{"id":169215,"date":"2026-02-07T08:45:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T13:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=169215"},"modified":"2026-02-08T10:22:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T15:22:03","slug":"berlin-fashion-week-makes-the-case-for-a-fifth-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=169215","title":{"rendered":"Berlin Fashion Week Makes the Case for a Fifth Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.centerimg {padding:4em 7em;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg2 {padding:4em 4em;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg3 {padding:4em 3em;margin:20px 0;}\n.sidetxt {padding:16em 2em 16em 2em;;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg img {margin-bottom:0px;}\n.instagram-media {margin:auto !important;}\n#wp-content hr {margin: 40px auto 80px auto;width: 80%;}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>GmbH F\/W 26 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p>Berlin Fashion Week\u2019s Fall\/Winter 2026 season proved that the German capital\u2019s fashion scene is hitting a new stride, after back-to-back seasons of solid fanfare. Over a frigid, four day-weekend (with temperatures dipping well below freezing), Berlin showcased 42 runway shows \u2013 more than ever before \u2013 drawing a global crowd of spectators seeking to see how the city leads in sartorial conversations around sustainability. A dynamic mix of up-and-coming local talents and international names converged, unified by an ethos of authenticity, diversity, and green practices. From <strong>Ioannes\u2019s<\/strong> slick sophistication to <strong>Buzigahill\u2019s<\/strong> rebellious upcycling, <strong>Lou de B\u00e8toly\u2019s<\/strong> button couture to <strong>GmbH\u2019s<\/strong> politicized clubwear, the breadth of vision was remarkable and the week was a testament to the city\u2019s creative risk-taking and experimental spirit. If one theme unified the week, it was authenticity: nearly every designer seemed committed to telling their story, their way \u2013 whether through cultural narratives or subversive artistry. In doing so, they collectively cemented Berlin\u2019s reputation as a hotbed of innovation and inclusivity in fashion, and perhaps the Big Four should take note. With images by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a>, Models.com recaps the standout shows and presentations that defined the week.<\/p>\n<p><center>Written by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a> | Photos by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a> for Models.com<\/center><\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-25.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-25.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-25-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-25-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-25-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Ioannes F\/W 26  | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Ioannes<\/strong><br \/>\nIoannes, designed by Johannes Boehl-Cronau, has quickly become one of Berlin\u2019s most hyped womenswear labels, and it\u2019s easy to see why. For what may be Cronau\u2019s final traditional runway show (he has hinted at moving the brand off the seasonal calendar), Ioannes delivered a collection oozing expensive chic and sharp sensuality. The opening look set the tone: a cropped shearling bomber paired with high-waisted black flared trousers, complete with a peek of satin lining along the inner thigh. Each outfit exuded confidence: impeccably tailored two-piece suits and ruched dresses cut daringly close to the body, all styled with pointed stilettos and sleek sunglasses. The palette ranged from deep aubergine and eggplant tones to rich coffee, slate gray and inky black, adding to the Euro-jet-set mood. There was a subtle \u201990s glamour meets modern Berlin vibe, with Cronau even using pyrography (burned wood prints) to add floral motifs to bodycon slips for a tactile twist. Watching the show, one couldn\u2019t help but feel aspirational \u2013 you just want to be the woman who wears Ioannes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-27.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-27.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-27-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-27-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Ioannes-backstage-BFW-AW26-27-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Ioannes F\/W 26 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1595.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1428\" height=\"1999\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1595.jpg 1428w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1595-457x640.jpg 457w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1595-914x1280.jpg 914w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1595-1097x1536.jpg 1097w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1428px) 100vw, 1428px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>MARKE F\/W 26 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>MARKE<\/strong><br \/>\nCologne-based MARKE by Mario Keine offered a poetic counterpoint in menswear \u2013 a masterclass in romantic tailoring with an edge. Upon arrival, guests found dried roses strewn on the benches and a ceramic diffuser scented with Farina 1709 (the original Eau de Cologne) at each seat, setting an elegiac mood. This multisensory touch foreshadowed a collection that fused classic structure with dark romance. Oversized charcoal-gray trousers were