Top 5 Berlin Fashion Labels to Watch: Spotlight on Berlin Fashion Week Favorites
Berlin's fashion landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, with each label telling its own story through exceptional design and innovation. These five labels not only represent the spirit of Berlin but also stand as influential players on the global fashion stage.
1. Kaviar Gauche: Modern Bridal Glamour
Founded in 2004 by Alexandra Roehler and Johanna Kühl, Kaviar Gauche catapulted to fame with a guerilla fashion show outside Colette in Paris. This bold move set the stage for what would become one of Germany's most successful and internationally recognized fashion labels. Known for their sleek elegance and graceful designs, Roehler and Kühl have mastered the art of contrasts, defining 'modern glamour made in Germany.' Celebrities like Heike Makatsch and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are among their fans. Since 2009, they've been enchanting the bridal world with their KAVIAR GAUCHE Bridal Couture collection, available in their Bridal Concept Stores in Berlin, Munich, and Düsseldorf, and selected retailers globally.
2. Thatchers: Fashion with a Rebellious Spirit
Emerging from a squatted house, Ralf Hensellek, Monika Krüger, and costume designer Thomas Mrozek reshaped Berlin's fashion scene post-1989. Thatchers, ironically named after the then British Prime Minister, made waves with collections like "Beware of Killer Capitalism" and "Pure Inferno." Their journey included serving as German fashion ambassadors and constantly redefining women's fashion. Today, Thomas Mrozek continues the legacy with Thatchers basics, classics, and couture – versatile for any mood or situation, complemented by the berlinate concept.
3. Esther Perbandt: The Artist of the Black Rainbow
Esther Perbandt, a true Berlin original, sees black as a spectrum of possibilities. Her jewelry line for adidas, spotlighted by Sven Marquardt (Berlin's toughest bouncer and renowned photographer), reflects the essence of Berlin lifestyle. Perbandt's designs, deeply rooted in the city's DNA, reinterpret the queer scene's rainbow symbol through diverse materials and textures in pure black, setting trends that echo beyond Berlin.
4. Fade out: Timeless Innovation from Vintage Fabrics
Andrea Bonfini and Nicola Gomiero of Fade out Label have made a name for themselves in Paris, garnering accolades for their innovative approach to fashion. Specializing in patchwork techniques, they transform deconstructed vintage pieces into innovative unisex designs. Their unique approach to sustainable fashion, showcased in their contribution to the Victoria & Albert Museum's "Patchworking & Quilting" book, is a testament to their creativity and craftsmanship in creating timeless, eco-friendly fashion.
5. Lala Berlin: A Tapestry of Cultural Diversity
Founded in 2004 by Leyla Piedayesh, Lala Berlin has become a hallmark of high-quality, distinctive design. Born in Iran and moving to Germany after the Islamic Revolution, Piedayesh's journey has profoundly influenced Lala Berlin's aesthetic. The brand, which began with a focus on knitwear, now represents a fusion of cultures, embodying a unique style that transcends borders. Leyla's story is interwoven into every piece, making Lala Berlin not just a fashion label but a narrative of resilience, cultural richness, and impeccable design.