Home Der Fashion Council Germany e. V. ist der Schirmherr, um die deutsche Mode- und Designlandschaft für eine visionäre, technologische & nachhaltige Zukunft in einem globalen Markt zu stärken. BERLIN FASHION X INTERNATIONAL Internationalisierungs-Projekt für den US-amerikanischen und asiatischen Markt. Die nächste Delegationsreise nach Japan findet vom 15. bis 21. März 2026 statt. STUDIE "STATUS DEUTSCHER MODE 2024" Studie in Partnerschaft mit eBay gibt Einblicke zum Status der Modebranche und ihre Chancen für die Zukunft. BERLIN FASHION WEEK Die AW26 Edition der Berlin Fashion Week findet vom 30. Januar bis 02. Februar 2026 statt. RAUM.Berlin Das neue Präsentationsformat zur Berlin Fashion Week powered by eBay. An drei Tagen zeigen neun ausgewählte Designer:innen ihre Kollektionen in individuell gestalteten Räumen. 'METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change' powered by eBay Im Talk Format kommen Expert:innen der Modeindustrie zu Wort, um die verschiedenen Facetten und die notwendigen Veränderungen zu diskutieren. STATUS EUROPÄISCHER MODE Während der EFA Konferenz in Brüssel wurden die Ergebnisse der europaweiten Studie vorgestellt. FASHION X CRAFT Gemeinsam mit eBay Deutschland und The King’s Foundation fördern wir junge Talente. STUDIO2RETAIL Zur Berlin Fashion Week haben zahlreiche Designer:innen ihre Ateliers geöffnet. 10 YEARS FCG Ten Questions on Success with Roel de Cooman Read More 10 YEARS FCG The People That Make It All Happen: Meet Our Team Read More 10 YEARS FCG Let's Talk Future - Conversation with Christiane Arp and Scott Lipinski Read More 10 YEARS FCG Balancing Act - Interview with Simone Hartmann Read More 10 YEARS FCG Bringing the Heavyweights on Board - Interview with Claudia Hofmann Read More Berlin Fashion Week Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur BFW geht in die fünfte Runde Read More 10 YEARS FCG Ten Years FCG: Collegial Congrats from EFA Members Read More Berlin Fashion Week RAUM.Berlin: FCG und Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie arbeiten erstmals für Wettbewerb zusammen Read More Stories Alle Stories Erfahre mehr über die Arbeit des Fashion Council Germany direkt in den Beiträgen. Hier ein paar Highlights.

2. Jan. 2026 "Don‘t try to outrun change, learn to dance with it," says Roel de Cooman, Vice President Global Sales at haebmau.ATELIER and member of Fashion Council Germany‘s Board of Directors. For our 10-year booklet, he answered 10 questions for us, in which he gave some insights into his expertise. 1. From your perspective, what makes a fashion brand successful in 2025? Roel de Cooman: Success in fashion today is no longer defined solely by sales figures or celebrity visibility; it is defined by cultural relevance and authenticity. They shape culture by balancing creative boldness with cultural literacy. Successful fashion brands understand who they are, what they stand for, and how to convey that story across markets globally without losing their soul. They have learned to convert commerce into storytelling. 2. Would you have answered this question differently ten years ago? Roel de Cooman: Absolutely, ten years ago, the conversation around success in fashion was entirely different. Success was measured in noise. I mentioned storytelling — today, this is the business model. 3. What has been the most fundamental change in fashion over the past ten years that has affected all industry players? Roel de Cooman: Consumers no longer buy into campaigns; they buy into convictions. But most importantly, the power dynamic has shifted. In the past, brands spoke to audiences; now, they collaborate with them. The consumer is now a co-creator, and that changes the landscape from creation to market entry. 4. What role can Fashion Council Germany play in light of these changes? Roel de Cooman: Today, Fashion Council Germany plays a crucial role, not just as a representative body but as a cultural catalyst. While the fashion landscape is global, identity remains local, and I believe the Council sits at that very intersection. Germany stands for its precision, innovation, and integrity — values that are becoming increasingly relevant in the industry. Our purpose as the Council is to translate that DNA into a modern, forward-facing narrative. A story that celebrates creativity, embraces technology, and connects design talent in Germany with the international stage. 