tucked into boots, and traditional suits came embellished with trailing trains of fabric peeking from under sweaters. In a clever styling trick, spare jacket sleeves were repurposed as ties, adding a whimsical, deconstructed flair. One notable look \u2013 a tailored vest adorned with withered roses \u2013 nodded to Simone Rocha\u2019s signature floral touches and underscored MARKE\u2019s blend of rigidity and emotion. Titled <em>The Owl<\/em>, the Fall 26 collection was Keine\u2019s response to the anxiety of information overload, likening our era of misinformation to a neo-Rococo of decadence and distraction. In palette, MARKE stayed mostly in disciplined blacks and greys with moments of eggshell, merlot, and petrol blue. Yet amid the somber tones, the designer introduced vulnerability: black veils, resin-dipped roses, and flowing drapery brought an unexpectedly sensual softness to the menswear. As the final model exited, the entire venue felt caught in a quiet, powerful spell \u2013 one of poetic restraint. Even Mario Keine himself, seen at the exit with a relieved smile, seemed moved by the cinematic romanticism he had conjured.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1593.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1428\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1593.jpg 1428w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1593-457x640.jpg 457w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1593-914x1280.jpg 914w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1593-1097x1536.jpg 1097w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1428px) 100vw, 1428px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>MARKE F\/W 26 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look10_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look10_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look10_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look10_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look10_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Andrej Gronau F\/W 26 | Photo by Boris Marberg | Courtesy of Agn\u00e8s Kausoko PR<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Andrej Gronau<\/strong><br \/>\nWith his Fall\/Winter 2026 show titled <em>Room for Play<\/em>, Andrej Gronau delivered one of the season\u2019s most intimate and quietly subversive moments. Presented with a sense of warmth and domestic familiarity, the collection was inspired by the designer\u2019s grandmother\u2014an influence that translated into clothes that felt protective, nostalgic, and gently mischievous. Gronau, characteristically soft-spoken, came alive backstage when discussing the emotional underpinnings of the work, describing a desire to explore comfort as both refuge and provocation. The garments reflected this duality. Brocade prints on car coats and tailored jackets were lifted from interior textiles, evoking upholstery and lived-in spaces. Thick brown belts were woven directly into paperbag-waist skirts, creating silhouettes that felt cocooned and slightly childlike, reinforced by beauty looks featuring pigtails and other girlish markers. Yet the sweetness was deliberately unsettled: men wore tailored shorts with socks and hard-bottom shoes, injecting a subtly perverse edge into the otherwise tender narrative. As the show notes read, \u201cWelcome inside. Behind closed doors, taste loosens its tie.\u201d In Gronau\u2019s hands, intimacy became a site of play, where innocence, memory, and discomfort coexist in quiet tension.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look09_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look09_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look09_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look09_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Andrei_Gronau_Aw26_Look09_Press_by_Boris-Marberg_for_BFW-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Andrej Gronau F\/W 26 | Photo by Boris Marberg | Courtesy of Agn\u00e8s Kausoko PR<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_19_TomFunk-medium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1067\" height=\"1600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_19_TomFunk-medium.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_19_TomFunk-medium-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_19_TomFunk-medium-854x1280.jpg 854w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_19_TomFunk-medium-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>SF1OG F\/W 26 | Photo by Tom Funk | Courtesy of haebmau.ATELIER<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>SF1OG<\/strong><br \/>\nBerlin\u2019s own SF1OG (pronounced like \u201ces-eff-one-O-G\u201d) leveled up this season, channeling a gritty rocker chic energy far beyond the logo hoodies of last season. Designers Rosa Marga Dahl and Jacob Langemeyer used their Fall\/Winter show to explore the tension between privacy and exposure, asking pointedly: \u201cWho are we when no one is watching?