Hotel Concorde Berlin Blog

Berlin Fashion Week for All

Berlin’s fashion scene has undergone a radical change over the last few years, and is starting to be taken seriously as a fashion capital once more – in Europe and beyond. The city’s trademark “relaxed chic” look can be seen on the streets of the German capital all year round, alongside an eclectic mix of other styles, but it is the biannual Berlin Fashion Week which is really making the rest of the world sit up and take note. The Berlin Fashion Week seems to grow bigger, better and more international every time, and the first one of 2013, which began today, is already looking like it will be no exception, with a brand new trade fair, the Panorama, joining the already jam-packed programme.

Most of the events – including all the major fairs, shows and many of the official parties – are for trade visitors and press only, but there are still plenty of ways for you to get involved if you don’t happen to fit these criteria. Read on for my selection of Fashion Week events open to everybody, and stay tuned to the blog this week to find out where I went and what I saw…

My first tip is the special exhibition on show at the Kennedy Museum, entitled ‘The Spirit of a Dress: Jacqueline Kennedy and Marimekko’. If you are yet to visit this museum, which in my opinion does not get as much publicity as it should, then there’s never been a better time. The museum recently changed addresses and is now housed in the ‘Ehemalige Jüdische Mädchenschule’, a beautifully renovated former Jewish girls’ school in the gallery district in Mitte which is now home to art and haute cuisine. The exhibition, which is curated in collaboration with the Finnish fashion label and design house Marimekko, delivers an insight into Jackie Kennedy’s love for clear shapes and the extraordinary prints of Marimekko by presenting rare photographs and dresses worn by Jackie Kennedy.

While you’re there, why not pay the CWC gallery a visit on the floor below – they’re currently showing the latest photographic series from legendary rock and fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth. Find out more about the exhibition here.

Ehemalige Jüdische Mädchenschule Berlin
Auguststr. 11-13
Berlin-Mitte

Many of the big, international labels will be presenting their new collections to an exclusive audience inside the Fashion Week tent at Brandenburg Gate or at the various trade fairs, but there are others, particularly the young and up and coming designers who welcome anybody and everybody to visit their showroom over the next few days. My personal favourite is last year’s Designer for Tomorrow (more on the award later this week) winner Alexandra Kiesel. Her latest collection will be on display at the Konk showroom in Mitte this week.

Finally, if you’re looking for a souvenir of the Berlin Fashion Week, how’s about a signed copy of “Diana Vreeland: The Eye has to Travel”? A fantastic portrait of the former Editor-in-Chief at Vogue and all-round fashion icon. A limited number will be available to purchase online from Monoqi towards the end of fashion week.

Whatever you do and wherever you go, I hope you enjoy the Fashion Week…