The latest styles at Berlin Fashion Week
From high-tech to ethno-cool, here's what's passing down the catwalk at Berlin Fashion Week. Black and white, it seems, are the new color.
Culture clash
Sadak designer Sasa Kovacevic may have earned his stripes in Berlin, but his work very much references his homeland, and the cultural crossroads that are the Balkans. The Belgrade designer fused oriental and occidental themes at his Berlin Fashion Week show, utilizing stark monochromes across his unique collection.
Seeing is believing
Inspired by her time in India, Austrian designer Rebekka Ruétz is renowned for her extravagant creations and unorthodox use of materials. And she didn't disappoint in Berlin, fusing vibrant colors with edgy motifs - uniting the classic with the exotic.
Sneak peak
Some of the world's most exciting new designers are exhibiting at Berlin Fashion Week, revealing their creations for spring/summer 2016. Amongst them was Russian-born Munich designer Irene Luft, whose classic and elegant creations were a welcome contrast to some of the more edgy collections, with her trademark feminine flair and romantic themes.
Fame and fashion
What's a catwalk show without celebrity? While Berlin Fashion Week presents itself more as a cutting-edge, contemporary fashion convention, rather than a celeb-fest, it's not without its famous faces. Here the cameras pounce on German TV presenter, film actress and reality TV star Jenny Elvers - before designer Guido Maria Kretschmer's catwalk presentation.
Color was so yesterday
Berlin Fashion Week was kicked off by menswear label Sopopular, which drew inspiration for its new collection from Japanese culture, including flowing fabrics, kimono-style tops and skin-tight trousers. Military green, grey and black were the hues of choice. And sleeve holders are back in a big way - but no longer hidden beneath a jacket.
Asian flair
The Pearly Wong label is all about reduction. The Asian influence is unmistakable, and it's little wonder since - while educated in New York - designer Pearly Wong is originally from Malaysia. While experimenting with materials, the range was all about straight cuts and two colors: black and white.
Light and airy
While the Berlin fashion label Vector was only founded two years ago, it brought some classic vibes to the catwalk: blue, black, white and mellow pastels. The shirts are wide, breezy and - above all - transparent. Perfect for a sizzling summer.
Retro chic
Countering the festival's monochrome trend, Austrian designer Lena Hoschek presented a collection bursting with color and playful themes. With dreamy floral patterns on retro straw hats and casual designs, the label harks back to the charm of the 1950s.
Scant supermodels
Although Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes may be the face of Fashion Week, the atmosphere is much more terrestrial - with fashion bloggers posing for the flashing cameras amongst actors and TV-presenters. Amongst the blogging brigade were Katharina Bansemer and Constance Louisa Simon, who pen for "The Fancy Lifestyle" blog. They both appeared in trendy white.
Kretschmer instead of Karl
Fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld was of course not in Berlin - having presented his latest collection in Paris. Haute couture may not be so much Berlin's thing, but fashion designer Guido Maria Kretschmer was on hand to bring some sophisticated stylings to the German capital…dressed in black, of course. What else?
Pint-sized fashion
Once its own stand-alone event, Bread & Butter unfortunately slipped into bankruptcy but has since been revived as a part of the Berlin Fashion Week. The trade fair takes place at the former Tempelhof Airport, and features the Cookies Show - an exclusive fashion exhibition for children. What'll be hip amongst the little people in summer 2016? Most certainly these sparkly shoes from Naturino.
See and be seen
Hip or hit and miss? That of course is subjective. But these bright gold tiger glasses from the young German label Nunettes - on show at Bread & Butter - most certainly will turn more than a few heads.
Fashion meets technology
Wearables continue to be a growing fashion sector, including bracelets that count steps and measure your pulse and caps with integrated headphones. It is a new and ever-evolving market which continues to throw out fascinating concepts - including designer Lisa Lang's "ElektroCouture" designs, which incorporate LEDs into vivid clothing.
Men, ankles are okay
Fashion designer Michael Michalsky will be in full force for StyleNite at the conclusion of Fashion Week. Under the motto "Fashion is dead - Meet the future" he will present his first-ever couture collection. The big question: Will his models be wearing socks? If the red carpet is anything to go on, men's "ankle cleavage" is back in a big way!