\u201d Set in a stark brutalist venue, the collection unfurled with a confident sense of self. SF1OG\u2019s looks played with concealment and revelation: models strode out in high-collared coats and oversized hoods that obscured their faces, followed by slinky low-rise denim and sheer knits that felt intimate and worn-in. The designers drew inspiration from early-2000s paparazzi snaps of tabloid icons like Amy Winehouse and Lindsay Lohan, fascinated by those unguarded moments of fragility and exhaustion. This translated into garments that were distressed, textured, and layered \u2013 antique linens and velvet appeared frayed and rubbed, as if imbued with the memory of repeated wear. Signature SF1OG pieces made a return, like the sculpted bar jacket with a flared peplum, now paired with chunky hand-knit scarves for a grunge-meets-couture vibe. Notably, SF1OG doubled down on its upcycling ethos: leather and shearling were recycled, and even footwear got an update through the brand\u2019s ongoing partnership with <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/converse\">Converse<\/a> (this season debuting a new take on the Chuck Taylor sneaker boot.) By honing their vision \u2013 part indie sleaze, part post-punk Victoriana \u2013 SF1OG proved why they\u2019re among the most compelling emerging labels in Germany.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_15_TomFunk-medium.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1067\" height=\"1600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_15_TomFunk-medium.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_15_TomFunk-medium-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_15_TomFunk-medium-854x1280.jpg 854w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/SF1OG_FW26_Look_15_TomFunk-medium-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>SF1OG F\/W 26 | Photo by Tom Funk | Courtesy of haebmau.ATELIER<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-20.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-20.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-20-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-20-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-20-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Orange Culture F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/orange-culture\">Orange Culture<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nBringing a burst of color (and sunshine) to grey Berlin, Orange Culture by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/adebayo-oke-lawal\">Adebayo Oke-Lawal<\/a> transported us to Lagos for Fall\/Winter 26. His collection, \u201cBackyards of Memory,\u201d was a joyful exploration of heritage and hue, a deliberate antidote to Berlin\u2019s dark winter palette. Last season in Nigeria, Oke-Lawal had paid tribute to his late mother with an all-white collection; this time, he celebrated life and nostalgia through vibrant color and craft. The clothes drew directly from the designer\u2019s childhood memories of his Nigerian backyard \u2013 a place of warm sunlight, hanging laundry, and children\u2019s laughter. This translated into garments that felt wrapped in love: think grand, sweeping trenches in rich reptilian greens, sunlit oranges and cobalt blues, alongside softer earth-toned knitwear. True to Orange Culture\u2019s gender-fluid ethos, silhouettes were a mix of sculptural tailoring and flowing ease. We saw hand-dyed fabrics set with ombr\u00e9 sunset tones, fringed shawl-collar coats, macram\u00e9 and crochet details on tops, and trousers pleated as meticulously as origami. Texture was everywhere \u2013 chunky sweaters with fringe, touchable velvets and silks \u2013 giving the sense of garments made to be lived in. Oke-Lawal also wove collaboration into this collection, working with fellow African artisans like Sisiano Paolo, Omonigho and Gdwn macrame, Kisara Handbags, Monimorgan and Kkerele shoes, InJewels fine jewelry and more. The result was sculptural handbags, artful prints, and handcrafted footwear and jewelry embellishing looks styled by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/ola-ebiti\">Ola Ebiti<\/a>. The final rollout was personal yet universal, with each look that spoke to anyone yearning for comfort and color. In a city dominated by black coats, Orange Culture\u2019s joyful show reaffirmed that African designers are not just participating in the conversation, but leading it with confidence and soul.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-16.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Orange-Culture-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Orange Culture F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-8.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-8-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-8-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Kasia Kucharska F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Kasia Kucharska<\/strong><br \/>\nAnother highlight of the week was Kasia Kucharska, a Polish-born designer based in Berlin, who presented a deeply personal womenswear collection that many insiders were raving about. (It was one of the few shows I missed in person \u2013 and I truly regret it. It haunts me even.) Styled by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/georgia-pendlebury\">Georgia Pendlebury<\/a>, Kucharska\u2019s Fall 26 collection explored the extremes of femininity \u2013 vulnerability and strength, innocence and defiance \u2013 through an innovative use of materials. Central to her vision was a unique technique: liquid latex used as a printing medium, grown layer by layer into garments instead of traditional fabric panels. This yielded pieces with incredible texture and form: latex \u201clace\u201d dresses that fit like second skin, sculptural coats that appeared molded rather than sewn, and glossy black latex bodices juxtaposed with soft plush pink accents. Kucharska\u2019s theme drew on the emotional labor of womanhood \u2013 in fact, she symbolically referenced motherhood and girlhood throughout. There were whimsical touches like furry cartoon-animal motifs (a nod to familiar childhood characters) giving a twisted sense of play. At the same time, sharp tailoring and modular construction (shirts reworked into quick-change garments, ties replacing buttons) conveyed the relentless pace of a modern woman\u2019s life. The harsh contrasts in the collection \u2013 black latex vs. soft pastel plush, rigid pinstripe wool vs. flowing silk \u2013 mirrored an internal turmoil of \u201cjoy and rage\u201d coexisting. By the finale, it was clear why this show caused buzz: Kucharska managed to turn deeply private experiences into avant-garde fashion, framing female vulnerability as a form of resilience. It\u2019s safe to say I won\u2019t be missing her show next season.