The first day of Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 ends with the exclusive opening dinner – guests from fashion, politics, media and culture celebrate Berlin's creativity and diversity.

Following a successful opening with numerous presentations, installations, and shows, the first day of Berlin Fashion Week concluded on Monday evening with the official BFW Opening Dinner. At the invitation of Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, and the Fashion Council Germany (FCG), guests were invited to the renowned Grill Royal restaurant. Over 200 guests from the worlds of fashion, politics, media, and the cultural and creative industries gathered in an exclusive setting to exchange ideas, strengthen their networks, and celebrate the creativity of Berlin's fashion industry . The evening marked the start of a Berlin Fashion Week that, more than ever, stands for innovation, internationality, creative synergies, and future-oriented design.

Until July 3rd, Berlin once again offers a progressive platform for young designers presenting their collections and designs for the Spring/Summer 2026 season on the catwalks, in immersive installations, exhibitions, and pop-up stores. Emerging designers, established labels, and the winners of the "Berlin Contemporary" concept competition— initiated by the Fashion Council Germany and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises— showcase visions of fashion committed to sustainability, diversity, and cultural relevance. The lineup is more international than ever. In addition to three African labels, designers from Great Britain, France, the USA, and Ukraine will also present their collections. The iconic venues, from the Palais am Funkturm and Bunker West to the Feuerle Collection and Kranzler X, once again underscore Berlin's status as an experimental stage for the fashion world.

Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of the Board of the FCG, and Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, welcomed the guests and emphasized Berlin's special role as a dynamic location for diversity, inclusion, and creativity. Berlin Fashion Week impressively demonstrates how creative quality and economic prospects can be combined in the capital. The variety of formats and brands makes it clear that Berlin not only cultivates talent but also offers space for development, exchange, and visible creative power. It is precisely the interplay of fashion, culture, and business that creates an environment capable of providing impetus for the entire creative sector.

Christiane Arp emphasized: “Berlin Fashion Week is a place of encounters. For industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike, it offers the opportunity to discover new things and follow developments. It is continuously establishing itself as an internationally recognized platform for emerging talents, helping them to gain more visibility and recognition.”

Franziska Giffey added: “Berlin is a cultural center for the creative scene and, at the same time, a major economic hub. Berlin Fashion Week impressively demonstrates what emerges when creativity meets entrepreneurial spirit. It is a showcase for our city's innovative strength and embodies what makes Berlin special: diversity, fresh ideas, and the courage to break new ground. At the same time, Fashion Week is also a vital anchor for the industry. Especially in economically challenging times, a resilient and well-connected creative scene is of great importance to Berlin's economic standing.”

The evening was characterized by an intensive exchange within the industry, with the diverse guest list contributing significantly to the lively atmosphere. Among those present were Anita Gigovskaya (Condé Nast), Alexis Hoopes (Global VP of Fashion, eBay), Dr. Christian Ehler (EU Parliament), Christa Bösch & Cosima Gadient (Ottolinger), David Koma (Designer), Declan Chan (Stylist, Influencer and Creative Consultant), Edward Buchanan (Perfect Magazine), Grace Banks (Forbes), Hanan Besovic (ideservecouture), Jörg Koch (032c), Kerstin Schneider (Harper's Bazaar), Kerstin Weng (VOGUE Germany), Mumi Haiati (Reference Studios), Maliha Shoaib (Vogue Business), Michael Biel (Berlin State Secretary for Economic Affairs), Sara Sozzani Maino (Fondazione Sozzani), Susie Lau (Style Bubble), and Stavros Karelis (Machine-A).