5. And how should young fashion entrepreneurs in particular navigate these changes? Roel de Cooman: With openness, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. The fashion landscape is shifting faster than ever — technology, sustainability, consumer behaviour — and young creatives should see this not as a threat but as an invitation. I always tell young entrepreneurs: don’t try to outrun change, learn to dance with it. 6. Is there anything you would have liked to know before starting your career yourself? Roel de Cooman: I believe I would have appreciated knowing that uncertainty is not the enemy; it’s the driving force, and that adaptability can exist alongside integrity — meaning you can change form without losing your identity. For the next generation, that’s the real lesson: define your core, but never stop reimagining your expression. The industry celebrates those who dare to move forward without abandoning their roots. 7. Why is it important for you, as a member of the Board of Directors, to support these young talents? Roel de Cooman: Personally, I believe that mentorship is a form of legacy. Everyone who has had a door opened owes it to the next generation to hold that door wide. That’s how an industry grows, not through competition but through continuity. 8. Is this the reason why you became a board member in the first place, or what motivated you to do so? Roel de Cooman: Absolutely, and precisely for that reason. 9. Your agency is also a Council member. What do you think is the greatest benefit that even major players like haebmau. ATELIER can gain from membership? Roel de Cooman: Fashion Council Germany isn’t just a network; it’s a creative ecosystem. Membership allows us to stay connected to the industry’s pulse in real time — covering emerging designers, shifts in consumer behaviour, innovations in sustainability, and new business models. Larger players can easily become isolated within their own success; the Council keeps us humble, curious, and adaptable. It also serves as a platform for influence. By engaging with policymakers, cultural institutions, and the next generation of talent, we can help shape the future of German fashion, from education to global positioning. The value lies not only in what can be gained but also in what can be contributed. 10. Which Council member has truly impressed you over the past ten years, perhaps because it has experienced particularly positive development? Roel de Cooman: There are many Council members doing incredible work. But if I had to highlight one, I would focus on the FCG/Vogue Fashion Fund mentorship programme, where my mentee is Kasia Kucharska. Kasia has successfully expanded her reach while staying true to her design ethos, engaging with both domestic and international audiences. Beyond her design skills, Kasia exemplifies leadership that inspires others. She invests in collaboration, mentors younger talents, and embraces innovation without compromising integrity. This interview is an excerpt from our 10-year Fashion Council Germany booklet, in which we reflect on a decade of shaping and advancing German fashion. Discover the full booklet and explore all the stories and highlights HERE . AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Manuel Almeida Vergara INFOS ANFRAGEN press@fasion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG Ten Questions on Success with Roel de Cooman

Offizieller Partner des FCG ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP Seit Juli 2023 ist der Online-Marktplatz eBay Deutschland offizieller Partner des Fashion Council Germany. Die beiden Organisationen vereinen seitdem ihre Kräfte und unterstützen sich gegenseitig in ihren strategischen, kreativen und brancheninternen Prozessen. Als leitende Instanz für die deutsche Modeindustrie hat der FCG es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, Modeunternehmen in Deutschland bei ihrem Wachstum zu unterstützen und diese besonders auch im Hinblick auf Nachhaltigkeit zu fördern. eBay spielt als einer der größten Online-Marktplätze Deutschlands ebenfalls eine tragende Rolle, Händler:innen und Privatpersonen eine vertrauenswürdige Plattform für Kreislaufwirtschaft zu bieten. Mit der Partnerschaft setzt eBay ein deutliches Zeichen, um zunehmend