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kasia-Kucharska-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Kasia Kucharska F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look025_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look025_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look025_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look025_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look025_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>PLNGNS F\/W 2026 | Photo by James Cochrane | Courtesy of The Lobby PR<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>PLNGNS<\/strong><br \/>\nUkrainian label PLNGNS (short for \u201cPalingenesis\u201d) made waves with a truly cutting-edge upcycling showcase. A winner of the Berlin Contemporary program, PLNGNS has a niche specialty of transforming old sneakers into unique high-fashion streetwear, and their Fall\/Winter \u201cError As Asset\u201d collection drove that concept home. The brand\u2019s design team, led by Mitya Hontarenko, takes discarded sneakers, deconstructs them, and rebuilds the components into garments in astonishing ways. This season featured about 30 looks split into two thoughts: an \u201cICONIC\u201d line of one-of-a-kind pieces made entirely from shredded and reassembled sneakers, and a more commercially adaptable \u201cSIGNATURE\u201d line blending sneaker fragments with stock fabrics. One sculptural coat, for instance, was patchworked from dozens of sneaker uppers, with recognizable rubber soles forming a trim along the hem: a literal shoe coat. The palette was mostly monochromatic black, grey, and white, which put the spotlight on texture and form. Many silhouettes had a utilitarian, futuristic flair like structured bomber jackets with chunky sneaker-tread panels, cargo vests assembled from Nike, ASICS, and Adidas scraps, and voluminous unisex trousers where a patch of mesh from running shoes might be stitched alongside leather from old basketball high-tops. PLNGNS\u2019s commitment to zero-waste, closed-loop production shone through \u2013 every component was recycled, and each garment told a story of transformation. By turning manufacturing \u201cerrors\u201d and waste into design assets, PLNGNS cemented itself as a frontrunner in sustainable fashion innovation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look024_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look024_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look024_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look024_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/PLNGNS_AW26_Look024_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>PLNGNS F\/W 2026 | Photo by James Cochrane | Courtesy of The Lobby PR<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-12.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-12-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-12-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Sia Arnika F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/various-shows-sia-arnika-aw26\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sia Arnika<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nDanish-born, Berlin-based <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/sia-arnika\">Sia Arnika<\/a> delivered one of the week\u2019s most conceptually intriguing presentations with her F\/W 26 collection, aptly named \u201cOVERTIME.\u201d True to the title, Arnika\u2019s show was a theatrical journey from office drudgery to after-hours freedom. Staged on the sixth floor of a mundane office building, the experience began amid unflattering fluorescent lights, stark carpeted runway, and working Xerox machines that continuously spat out blank pages \u2013 a symbol of the soul-numbing repetition of 9-to-5 life. As a throbbing beat kicked in, the mood shifted: one by one, models \u201cworker\u201d outfits morphed into party-ready looks. A blazer came off to reveal a mesh club top; a pinstripe pencil skirt shed panels to become a flowing silk slip; a Swarovski full-length opium-core look closed the parade. Sculptural tailoring met soft jersey and transparent mesh as the show progressed, illustrating a literal and figurative unbuttoning. The palette moved from drab, earthy \u201coffice\u201d tones to more vibrant night-life hues as the transformation climaxed. Throughout, Arnika maintained a sustainable approach using deadstock materials and eco-friendly Tencel alongside upcycled elements, ensuring the experimentation was conscious as well as creative. Notably, she even partnered with Kylie Cosmetics for the beauty looks, using her former KHY collaborator as a dash of pop culture glam to the mix. In the end, \u201cOVERTIME\u201d felt like a celebration of breaking free: clothing as a means of sexual liberation rather than mere function. Sia Arnika solidified her voice as a designer who can turn the banalities of modern life into something weird, subversive, and undeniably, throbbingly alive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-4.