This year, Berlin Fashion Week once again offered a broad program at various locations and drew the attention of fashion enthusiasts to Germany’s capital. Here, history mixes with a comprehensive multicultural scene of creative minds who, through openness and inclusion, prove that Berlin no longer appears dusty. During the FW24 season, the guests at the fashion events also showed that anything is possible in this city with dark denim looks, ostentatious leather variations and a lot of transparency.
Cruella character
Street styles have already proven that fur vests and fur coats are very popular this season Milan, Paris and Copenhagen. In Berlin, visitors to the catwalk shows grabbed the fluffy-looking pieces in contrasting black and white colors, arousing strong associations with the fictional Disney villain and fur enthusiast Cruella de Vil. Dalmatians beware – the lush coats attracted a lot of attention.
In order to show off the extravagant outerwear, the clothing worn underneath was given a reserved role. Black, straight-cut leather pants and dark shoes gave the furry protagonist more freedom. As accessories, bold color accents were used with mini bags, including Barbie pink, or the black and white theme was continued with cream-colored handle or crossbody bags. To intensify the shaggy look, fur hats in the trendy burgundy tone were combined and the eye make-up was coordinated accordingly.
Lust for leather
As a popular material, leather has become an integral part of the catwalks and is deeply anchored in pop culture of the last 60 years, whether the full-body outfits of the ‘King of Rock’ Elvis Presley, or the 2000s looks of the American actresses Reese Witherspoon and Winona Ryder. The robust material is a popular fashion statement, especially in Berlin with its omnipresent creative and cultural scene.
Leather was represented in different variations and for various wearing purposes: It was worn as a beret in combination with a leather bustier, and a heavy wool blazer rounded off the outfit. It was used with fringes on a biker jacket, and a sweeping oversize coat served as an it-piece. She wore a suede short-sleeved shirt and sweatpants set with platform ankle boots and sunglasses. Synthetic variants have been increasingly used, offering a deceptively real alternative to smooth and suede leather. Vintage models also conserve resources and impress with a casual used look.
Team Orange
The strongly represented range of orange tones is probably less of a homage to Germany’s neighboring country, the Netherlands, and their royal family and football team. This is rather a harbinger of the Pantone’s ‘Color of the Year 2024’ award-winning ‘Peach Fuzz’. Rich variants, which provide contrasts among the street styles in wintery gray Berlin, paved the way for the velvety peach tone into the summer season.
Guests at fashion shows and events in large numbers chose coats in the signal color, which they paired with items of clothing that were completely black. Gold-tone link chains, black bags and caps completed the outfits. The US sportswear retailer Nike provided a splash of orange color on the feet with its ‘Shox R4’ mules, which were created in collaboration with the British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose. Pants made of dark denim were chosen. Using a plush piece, the tone was also used as a shoulder bag that was worn with a teddy jacket.
Dark denim
An affinity among fashion enthusiasts for darker looks was also clearly noticeable at this edition of Berlin Fashion Week – no question that denim fabrics in dark blue to almost black washes were also chosen. With a lighter chain in beige or white, the characteristic decorative seams of the jeans pieces still caught the eye.
However, the color combinations remained classic. The tried-and-true white tank top offered a popular complement to denim pants. A dark blazer was combined with a red scarf and cord belt, and a cropped denim jacket was paired with beige trousers and snakeskin boots in a cognac tone. A political statement was made with a red keffiyeh, the Palestinian scarf, worn over a blue layered look consisting of a denim jacket, skirt and trousers.
(Informal
A lack of time can be an advantage for fashionable looks. Some visitors looked as if they had rushed to the events straight from the office or school and had given their outfit that certain something with just a few touches.
The white office blouse was unbuttoned and tied casually over the stomach. A leopard-print fur coat over black suit trousers, a light blue shirt and a striped tie seemed to be a bridge between the American series classics ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Office’ to beat. Cropped chinos in red pinstripes and oversized shoppers gave the wearers of what was supposed to be a school uniform individuality. Deconstructed poplin office shirts took on new meaning as a cover-up and were paired with a black tie and sailor cap.
Nocturnal revelations
Berghain sends its regards: The club culture, which is deeply rooted in Berlin, has a significant influence on the city’s fashion style. Dancing through the night requires airy outfits that allow the skin to breathe. Mesh, lace and net fabrics, which also reveal the skin hidden underneath, are popular party companions.
The Berliners opted for looks with which they could head to the next disco after visiting a catwalk presentation. A long, transparent lace dress was combined with sheer black panties, over which a wool coat protected from the cold. A mesh top that revealed many a tattoo was worn with red leather pants with flame details. With this trend, wearing a bra didn’t seem obligatory despite the transparency.