als Enabler der Industrie wahrgenommen zu werden. EBAY X FCG Seit Beginn der Zusammenarbeit wurden bereits diverse gemeinsame Projekte und Initiativen erfolgreich umgesetzt. Darunter die gemeinsame Reise nach Schottland zur Fashion Zukunft Konferenz, sowie das mitwirken am Schülerprojekt Generation Zukunft. In gemeinsamen Fireside Dinners u.a. in Heidelberg, Hamburg und München stand das Networking im Vordergrund. Gemeinsam wurde außerdem die "Studie zum Status Deutscher Mode 2024" mit Fokus auf Circularity und Nachhaltigkeit erstellt. Zur Berlin Fashion Week unterstützt eBay außerdem das Talk-Format 'METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change' sowie das Präsentations-Format RAUM.Berlin. Der FCG unterstützt außerdem den eBay Circular Fashion Fund bei Announcement, Kommunikation, Durchführungen und Aktivierung des Awards. Die Nachwuchsförderung wird auch beim Förderprojekt FASHION X CRAFT unterstützt. ABOUT EBAY eBay Inc. ist ein weltweit führendes Handelsunternehmen, das Millionen Käufer:innen und Verkäufer:innen in mehr als 190 Märkten auf der ganzen Welt verbindet. Dabei werden wirtschaftliche Möglichkeiten für einzelne Menschen, Entrepreneur:innen sowie Unternehmen und Organisationen jeder Größe geschaffen. eBay wurde 1995 in San José, Kalifornien, gegründet und ist einer der größten und dynamischsten Marktplätze der Welt, mit einer einzigartigen Auswahl. Im Jahr 2023 ermöglichte eBay über seine Plattform ein Handelsvolumen von mehr als 73 Milliarden US-Dollar. PROJECTS Erhalte einen Überblick, über die Projekte, die eBay aktiv fördert und unterstützt. METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change Das Talk Format findet im Rahmen der Berlin Fashion Week statt. Internationale und nationale Expert:innen aus den Bereichen Kreislaufwirtschaft und der Modebranche tauschen sich über die verschiedenen Facetten und notwendigen Veränderungen in der Branche aus. RAUM.Berlin RAUM.Berlin ist das neue Präsentations Format zur Berlin Fashion Week. Ausgewählte Designer:innen zeigen ihre Kollektionen in individuell gestalteten Räumen. Jede Inszenierung ist ein Statement, jedes Label bringt eine eigene Vision mit. EBAY CIRCULAR FASHION FUND Der Circular Fashion Fund zielt darauf ab, neue Technologien und Dienstleistungen auf den Markt zu bringen, die nicht nur das Potenzial haben, die Modeindustrie nachhaltig zu verändern, sondern auch einen echten Beitrag zur Förderung der Kreislaufwirtschaft leisten. FIRESIDECHATS Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträager:innen, etc. GENERATION ZUKUNFT Fashion Council Germany und The PVH Foundation schließen sich für das Bildungsprogramm „Generation Zukunft“ zusammen, um Schüler:innen in Deutschland über die Modeindustrie aufzuklären FASHION ZUKUNFT Das Zusammenbringen verschiedener Generationen zur Förderung einer nachhaltigen Modeindustrie - ist das Ziel unserer Fashion Zukunft Konferenz in Partnerschaft mit The King's Foundation. FASHION X CRAFT In Partnerschaft mit eBay Deutschland und The King’s Foundation, werden junge Mode- und Texildesigner:innen gefördert. Sie durchlaufen ein Programm mit Fokus auf die Bereiche Nachhaltigkeit, Kreislaufwirtschaft, Handwerkskunst und Innovation. NEWS Erfahre mehr über die neuesten Projekte, Entwicklungen und Informationen zur Partnerschaft. FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz in Schottland: Jugendliche diskutieren die Zukunft der Mode Read More Jetzt als Podcast verfügbar: METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change Read More Neues Format RAUM.Berlin gibt erfolgreiches Berlin Fashion Week Debüt Read More Förderprogramm FASHION x CRAFT mit Residency in England Read More Generation Zukunft wächst weiter - jetzt mit interaktiven Hubs in drei Städten Read More Jetzt online: Die Talks der dritten METAMORPHOSIS-Ausgabe im Rahmen der Berlin Fashion Week Read More RECAP DAY III with AVENIR | PLNGNS | ROUGH. Read More RECAP DAY II with JISOO BAIK | KASIA KUCHARSKA | LADO BOKUCHAVA Read More Mehr laden

