the models) and as well-dressed as mummy. Thank god Lala Berlin just started making kids’ clothes, right? This dress has a matching adult version, if you are a real fanatic about coordination.
Alte Schönhauser Str. 3, Mitte, U-Bhf Rosa- Luxemburg-Platz, Mon-Sat 11-19
Stand tall
If you are schmoozing with lithe models and German fashion editors (who tend to be pretty gargantuan themselves), you need to boost your height. Style must always triumph over comfort. These Stine Goya beauties thankfully marry the two.
Originally published in issue #134, January 2015.
