Ben Mönks for BFW
Evolution of Berlin Fashion Week
The event, which is supported by the Berlin Senate, continues to set new standards and attract influential designers and visitors from all over the world. As we reflect on the progress made in 2023, we are confident that the course is set for even brighter shows in the future.
A paradigm shift: the Berlin Contemporary competition triggers change
The initiative, supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, is providing the event with new impetus by financially supporting 14 German and four Ukrainian brands with €25,000 each. This strategic support ensures a diverse mix of emerging talent and established labels, fostering a dynamic event that transcends conventional boundaries.
New beginnings: showcasing exceptional craftsmanship
Fashion Week in July 2023 was marked by an enthusiastic spirit, driving brands to expand their portfolios and prioritize quality and sustainability. SF1OG, led by Rosa Marga Dahl, is a notable example of exceptional craftsmanship. The brand's acronym, "side wing 1st floor," reflects its expertise in weaving poetry into tank tops and leather jackets with distinctive curved seams. The label Namilia, led by Emilia Pfohl and Nan Li, who are well known in the Berlin club scene, gained further recognition when they designed the first collection for Kylie Jenner's new fashion label Khy last fall. Their six appearances during New York Fashion Week and their debut in Berlin a year ago underline their worldwide recognition.
Internationally renowned brands such as Malaikaraiss, who are undergoing a repositioning strategy following a period in Copenhagen, Rianna + Nina, who operate a successful flagship store in Paris' Palais Royal and are present in luxury boutiques in vacation hotspots, and William Fan, who has been a regular at Berlin Fashion Week for nine years, are helping to attract trade visitors from all over the world to Berlin. Cologne-based brand Marke, run by Mario Keine, has achieved considerable success with the sale of several complete looks from their collection after a well-organized show last season. This is an example of the strategic impact that well-curated presentations can have on sales figures and brand recognition in the competitive fashion landscape.
Iconic venues, iconic fashion: a unique face for Berlin Fashion Week
The move away from a large, centralized venue has also attracted international attention to Berlin Fashion Week. In July, the collaboration between Fashion Council Germany and Museum & Location set the stage for shows at iconic Berlin venues that redefined everything, dispelled the preconceptions of provincialism, and gave BFW a new meaning. The result was a series of impressive venues, including the Zeiss-Großplanetarium, the James-Simon-Galerie, the Alte Münze, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Kühlhaus, the Feuerle Collection, the Wilhelm-Hallen, the St. Elisabeth Church, and the Ludwig-Erhard-Haus.
Brilliant scheduling: a strategic position in the global calendar
This February, Berlin Fashion Week made a strategic move to differentiate itself from other major fashion events. It positioned itself after Copenhagen Fashion Week and just before New York Fashion Week. This new scheduling not only increased media exposure, but also attracted international editors and industry experts, creating a unique window of opportunity for designers to engage in global B2B interactions. This created the best conditions for increased global awareness. However, the focus is not on merely imitating other international fashion weeks. Rather, Berlin Fashion Week aims to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and sustainability of the local talent pool.
BFW: A Diverse Center for Creativity, Business, and Sustainability
With a diverse range of designers, a strategic support system, and a well-timed placement on the global fashion calendar, the event is well on its way to cementing its position as a global center for design innovation, commercial success, and sustainable practices.
In summary, the evolution of Berlin Fashion Week from obscurity to prominence is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the city's fashion ecosystem, the work of the Fashion Council Germany, and the investment of the Senate. With a diverse range of designers, a strategic support program, and a well-timed placement on the global fashion calendar, the event is well on its way to cementing its position as a global center for design innovation, commercial success, and sustainable practices.
Today, Berlin's fashion scene is a testament to the city's unique role as a dynamic creative center and cultural melting pot. As a hub of artistic expression and diverse influences, Berlin inspires fashion designers to push boundaries, break conventions, and weave a tapestry of style that reflects the city's rich history, contemporary spirit, and commitment to sustainability. At the heart of this innovative landscape, designers draw inspiration from Berlin's eclectic mix of cultures, fostering a fashion renaissance that embraces inclusivity, sustainability, and a bold, avant-garde ethos.
Berlin Fashion Week is not just a showcase; it is a vibrant celebration of Berlin's unique cultural diversity, attracting creative minds and business opportunities from around the world.
Creative, digital, smart
Berlin Fashion Week is not just an event; it is a vibrant celebration of Berlin's unique cultural diversity, attracting creative minds and business people from around the world. In addition to the fashion industry, Berlin is an innovation center for information and communication technology as well as media and other creative industries, which collectively serve as the innovation engine of the German capital region.
For further information on the activities of the industry clusters, the economic development of the region's growth industries, business and technology development for companies, investors, and scientific institutions, please contact