10 YEARS FCG Ten Questions on Success with Roel de Cooman Read More 10 YEARS FCG The People That Make It All Happen: Meet Our Team Read More 10 YEARS FCG Let's Talk Future - Conversation with Christiane Arp and Scott Lipinski Read More 10 YEARS FCG Balancing Act - Interview with Simone Hartmann Read More 10 YEARS FCG Bringing the Heavyweights on Board - Interview with Claudia Hofmann Read More Berlin Fashion Week Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur BFW geht in die fünfte Runde Read More 10 YEARS FCG Ten Years FCG: Collegial Congrats from EFA Members Read More Berlin Fashion Week RAUM.Berlin: FCG und Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie arbeiten erstmals für Wettbewerb zusammen Read More 10 YEARS FCG Listen Up, Brussels! Interview with Dr. Christian Ehler Read More 10 YEARS FCG Our Founding Story: From a Private Dinner Table to the Chancellor’s Office Read More 10 YEARS FCG 10 Highlights of the Past Decade by FCG Chairwoman Christiane Arp Read More Interview Gran Canaria Swim Week – Interview mit Minerva Alonso Santana Read More News Happy Birthday to us! Impressionen unseres Jubiläums-Dinners Read More News Never Change A Winning Team: Fashion Council Germany setzt weiterhin auf starkes Quintett im Vorstand Read More News „Gemeinsam sind wir stärker“: Branchenbündnis k3d fordert nationale Gesamtstrategie für Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft Read More News Konnichiwa, Tokio! Wir präsentieren Mode aus Deutschland in Japan – und die wichtigsten Concept Stores der Welt kommen zur Sichtung Read More News FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz in Schottland: Jugendliche diskutieren die Zukunft der Mode Read More News Zweite Edition des FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund gestartet Read More Berlin Fashion Week Berlin Fashion Week Konzeptwettbewerb 01/2026: Das sind die Gewinner:innen von Berlin Contemporary und STUDIO2RETAIL Read More News Berlin Fashion X International Delegationsreise nach Tokio: Diese Brands sind dabei Read More News Fireside Dinner in München: Vernetzung der Modebranche Read More News Der FCG beim Vogue Forces of Fashion Event Read More News Jetzt als Podcast verfügbar: METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change Read More News Die FCG Mitglieder bei der FASHION POSITIONS zur Berlin Art Week 2025 Read More Berlin Fashion Week BFW Konzeptwettbewerb: Das ist die Jury für die AW26 Saison Read More News Berlin Fashion X International: Erste Delegationsreise nach Seoul Read More Berlin Fashion Week Jetzt bewerben: der Konzeptwettbewerb zur Berlin Fashion Week geht in die nächste Saison Read More News Berlin Showroom vom 01.09. bis 03.09. in Seoul Read More News Förderprogramm FASHION x CRAFT mit Residency in England Read More News FCG Fireside Summer Dinner in Berlin Read More Mehr laden Erfahre mehr über das, was wir tun News, Brandportraits und Interviews und alles, was den Fashion Council Germany bewegt, liest Du hier Kategorie Alle

Home FASHION X CRAFT Gemeinsam mit der Swarovski Foundation und The Prince’s Foundation geht es in die zweite Runde. BERLIN FASHION WEEK Die kommende Berlin Fashion Week findet vom 05. bis 08. Februar 2024 statt. Video: William Fan SS24 UGG® CULTURE CHANGEMAKER PRIZE Der Gewinner 2023 ist SF1OG! GENERATION ZUKUNFT Mit Unterstützung der PVH Foundation geht es an deutsche Schulen. STATUS EUROPÄISCHER MODE Nimm an unserer europäischen Befragung der Modebranche teil. GERMAN FASHION FOOTPRINT Wie dreckig ist Deutsche Mode? STUDIO2RETAIL Zur Berlin Fashion Week haben zahlreiche Designer:innen ihre Ateliers geöffnet. Stories Alle Stories Erfahre mehr über die Arbeit des Fashion Council Germany direkt in den Beiträgen. Hier ein paar Highlights. 10 YEARS FCG Ten Questions on Success with Roel de Cooman Read More 10 YEARS FCG The People That Make It All Happen: Meet Our Team Read More 10 YEARS FCG Let's Talk Future - Conversation with Christiane Arp and Scott Lipinski Read More 10 YEARS FCG Balancing Act - Interview with Simone Hartmann Read More 10 YEARS FCG Bringing the Heavyweights on Board - Interview with Claudia Hofmann Read More Berlin Fashion Week Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur BFW geht in die fünfte Runde Read More 10 YEARS FCG Ten Years FCG: Collegial Congrats from EFA Members Read More Berlin Fashion Week RAUM.Berlin: FCG und Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie arbeiten erstmals für Wettbewerb zusammen Read More Der Fashion Council Germany e. V. ist der Schirmherr, um die deutsche Mode- und Designlandschaft für eine visionäre, technologische & nachhaltige Zukunft in einem globalen Markt zu stärken.

