NEWS: CONCEPT COMPETITION FOR BERLIN FASHION WEEK JULY 2023. STRENGTHENING THE VISIONARY POWER OF FASHION

Fashion Council Germany

Berlin, 23.03.2023: The past Berlin Fashion Week in January this year was characterised by a palpable spirit of optimism. Berlin was able to present itself as a centre of the fashion and fashion design scene and a pioneer in topics such as sustainability, innovation and inclusion.

In order to continue on this successful path, the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises is once again organising a concept competition in cooperation with the Fashion Council Germany. From 29 March 2023, concepts can once again be submitted in two categories:

In the ‘STUDIO2RETAIL’ category, the 5 best ideas for unusual store and studio event concepts will be honoured with up to 5,000 euros each. The aim was to achieve the greatest possible public interest and broad media impact, as well as to take into account the key themes of sustainability, diversity and innovation. Most recently, the spectrum ranged from phygital presentations of new collections to workshops in traditional handicraft techniques and demonstrations of the production of sustainable clothing.

The ‘BERLIN CONTEMPORARY’ category is aimed at participants who present exceptional design achievements with their brands based in Berlin or Germany and pursue strong innovative and sustainable approaches in their product, corporate philosophy and event concept. The submitted show and presentation concepts should be suitable for attracting numerous national and international trade visitors and achieving a high media impact. For this, 10 winners will be honoured with up to 25,000 euros each.

In addition, the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises is honouring four Ukrainian designers as a sign of solidarity, also with up to 25,000 euros each as part of BERLIN CONTEMPORARY. Most recently, Ukrainian designers Irina Dzhus, Kristina Bobkova, Lilia Litkovska and Jean Gritsfeldt presented their collections at BFW in January 2023.

Stephan Schwarz, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises in Berlin, says: ‘Berlin is the German fashion capital and Berlin Fashion Week is our showcase to the world. What characterises our location is diversity, a wealth of ideas and fresh concepts, and this is precisely what our joint competition is an important vehicle for. In January, Berlin Fashion Week was able to present itself as innovative, creative and inclusive as never before and we want to continue on this Berlin path in July. I am particularly pleased that we can once again support Ukrainian designers and give their creative work space.’

Christiane Arp, CEO of the Fashion Council, says: ‘The fact that we can continue on the path we have taken with the concept competition confirms that it is the right one. There is really great creative potential in the fashion and design industry here that is unrivalled elsewhere. Supporting these visionary forces in the best possible way is a wonderful and rewarding task.’

Competition concepts can be submitted until 16 April 2023. Details on the conditions of participation can be found at: https://fashionweek.berlin/competition.html The winners selected by a jury of industry experts will be announced at the beginning of May 2023.

Downloads: Pressemitteilung, Logos & Bildmaterial der Gewinner:innen Januar 2023

Der Wettbewerb wird aus Mitteln des Landes Berlin und EFRE-Fonds finanziert: