Berlin Fashion Week FW25: A Recap

From Friday, January 31st, to Monday, February 3rd, Berlin became the epicenter of German fashion culture, gathering designers, creatives, and industry insiders to witness what’s next for the FW25 season. Unlike the more commercial focus of Paris or Milan, Berlin Fashion Week thrives on artistic experimentation, underground energy, and an avant-garde spirit that refuses to conform. This season was no exception. Between bold performances, theatrical silhouettes, and surprising historical references, the city proved once again why it remains the European capital of unconventional fashion. Here’s a breakdown of the standout shows that defined the week.


Be a Punk Star and Make It Shiny – Danny Reinke is Here to Show You How

Danny Reinke brought punk couture to the runway, proving that rebellion can be glamorous. The German designer, who won the 2014 European Fashion Award – FASH, drew inspiration from Heinrich Hoffmann's "Struwwelpeter" and the Doomsday Clock, exploring themes of self-destruction and urgency in his FW25 collection, "90 Seconds to Midnight." As models stormed down the runway in dazzling sequins and deep, moody hues—black, brown, navy, and burgundy—it was clear that Reinke wasn’t interested in following the usual Berlin grunge aesthetic. Instead, his work felt like a manifesto for a new kind of punk: one that’s both raw and meticulously crafted. The collection mixed checkered patterns with heavy textures, draping garments in a way that made them look both effortless and extravagant. Models stomped the runway with disheveled hair, as if they had just walked off stage from a chaotic, sold-out concert. Reinke reminded us that punk isn’t just about ripped jeans and leather—it can be decadent, dazzling, and absolutely runway-worthy.

 

Marcel Ostertag Teaches Us About the German Market

A Central Saint Martins graduate, Marcel Ostertag has been a staple in Berlin’s fashion scene since founding his brand in 2006. Loud, playful, and undeniably glamorous—FW25 "Insomnia" show was a striking departure from minimalism, embracing a loud and playful aesthetic. Think ‘70s disco fever with a modern twist: faux furs, sequins, bows, and cascading ruffles. Green and orange dominated the palette, reinforcing that bold dressing is alive and well in Germany. The collection fully and ethically produced in Germany felt like a love letter to Ostertag’s audience—a reflection of how Germans love to dress up, have fun, and embrace statement pieces. Because at the end of the day, what’s the point of creating fashion if you don’t have a confident clientele ready to wear it?


Sveasøn’s Performance Confirms That Fashion, Dance, and Art Are the Perfect Match

Sveasøn is one of the freshest names on the Berlin scene, founded by Svea Beckedorf and Shirin Benkus, both of whom are dedicated to redefining sustainability in fashion. The Hamburg-based brand, known for using deadstock materials and local resources, made a striking debut with its collection “MØLYBDØMANCY.” But the show was more than just a fashion presentation—it was a full-scale performance piece proving that fashion is at its best when intertwined with dance and art. Set in the striking KINDL gallery, the show pulsated with energy, drawing out an enthusiastic response from the audience. A standing ovation and prolonged applause sealed the moment, confirming the demand for more boundary-pushing presentations like this in Berlin. Choreographed by Tabea Jung with dancers from Folkwang University, the models transformed into sculptural figures, showcasing size-adjustable garments that blurred the lines between fashion and wearable art. The collection featured mesh, padded jackets, and reflective materials, creating a futuristic yet functional aesthetic. The scenography, designed by Hanna Lenz, reinforced Sveasøn’s expressive, transformative vision—raising the bar for what a fashion show can be.

 

If You Still Don’t Believe That Berlin Is the Capital of European Avant-Garde, Maria Chany Is Proof

Maria Chany brought us a vision of the future—one made of reclaimed rubber, bio-materials derived from nuts, and even tire tubes. The Serbian designer, known for her strong, statement-making pieces, presented her FW25 collection, "Elysium," at the “Berlin Recycling” facility, an industrial space that perfectly matched her ethos of sustainability. The name “Elysium", rooted in Greek mythology, symbolizes happiness and transformation, but Chany’s take was anything but soft. Every look played with proportion and form, creating an aesthetic that was both futuristic and deeply rooted in avant-garde principles. Structured silhouettes, industrial textures, and the interplay of blacks and neon accents defined the collection, pushing the boundaries of raw fashion while staying rooted in environmental consciousness.

