The internationalization project Fashion Forward Network (FFN), a joint initiative of the Fashion Council Germany and the innovation agency Sqetch, brought twelve Berlin fashion labels and tech startups to New York City for the second time in April. The initiative's overarching goal is to support Berlin companies entering the US market and to connect them with relevant and forward-looking business contacts. The two-year project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and the European Union. This year's trip was also attended by Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of the Board of the FCG, and Michael Biel, Berlin's State Secretary for Economic Affairs.

The delegation comprised twelve fashion brands and tech startups : AVENIR, DR. BAUM, IMPARI, HADERLUMP, Kasia Kucharska, Natascha von Hirschhausen, PLATTE Berlin, SANE Standard, SF1OG, SOCIÉTÉ ANGELIQUE, REFRAMD, and RICHERT BEIL . For one week, the participants participated in a program tailored specifically to their needs, which provided insights into the unique aspects of the US market and included sales and communication workshops as well as strategic market entry recommendations. Various program elements facilitated networking with local stakeholders, members of the press, and industry experts, enabling them to establish valuable international contacts.

Factory visits in the renowned Garment District and meetings with representatives from the Parsons School of Design ELab , the concept store chain The Webster , and the fashion stores of PHILLIP LIM and MERZ B. Schwanen provided participants with valuable insights into sustainable technologies and the US retail sector. They also had the opportunity to meet industry leaders such as Willa Bennett from Highsnobiety, industry expert Karo Brandi, freelance fashion journalist India Roby, buying expert Michal Kurtis, and Carmen Gama from the Eileen Fisher Foundation. Another highlight of the five-day program was a visit to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where CEO Steven Kolb and Communications Director Marc Karimzadeh shared key insights into the US fashion industry .

As in previous years, the twelve entrepreneurs received pitch training with entrepreneur Brian Frumberg, as well as communication training and coaching with Kim Lenar. This training prepared the participants for the subsequent "Pitch Night," where they met with potential US investors. Following each pitch, these investors provided valuable feedback and even expressed interest in a possible investment. The evening was opened by State Secretary Michael Biel, followed by a keynote address from Kim Lenar.

To mark the occasion of the delegation's trip, another FCG Fireside Dinner was held in New York City at Loft 29, the photo studio of German photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth. For the second time, the evening's culinary offerings were accompanied by an exclusive menu prepared by renowned German chef Simon . The dinner focused primarily on fostering exchange between German and American industry professionals and forging valuable business partnerships.

The next step involves proactive networking between stakeholders in both markets. The aim is to develop the partnerships already established and initiate concrete business deals. The Fashion Council Germany provides advisory support to all project participants and offers ongoing assistance in developing their business collaborations. Regular webinars provide further insights into key topics relevant to the US market.

Fashion Forward Network is a project of the Fashion Council Germany and the innovation platform Sqetch. The initiative is supported by a state program funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of Berlin. The Pitch Night was supported by DWIH New York – German Center for Research and Innovation and the Berlin Business Office USA.