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-4-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-4-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Sia-Arnika-backstage-BFW-AW26-4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Sia Arnika F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou-de-Betoly_AW26_Look034_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou-de-Betoly_AW26_Look034_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou-de-Betoly_AW26_Look034_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou-de-Betoly_AW26_Look034_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou-de-Betoly_AW26_Look034_by_James-Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Lou de B\u00e8toly F\/W 2026 | Courtesy of Berlin Fashion Week<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Lou de B\u00e8toly<\/strong><br \/>\nLou de B\u00e8toly, the alter ego of French designer Od\u00e9ly Teboul, delivered what was perhaps the season\u2019s biggest surprise and delight. Already beloved by pop icons like Dua Lipa, Rosal\u00eda, and Beyonc\u00e9 for her one-of-a-kind creations, Lou de B\u00e8toly returned to Berlin Fashion Week with an upcycled fantasia of a collection. Hosted in the historic Rathaus Sch\u00f6neberg (the very town hall where JFK once proclaimed \u201cIch bin ein Berliner\u201d), the show cleverly juxtaposed Old World grandeur with Lou de B\u00e8toly\u2019s edgy DIY couture. The collection was built on reclaiming lingerie and vintage trash into treasure. In partnership with Dutch lingerie brand Hunkem\u00f6ller, Teboul took deadstock corsets, bra tops, and hosiery, including pieces from Hunkem\u00f6ller\u2019s 140th anniversary line, and transformed them into avant-garde party wear. From a distance, the color palette seemed muted with a base of black, ivory, rose-beige, and chocolate brown, but up close, each garment was a marvel of detail. One look featured panels of antique lace and satin underwear cleverly patchworked into a sleek cocktail frock. Another ensemble layered vintage leather scraps into a sharp tailored two piece, yet somehow it all felt light and modern. Lou de B\u00e8toly\u2019s signature dense handcraft was everywhere: crocheted button panels, intricate beadwork, and delicately tattered tulle gave the clothes an almost mythical texture. The absolute show-stopper was a look consisting of a bralette and skirt crocheted entirely out of 7,727 collected gold buttons sourced from Berlin-based Hatay Juwelier, which jingled softly as the model moved. (Teboul had apparently been saving those buttons since childhood. I mean talk about commitment!) With creative direction and styling by Tim Heyduck, the presentation maintained a perfect balance of nostalgia and punk futurism, bringing the past into thrilling dialogue with the present. Lou de B\u00e8toly proved that sustainability can be seductive: this was lingerie-couture alchemy at its finest, and unquestionably one of the week\u2019s most inspiring moments.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou_de_Betoly_AW26_Look002_by_James_Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou_de_Betoly_AW26_Look002_by_James_Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou_de_Betoly_AW26_Look002_by_James_Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou_de_Betoly_AW26_Look002_by_James_Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Lou_de_Betoly_AW26_Look002_by_James_Cochrane_for_BFW_PRESS-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Lou de B\u00e8toly F\/W 2026 | Courtesy of Berlin Fashion Week<\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-3.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Buzigahill F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Buzigahill<\/strong><br \/>\nIn a fashion week filled with statements, Buzigahill stood out as a brand on a mission. Ugandan designer Bobby Kolade has created something truly unique with Buzigahill, the first Ugandan label to merge cutting-edge fashion, art, and political activism on the global stage. His Fall\/Winter 2026 collection, \u201cReturn to Sender 12,\u201d was not just clothing but a defiant act of commentary. The premise: take the West\u2019s cast-off secondhand clothes which flood African markets and send them right back \u2013 transformed into provocative new garments that challenge the status quo. Presented as part of the INTERVENTION showcase, Buzigahill\u2019s show opened with a model wearing a reconstructed trench coat emblazoned with the hand-painted question, <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/various-shows-buzigahill-fw-26-show-berlin\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cWho Is to Blame?\u201d<\/a> \u2013 immediately setting a confrontational tone. Kolade drew inspiration from a nostalgic vision of 1960s\u201370s post-independence East Africa, when there was optimism, local textile production thrived, and personal style was bold and proud. He juxtaposed that era\u2019s vibe with today\u2019s reality: shipping containers of used clothes arriving from the Global North into East Africa. On the runway, this narrative came alive through garments that literally combined past and present. One look paired a vintage Ugandan-made wide-collar shirt (evoking Kolade\u2019s grandparents\u2019 time) with a jacket constructed from patchworked secondhand T-shirts and motorcycle jackets sourced from Kampala markets. Another model wore a dramatic cloak pieced together from random donated garments \u2013 you could spot fragments of Western logos and fabrics, but Kolade remixed them into an entirely new design, as if \u201ccolonizing\u201d the colonizers\u2019 cast-offs. Throughout, tailoring was intentionally a bit raw: hems left fraying, layers misaligned, prints clashing \u2013 a visual critique of the chaos that secondhand influx creates. Yet the styling by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/peninah-amanda\">Peninah Amanda<\/a> was superb, often accessorizing looks with bold Ugandan cultural touches that asserted ownership over the narrative. The collection\u2019s message of reclamation was crystal clear: Buzigahill is sending these clothes back to where they came from, now imbued with Ugandan identity and protest. As Kolade has explained, even exporting these upcycled pieces poses challenges due to outdated trade codes, but that hasn\u2019t stopped him.