 

Marke Brings Rococo Into 2025—And It Works

Marke’s show transported us into a dreamscape of sophisticated elegance. With delicate Rococo-inspired details—white stockings, shoe spats, buttoned coats, and shimmering accents—the collection redefined what quiet luxury should look like in 2025. Mario Keine, the Cologne-based designer behind Marke, founded his brand during the COVID-19 period and made a splash at Berlin Fashion Week in 2024. This year, he solidified his presence with a collection inspired by history, blending aristocratic elegance with modern tailoring. Every shade and texture felt intentional, seamlessly blending opulence with modern minimalism. The setting, Villa Elisabeth, added to the show’s ethereal quality, making it feel like stepping into a surreal, softly lit aristocratic fantasy. Marke’s ability to reinterpret historical aesthetics into contemporary fashion sets him apart, making it clear that his rapid rise in Berlin’s fashion scene is no accident.


Rebekka Ruétz: Embracing the Dark Feminine

Rebekka Ruétz, the Austrian designer who founded her label in 2009 after working in New Delhi, delivered a collection that felt like a gothic fairy tale. "reBIRTH," her FW25 offering, was eerie yet undeniably feminine, balancing vampiric mystique with delicate beauty. Signature prints featured prominently, with unique hair-like elements on garments adding an unconventional twist. Models donned hairstyles reminiscent of vampiric allure, captivating rather than repelling. The collection showcased sheer, lightweight fabrics and feminine lace, juxtaposed with tailored suits and leather accents, painting a portrait of a strong, multifaceted woman. The palette of black, peach, and vibrant orange, along with dark denim, enveloped the silhouettes in a spooky yet enchanting aura.

 

When Upcycling Meets Urban Sport—Meet PLNGNS

Ukrainian designer Mitya Hontarenko and Ira Ambrosova are taking upcycling to the next level with PLNGNS. This season’s collection, "Identity," turned discarded materials into sportswear-inspired street fashion. Known for repurposing sneakers into garments, PLNGNS blends avant-garde aesthetics with urban functionality. The FW25 show took place in “Werkstatt für Alles,” industrial hall, reinforcing the brand's studio with heavy machinery. Every piece of the collection looked like it had a story—constructed from something old, yet designed for the future. The mix of textures, unconventional silhouettes, and bold reinterpretations of sportswear staples made it clear that PLNGNS isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about rewriting the rules of fashion.


Maximilian Gedra Transforms Workwear Into Avant-Garde Power Dressing

Having previously featured Maximilian Gedra in Unfamous, we were especially excited to see his evolution on the Berlin runway. His haute couture collection, “The Office - Dystopian Hysteria,” presented 17 meticulously crafted looks that reimagined traditional work attire through a radical, avant-garde lens. Structured silhouettes with exaggerated shoulders, luxurious fur coats, and an all-dark palette set a dramatic tone, while the bold mix of materials and shapes reinforced Gedra’s vision of empowering women and challenging workplace conventions. Among the most striking pieces was a gown embellished with thousands of individually hand-sewn upcycled buttons, creating a textured, almost sculptural effect. Another standout design featured an intricate construction of countless safety pins, meticulously arranged to form a metallic silhouette—both highlighting Gedra’s dedication to craftsmanship and detail. Since graduating in 2020 and launching his brand in 2023, Gedra has quickly positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. His masterful tailoring and boundary-pushing designs continue to solidify his reputation, proving that he’s not just participating in the conversation but redefining it.

 

Berlin Fashion Week FW25 was a testament to the city’s ability to merge culture, history, and cutting-edge design into something entirely its own. Whether through punk-meets-glam sequins, immersive performances, or historical nods, this season left one thing clear—Berlin’s fashion scene isn’t here to follow trends. It’s here to set them.


A huge thank you to all the designers who invited us to their shows and gave us the opportunity to experience the German fashion scene up close. Each presentation was truly inspiring, and we wish all the brands continued success. We hope to see them again in the future and can’t wait to watch their next creations come to life.

At Unfamous, we are dedicated to spotlighting emerging talents shaping the future of fashion. Follow us on Instagram (@unfamous.magazine) to stay up to date with the most exciting new designers and creative forces in the industry!

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