Dorothee Schumacher is one of the pillars of Berlin Fashion Week
Quo vadis, Berlin Fashion Week? Some believe you to be in crisis, others are happy that some substance is at last to be seen. Let’s just call it ‘change’. … more
Did you know that Germany is a major fashion centre? Some people find that surprising. Yet loyal customers, outstanding designers and the creative powerhouse of Berlin make that possible. Insights into Germany as a land of fashion.
German fashion relies on individuality, expression and character, is sometimes witty, sometimes elegant. German designers achieve success abroad and German fashion labels attract customers with quality products. And the Berlin look has a magnetic attraction for trend scouts. … more
Raf Simons, the Belgian fashion designer and creative director of the Jil Sander label, talks about working for a niche market and big business. The Hamburg label now belongs to Onward Holdings Co. Ltd. … more
Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune is regarded as the top fashion journalist. Now Ms. Menkes has discovered the German capital: “Berlin has fashion in its blood.” … more
Six fairs, 140 events in 4 days – one can’t see everything. I would like to have seen the show of the newcomer duo PerretSchaad – they are reputedly the new discovery of the Fashion Week, the Eco-Catwalk as well as the panel discussion on “Fashion Blogs – Hype or Future”. Peoples enthusiasm has waned. While the first day was near hysterical, by the final day the excitement has subsided considerably. The fairs have closed leaving three shows in my calendar. … more
Since the departure of the designers Jörg Ehrlich and Otto Drögsler as well as a new management board, René Lezard has yet to make a proper comeback, as CEO Heinz Hackl openly admits. I am pleasantly surprised to be invited to a breakfast reception in a huge loft apartment – it gives credence to the old saying “Composure with style”. Hackl and I agree to continue our conversation sometime in Hamburg. … more
After three nights with only five hours of sleep apiece I feel somewhat like the son of the consul in Thomas Mann’s Buddenbrooks after too much punch: “Absolutely hor-ri-ble”. That doesn’t stop me from discussing the question: What does the publisher of “Brigitte” want to do apart from earning money? At the reception in the exhibition of F.C. Gundlach the photographer was barely mentioned. The focus of the evening was Brigitte’s ‘campaign’ to use non-professional models. … more
The portrait of the actor Romy Schneider, photographed by F.C. Gundlach, was the star of the reception held by Minister of State Cornelia Pieper in honor of the famous photographer and his foundation. None of the 60-odd guests from reputable companies, universities and the creative industry could escape the self-confident, defiant look immortalized in the photo. … more
I am on my way to the Berlin Fashion Week. What awaits me? Why am I going? Isn’t it easier to follow it online instead of trudging through this miserable weather? Definitely not. For one it’s important to meet the people one works and cooperates with and also it’s an opportunity to meet new people, especially those that I’ve always wanted to meet. … more
