The fourth Berlin Fashion X International delegation trip from Fashion Council Germany to New York City has successfully finished. Behind the nine selected (Berlin) fashion and accessory labels, a five-time program is with exciting workshops, networking events and location visits. The overarching goal of the delegation trip is the introduction to the US market, the discovery of new trends and the establishment of valuable contacts.
The nine delegation participants: inside 6ad Stitches, Esther Perbandt, Fiona Bennett, Gina Melosi, International Citizen, Laura Gerte, Studio Taskin, Unvain and William Fan received a compact but intensive insight into the US market, with a clear focus on innovation, digitization and brand strategies. The start of the program was a reception in the SAP “S.Fashion” Experience Lab, which focuses on topics such as big data and modern technologies in retail. This content was deepened during the week by visits to the Fit Dtech Lab and Meta. Data -driven solutions and digital tools were presented here – impulses that give new perspectives on shopping experiences and brand development.
A pitch event at the beginning of the week offered the participating brands a first opportunity to present their concepts in front of renowned industry expert: inside. The immediate feedback served as a valuable preparation for the other program items and meetings. On the following days, the delegation explored the New York retail scene-especially at the interface of luxury, art and media. Talks with store operators: Inside such as Essx, Komune and Café Forgot illuminated aspects of the purchase process and illustrating the increasing interest in German design labels.
In -depth information on the market entry into the USA provided discussions with the German Chamber of Commerce (GACC), as well as with industry experts: inside like Michal Kurtis (Luxury Brand Consultant), Emma Oleck (Stylist & Fashion Market Editor, The Cut & Ny Magazine) or Karo Brandi (Correspondent, Harper’s Bazaar Germany). Topics such as digital sales strategies, logistics and customer loyalty were treated in a practical way and supplemented by individual consulting sessions. A visit to the New York Embroidery Studio also provided valuable impulses for production, design development and cooperation with local manufacturing partners.
Another focus was on strategic brand communication. In cooperation with the agency Redgert Communications, the designers received practical impulses for PR, storytelling and sustainable brand structure. In addition, the exchange with Nicole Phelps (Global Director, Vogue Runway), Mark Holgate (Global Network Lead and Us Fashion Features Director, Vogue Us) or Samuel Hine (Global Fashion Correspondent, GQ) by Vogue and GQ, valuable insight. The program was rounded off by visiting the studio of the designer Kobi Halperin and Tobias Ulmer von Hyacyn, who emphasized the relevance of digital brand identity.
The trip offered the participant: inside not only access to important industry contacts, but also sustainable impulses for innovation, positioning and the international expansion of your brand. The next delegation trip will take place for the first time in Seoul in South Korea in September 2025. The application is still possible until April 17th.
Berlin Fashion X International is funded by a state program, which is financed from the ERRE funds and funds from the State of Berlin.