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-5.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Buzigahill-backstage-BFW-AW26-5-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Buzigahill F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-3.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Kenneth Ize F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jeremy.moeller\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremy Moeller<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/kenneth-ize\">Kenneth Ize<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nOne of the most anticipated international additions to Berlin\u2019s lineup was <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/kenneth-ize\">Kenneth Ize<\/a>, the Nigerian designer known for his exuberant Aso Oke weaves. Showing as part of the Reference Studios-curated INTERVENTION program, Ize did not disappoint: his Fall\/Winter 2026 collection, titled <em>JOY<\/em>, was a vibrant ode to resilience and community. Staged in the cavernous Kraftwerk hall, the presentation took on a performance-art quality as models stepped onto a raised platform one by one, where photographer James Tennessee Briandt (dressed in the collection) snapped their portraits live as the audience circled around. It was a fitting setup for a collection that turned introspection into spectacle. Ize conceived \u201cJOY\u201d during a period of collective fragmentation and exhaustion, pondering how to find light amid darkness. Rather than offer simple answers, he approached joy as a layered, complex emotion, something that starts internally and then manifests outwardly through dress. As always, Aso Oke \u2013 the traditional hand-woven cloth from Yorubaland \u2013 was central, appearing in gorgeous strips patched into trench coats, flowing jumpsuits, and wrap skirts. But Ize expanded his textile repertoire too, using lush velvets, sturdy cotton twills, indigo-dyed denim, and cozy wool plaids that were spliced together. The silhouettes riffed on classic tailoring but with deconstruction: a trench coat had slashed sleeves and panels of weave peeking through; a pinstripe blazer was artfully draped like a cape; trousers were tailored with one leg in denim and one in woven cloth. In a beautiful embodiment of collective creation, Ize collaborated with a wide circle of friends and family on this collection from New York milliner <a href=\"https:\/\/esenshel.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOooi6fZ37Wq6HGBu9bLjCWM4TuXLvEsrRbuBg3zrwcAqTEGEBtaz\">Esenshel<\/a> (who contributed bold, sculptural hats) to stylist <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/KK-Obi\">KK Obi<\/a> and casting director <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/affa-osman\">Affa Osman<\/a>. The palette was bright and uplifting with sunset orange, emerald, royal blue, and pops of canary yellow, grounded by black and sand tones, underscoring the joyful optimism set amongst the concrete cavern. As the final lineup of models stood at the platform\u2019s edge, facing the crowd in united solidarity, there was a tangible energy in the air; a sense of communal joy that transcended the clothes all the way backstage as crowds gather around to hear more on Ize&#8217;s perspective. Kenneth Ize\u2019s return to the runway was not just a fashion show, but a heartfelt celebration of finding hope and beauty in togetherness.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-9.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-9-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-9-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Kenneth-Ize-backstage-BFW-AW26-9-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Kenneth Ize F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jeremy.moeller\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremy Moeller<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-23.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-23.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-23-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-23-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-23-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Laura Gerte F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Laura Gerte<\/strong><br \/>\nBerlin-based Laura Gerte used her Fall\/Winter 2026 collection to send a bold message that so-called \u201cvillainous\u201d woman will no longer be contained. Titled <em>Deviant Defiant<\/em>, Gerte\u2019s collection was an ode to female agency and rebellion, reimagining the archetype of the female villain as a hero of her own story. A rising star known for fusing sustainability with strong concepts, Gerte this season sculpted radically new silhouettes from old materials. She worked almost entirely with reclaimed garments, deadstock fabrics, and recycled textiles, transforming these remnants of