The Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Fashion Council Germany are once again awarding prize money to concepts for fashion shows and B2C events as part of a concept competition for the upcoming Berlin Fashion Week, taking place from February 5th to 8th, 2024. A total of 24 winners in the categories "Berlin Contemporary" and "STUDIO2RETAIL" were awarded prize money of up to €25,000. With this initiative, the BFW organizers are building on two successful concept competitions and further establishing Berlin Fashion Week with a focus on talent development in an international context.

For the third time, the BFW concept competition invited submissions of concepts for fashion presentations and B2C events for the upcoming Berlin Fashion Week in February 2024. From a total of 89 applications, two expert juries of renowned international industry professionals selected the 24 best concepts. In the "Berlin Contemporary" category (fashion presentations), 18 winners, including four Ukrainian designers, were awarded €25,000 each. In the "STUDIO2RETAIL" category (B2C events), six concepts were awarded €5,000 each.

The aim of the competition, commissioned by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and implemented by the Fashion Council Germany, is to strengthen Berlin's international relevance as a fashion hub and to provide a platform for design talent and their collections. In the "Berlin Contemporary" category, the winning fashion labels impressed with particularly innovative and creative collections, a presentation concept tailored to Berlin's fashion scene, and a strong brand presence. In international comparison, they thus shape the narrative of a Berlin Fashion Week that showcases the multifaceted nature of creativity, reflects the zeitgeist of society, and offers a platform for talent from diverse communities. In the "STUDIO2RETAIL" category, the winning concepts focus on providing interested consumers with access to Fashion Week through events throughout Berlin, even outside of the fashion shows, allowing them to discover German fashion brands and demonstrate new possibilities for responsible fashion consumption.

Michael Biel, State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises: “ Once again, the competition allows us to present winners who demonstrate that Berlin Fashion Week is a true breeding ground for talent. With its approximately 5,000 companies and 25,000 employees, Berlin is the most important location for fashion and the creative industries in Germany. Here we have the creative minds who present such unique and diverse ideas as only Berlin can. Ukraine will also have its place again when we offer four Ukrainian talents a platform in February. Given the situation there, it is important to me that we continue to express our solidarity. I look forward to the implementation of the concepts, which are characterized by innovative and sustainable ideas and give us hope for an inspiring fashion week.”

From a total of 63 applications, 18 winners were selected in the "Berlin Contemporary" category . After a formal review of the completeness of the documents, the feasibility of the concept, and the ecological and social sustainability strategy within the business concept and event idea, the concepts were forwarded to the jury. The seven internationally experienced experts from the fields of press, social media, sustainability, and economic development evaluated the labels and their concepts based on design performance, marketability, media impact, and innovation. This season, the jury continued its commitment to supporting Ukraine, its designers, and Ukrainian Fashion Week, recognizing four Ukrainian labels for the third time: BOBKOVA, DZHUS, GLÜCK CLOTHES, and PLNGNS. The 14 German winners are: AVENIR, Dennis Chuene, Kitschy Couture, Lou de Bètoly, LUEDER, MALAIKARAISS, MARKE, NAMILIA, OLIVIA BALLARD, RIANNA + NINA, Richert Beil, SF1OG, Sia Arnika and WILLIAM FAN.

The selection criteria included references from previous collections and the labels' media impact. This allowed for a broad spectrum of styles, representing Berlin in all its facets. Among the " Berlin Contemporary" winners are established brands such as NAMILIA, Richert Beil, and WILLIAM FAN, as well as smaller labels like AVENIR, Dennis Chuene, MARKE, and OLIVIA BALLARD. New this season are GLÜCK CLOTHES, Kitschy Couture, and LUEDER, who will be making their Berlin Fashion Week debut with their shows. These brands particularly impressed with their professional visual presentation, strong brand recognition, and high-quality craftsmanship.

Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of the Fashion Council Germany: “ I was delighted by the many fantastic and innovative concepts submitted to the Berlin Contemporary competition. Making a decision was not easy, but this year’s selection of designers gives me confidence that Berlin and Germany as a fashion hub are increasingly generating international attention and thus gaining in relevance. ”

At this season's " STUDIO2RETAIL" competition, six innovative event concepts were awarded €5,000 each. In addition to five prizes from the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, a sixth prize was provided by Berliner Sparkasse, which supports the media and creative industries alongside its established offerings. Natascha von Hirschhausen x LoopLook was selected as the sixth winner . She and the five other winners— HUMAN TOUCH, KATHARINA DUBBICK, PLATTE, rebirth studios, and SBLMTN studio —impressed the jury from a total of 26 submissions with their diverse concepts, which represent a successful mix of visually appealing brands and innovative event ideas. What unites them is their hands-on approach and passion for their ideas. Fashion-conscious consumers gain insights into the inner workings of fashion designers, discover exciting new German brands, and can immerse themselves in the fascinating Berlin fashion world, even if they are not industry professionals. Through interaction with designers and organizers, they have the opportunity to actively participate and become part of Berlin Fashion Week.

“ Berlin Fashion Week has undergone a unique reinvention in recent seasons, and in 2024 it continues with fantastic presentation formats. The “Berlin Contemporary” and “STUDIO2RETAIL” formats offer us a unique opportunity to support emerging talent and provide them with financial assistance in realizing their ideas within the framework of Berlin Fashion Week. Designers and creatives thus have the opportunity to present their creations to a national and international professional audience and enrich the city,” said Scott Lipinski, CEO of the Fashion Council Germany.

Judges:

Berlin Contemporary:

Christiane Arp (Fashion Council Germany / Chairwoman of the Board), Dilys Williams (Centre for Sustainable Fashion / Director), Hanan Besovic (@ideservecouture / Fashion Expert), Johanna Dramé (Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises), Patrick Pendiuk (Vogue Germany / Senior Fashion Features Editor), Simone Heift (The KaDeWe Group / Group Buying Director), Thibaud Guyonnet (VOO STORE / Buying Director).

STUDIO2RETAIL:

Dries Vriesacker (Enfnts Terribles / Creative Director), Herbert Hofmann (Highsnobiety / Creative & Buying Director), Johanna Dramé (Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises), Manuel Almeida Vergara (Berliner Zeitung / Head of Fashion & Style Department), Marvin Mario (Content Creator & Stylist), Scott Lipinski (Fashion Council Germany / CEO).

All shows and events during Berlin Fashion Week can now be registered for the official BFW calendar here (shows) and here (other events).

Fashion events for end consumers during Berlin Fashion Week can now be registered in the STUDIO2RETAIL calendar here .

The official calendar will be published in December.

The Berlin Fashion Week will take place from February 5th to 8th and from July 1st to 4th, 2024.