NEWS: FASHION X CRAFT: Emerging talents at "Der Berliner Salon"
Funding program of the Fashion Council Germany presents young designers at Der Berliner Salon
Fashion Council Germany
Berlin, February 4, 2025 : The six young up-and-coming talents of the Fashion Council Germany's FASHION X CRAFT development program will present their final looks at Der Berliner Salon during Berlin Fashion Week in February 2025. The initiative aims to further educate and support young graduates in fashion and textile design through tailored workshops focusing on sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation.
In an intensive project phase lasting over 12 months, the third-year winners – Chantal Wehran (Amsterdam Fashion Institute), Jasmin Wottke (HAW Hamburg), Maira Gath (Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts), Michelle Bohnes (HTW Berlin), Niclas Hasemann (Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences), and Paula Dischinger (Institut Français de la Mode) – acquired essential skills to lay the foundation for their creative careers. In April 2024, the designers convened in Berlin for a three-day workshop, where they received valuable insights from experts such as Johann Erhardt (Haderlump Atelier Berlin) and Olivia Ballard on topics like brand building and business strategies. Following this, they traveled to The King's Foundation's educational center to learn traditional crafts such as basket weaving and weaving. Based on these experiences, the six emerging talents designed their final looks.
To kick off the Berlin Salon, two additional coats were presented, designed by teams of three specifically for the tenth anniversary of The King's Foundation's Future Textiles initiative. All the designs were intended to be modern adaptations of the classic luxury coat, blending traditional elements with the designers' creative DNA. Aspects such as craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation were incorporated. The emerging designers crafted their final projects, as well as both coats, from traditional fabrics by Harris Tweed Hebrides. These textiles, renowned for their sustainability, played a central role in the designs and underscore the focus on connecting contemporary fashion with traditional craftsmanship.
Mark Hogarth, Brand Ambassador at Harris Tweed Hebrides, explains: “ Harris Tweed Hebrides is proud to have been part of the ‘FASHION X CRAFT’ project, which culminated in its final presentation at Berlin Fashion Week. Since the first presentation of Harris Tweed® at Highgrove House in England, designers have explored the cultural heritage and character of the fabrics, creating garments that blend traditional craftsmanship with a unique and contemporary aesthetic. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with The King’s Foundation, the Fashion Council Germany, and these talented designers to curate a collection that embodies both style and sustainability as its core ethos.”
“Our FASHION X CRAFT initiative demonstrates the power of combining tradition and innovation. By empowering young designers to work with high-quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials, we not only create exceptional fashion but also preserve valuable craftsmanship for the future. That's why it's particularly important to me that we have eBay as a new partner for the next edition and will continue FASHION X CRAFT together with The King's Foundation. We're planning some changes to make the project even more appealing to our participants,” adds Scott Lipinski, CEO of the Fashion Council Germany.
Continuing the project is an important step in further strengthening the bridge between traditional techniques and modern developments in the fashion industry. With the support of partners like eBay and The King's Foundation, the initiative not only provides a platform for emerging talent but also fosters the exchange of knowledge. The application period for the fourth edition opens at the end of February. Further information about the project can be found at this link .
Following their residency in Highgrove, the six designers founded the H6 Collective, which presented an interactive exhibition with live performances during Berlin Fashion Week. The concept won an award in the STUDIO2RETAIL category of the BFW Concept Competition.