the past into fashion futures. The result was a fierce yet poetic lineup that mixed raw femininity with a futuristic punk edge. Models resembled modern warrior sirens: one wore a long gown made from draped vintage satin and jagged panels of black leather; another strode out in a slim, elongated suit in sculpted wool that had dramatic, pointy \u201cwings\u201d at the hips. Gerte played with contrasts \u2013 fragility and strength \u2013 at every turn. Diaphanous mesh and lace were inset into structured coats; tight corset-like tops were paired with flowing asymmetrical skirts. The color story was appropriately dark and moody: predominantly black, deep burgundy, and midnight blue, with glints of silver and poison-green. Texture was key: we saw rich velvet panels, glossy patent strips, and shredded tulle detailing that all added depth to the monochrome hues. A major highlight was Gerte\u2019s collaboration with Dr. Martens \u2013 she literally upcycled iconic Dr. Martens boots into garments and accessories. For example, one model wore a bustier crafted from sliced-and-reconstructed Doc Martens leather uppers, complete with the yellow stitching, while another carried a mini shoulder bag that had once been the shaft of a boot (complete with lace grommets). This inventive partnership not only underscored Gerte\u2019s sustainable cred but also served the collection\u2019s theme: repurposing a symbol of subculture rebellion into high fashion. The show\u2019s ambiance \u2013 set in a cavernous, dimly lit reclaimed department store \u2013 amplified the drama, as did a haunting spoken-word monologue that opened the show, touching on \u201cwhen fear and arousal become one,\u201d reflecting the collection\u2019s erotic undercurrents. In the end, Laura Gerte succeeded in creating clothing that is provocative yet empowering, serious yet full of life. She\u2019s reframed the \u201cvillain\u201d not as someone to be defeated, but as a symbol of uncompromising autonomy. It\u2019s no wonder many are calling Gerte a designer to watch \u2013 she\u2019s fearlessly pushing fashion into bold new territory, one audacious silhouette at a time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1334\" height=\"2001\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-16.jpg 1334w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-427x640.jpg 427w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-853x1280.jpg 853w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/Laura-Gerte-backstage-BFW-AW26-16-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1334px) 100vw, 1334px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Laura Gerte F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-30.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-30.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-30-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-30-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-30-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>GmbH F\/W 2026 | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>GmbH<\/strong><br \/>\nClosing out the week with a bang, Berlin\u2019s own <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/ghembehha-gmbh\">GmbH<\/a> returned to its hometown runways and delivered a tour-de-force that merged club culture and political commentary. Designers <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/serhat-isik\">Serhat Isik<\/a> and <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/benjamin-alexander-huseby\">Benjamin Huseby<\/a> titled their Fall\/Winter 2026 collection <em>Doppelg\u00e4nger<\/em>, and used it to hold up a mirror to a world of distorted realities. GmbH has always been vocal about social issues, and this season their focus was on the unsettling concept of <em>\u201cFriedensangst\u201d<\/em>, German for \u201cfear of peace,\u201d referencing those who profit from war and thus fear its end. The collection channeled that tension through an \u201980s Berlin lens, drawing inspiration from the city\u2019s early-80s experimental music and underground scenes. On the runway that translated to looks balancing hard and soft, past and future. Silhouettes took a cue from power dressing of the 1980s: broad, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waists, and pleated high-rise trousers that gave a nod to both new-wave club kids and old-school tailoring lines. Styled by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/Ellie-Grace-Cumming\">Ellie Grace Cumming<\/a>, the key GmbH signature pieces were all there: glossy over-the-knee patent boots, tough leather pants bristling with zipper details, faux fur bomber jackets with oversized Edwardian collars. Yet there was a twist of tenderness too \u2014 flowy long-sleeve tunic tops layered under structured vests, extra-long scarves in delicate knits wrapped around necks, and a striking <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/gmbh-gmbh-fw-26-show\/2719459\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">black-and-white floral print<\/a> that interrupted the mostly neutral palette. The materials were chosen for tactility: some fabrics that looked like hard vinyl were actually soft to the touch, and vice versa, playing into the doppelg\u00e4nger theme of deceptive appearances. The designers\u2019 message came through not just in the clothes but in the casting led again by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/affa-osman\">Affa Osman<\/a> as models of diverse backgrounds and body types walked. As freezing rain fell outside, GmbH proved that fashion in Berlin can be beautiful, provocative, and socially engaged all at once. It was a triumphant homecoming on the eve of the brand\u2019s 10-year anniversary, reminding everyone why GmbH remains one of Berlin\u2019s most relevant voices.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-17.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-17-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-17-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/GmbH-backstage-BFW-AW26-17-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>GmbH F\/W 2026  | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tonya-matyu\">Tonya Matyu<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Der Berliner Salon<\/strong><br \/>\nLast but not least, the Fall \u201926 edition of Der Berliner Salon offered a refreshing palate cleanser and a compelling glimpse into the future of German design. More exhibition than traditional runway show, the Salon\u2014curated with the discerning stylistic eye of former Vogue Germany editor <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/Christiane-Arp\">Christiane Arp<\/a> \u2014 took over the stately halls of the Gem\u00e4ldegalerie. Against a backdrop of Old Master paintings, 45 emerging and established designers from across Germany presented their work in a collective showcase that underscored fashion\u2019s place within a broader cultural dialogue.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1966.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1966-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1966-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1966-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Lennart Bohle | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p>Each designer\u2019s practice was thoughtfully staged with historic artworks emphasizing fashion&#8217;s role as cultural expression as much as commerce. The roster reflected the breadth of Germany\u2019s next generation: <strong>Lennart Bohle\u2019s<\/strong> sculptural, tailoring-driven silhouettes informed by digital experimentation; <strong>Clara Rathke\u2019s<\/strong> material narratives exploring transformation through contrast and construction; <strong>Haus Linsenhoff\u2019s<\/strong> couture-led work rooted in activism and women\u2019s rights; <strong>Lena Vuotta\u2019s<\/strong> textile-driven universe built on knitting, embroidery, and handcraft; <strong>Jon Liesenfeld\u2019s<\/strong> intricate surface work and technical leather explorations; <strong>Helen Eisen\u2019s<\/strong> slow-fashion, handmade approach; and <strong>Lion Busch\u2019s<\/strong> research-led use of Shibori dyeing and sustainable textile innovation. Together, they formed a layered portrait of a design culture deeply invested in process, craft, and meaning.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1897.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1897.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1897-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1897-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1897-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Haus Linsenhoff | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p>Moving through the Salon, one might encounter a rigorously constructed garment positioned beside a Caravaggio painting\u2014moments that sharpened the dialogue between past and present. In doing so, Der Berliner Salon not only highlighted the diversity and creative strength of Germany\u2019s fashion landscape, but also reinforced Berlin\u2019s role as a crucial incubator for emerging talent. By situating new design voices within an art-historical context, the Salon reaffirmed fashion\u2019s legitimacy as a cultural asset, exactly as Arp and co-organizer Marcus Kurz intended. As a closing chapter to Berlin Fashion Week, Der Berliner Salon felt both considered and optimistic\u2014a clear testament to Germany\u2019s commitment to nurturing the next era of design innovation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1955.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1955.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1955-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1955-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2026\/02\/IMG_1955-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>Lion Busch | Photo by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><\/small>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GmbH F\/W 26 | Photo by Tonya Matyu Berlin Fashion Week\u2019s Fall\/Winter 2026 season proved that the German capital\u2019s fashion scene is hitting a new stride, after back-to-back seasons of solid fanfare. Over a frigid, four day-weekend (with temperatures dipping well below freezing), Berlin showcased 42 runway shows \u2013 more than ever before \u2013 drawing&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":444,"featured_media":169329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10527,10414,2,13943],"tags":[14605,14203,3671,15189,8986,11419,12018,13647,14287,10448,12758,12015,11590,14937,15192,14938,15188,14941],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169215"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/444"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=169215"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":169334,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169215\/revisions\/169334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/169329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=169215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=169215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=169215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}