LINE-UP RELEASE COMING SOON RAUM.Berlin OUR PARTNERS FIND SOME STORIES HERE... Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur BFW - Einreichungen sind ab sofort möglich Kopie FIND OUT MORE RAUM.Berlin: FCG und Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie arbeiten erstmals für Wettbewerb zusammen FIND OUT MORE Neues Format RAUM.Berlin gibt erfolgreiches Berlin Fashion Week Debüt FIND OUT MORE RECAP DAY III with AVENIR | PLNGNS | ROUGH. FIND OUT MORE RECAP DAY II with JISOO BAIK | KASIA KUCHARSKA | LADO BOKUCHAVA FIND OUT MORE RAUM RECAP DAY I with DAGGER | IDEN | JULIAN ZIGERLI FIND OUT MORE BERLIN FASHION WEEK at Kranzler X FIND OUT MORE Meet the Creative behind the eBay Pre-Loved exhibition during RAUM.Berlin FIND OUT MORE RAUM.Berlin – Alles Wichtige zum neuen Ausstellungsformat auf einen Blick FIND OUT MORE TWELVE LABELS. FOUR DAYS. INFINITE PERSPECTIVES. RAUM.Berlin ist mehr als eine Ausstellung - es ist ein Erlebnisraum für zeitgenössische Mode. Während der Berlin Fashion Week zeigen ausgewählte Designer:innen ihre Kollektionen in individuell gestalteten Räumen. Jede Inszenierung ist ein Statement, jedes Label bringt eine eigene Vision mit. Täglich präsentieren drei Designer:innen ihre Arbeit. Das Format lädt zum Entdecken, Erleben und Austauschen ein – für alle. Die erste Edition fand zu SS26 Edition der Berlin Fashion Week im Kranzler X statt. Vom 30.01. bis zum 02.02.2026 findet die zweite Ausgabe von RAUM.Berlin statt. HIER FÜR DIE ZWEITE EDITION BEWERBEN. Bewerbungszeitraum: 12.–17. Dezember 2025 WHAT IT'S ABOUT THE BRANDS PRELOVED BY EBAY MORE STORIES OUR PARTNERS THE BRANDS PRE-LOVED. REIMAGINED. Entdecke Mode mit Geschichte – in der Pre-Loved Exhibition von eBay, kuratiert exklusiv für RAUM.Berlin. Ausgewählte Vintage- und Secondhand-Pieces treffen auf aktuelle Designvisionen und zeigen, wie inspirierend zirkuläre Mode sein kann. Jede Kreation erzählt von Stil, und Wandel. Kuratiert wird die Pre-Loved Exhibition von Christian Stemmler. Ausgewählte Vintage- und Secondhandstücke treffen auf zeitgenössisches Design. Die von Christian Stemmler kuratierte Pre-Loved Exhibition von eBay zeigt, wie kreativ und richtungsweisend zirkuläre Mode sein kann. Sie ist Teil des neuen Formats RAUM.Berlin, initiiert vom Fashion Council Germany zur Berlin Fashion Week. Stemmler verbindet in seiner kuratorischen Arbeit Erfahrung mit einem feinen Gespür für Stil und Zeitgeist. Geprägt von der Berliner Underground-Szene der 1990er Jahre und einem frühen Zugang zu Secondhand-Mode, verfolgt er bis heute einen reflektierten, nachhaltigen Zugang zu Kleidung. Für ihn ist pre-loved Fashion Ausdruck von Individualität, jenseits von Herkunft, Status oder Trends. Dieser Ansatz trifft den Zeitgeist. Besonders bei der jungen Generation wächst das Bewusstsein für einen nachhaltigeren Umgang mit Mode. Viele greifen gezielt zu Plattformen wie eBay und setzen damit ein klares Zeichen gegen kurzlebige Konsummuster. Der Trend zur Archivmode und das Wiederentdecken vergangener Kollektionen machen sichtbar, welches kreative und kulturelle Potenzial bereits vorhandene Kleidung birgt. RAUM.Berlin greift diese Entwicklung auf und macht sie zum zentralen Thema eines innovativen Ausstellungskonzepts. Das neue Format des Fashion Council Germany steht für kreative Synergien zwischen Design, Handwerk und nachhaltigem Denken. Die Pre-Loved Exhibition versteht sich dabei nicht nur als kuratorisches Statement, sondern als Einladung, Mode neu zu denken, bewusst, stilvoll und zukunftsgerichtet. MORE COMING SOON

31. Dez. 2025 Over the past months, the Fashion Council Germany team has continued to grow – bringing even more expertise and diversity to our work. Here, we want to introduce our Operations Teams, the people behind the scenes who ensure everything runs smoothly. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER As Chief Executive Officer Scott Lipinski oversees the operational management of Fashion Council Germany. BERLIN FASHION WEEK With Antara Gill at the helm, Niklas Jendryke, Victoria Kern, Mara Eichhorn, and Marie Zimmermann are responsible for organizing our various Berlin Fashion Week events and coordinating its schedule. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS The international projects and relations of Fashion Council Germany are managed by Sander Cornilly and his team Diana Gitzen Sanchez, Leonie Otto, and Laura Altenberg . SUSTANABILITY & EDUCATION Team lead Chiara Mayer is responsible for the education projects of Fashion Council Germany and also handles al sustainability topics together with Alexa Alvarado. COMM2 All of our communication activities, including press and membership matters as well as social media, website, and graphic design, are handled by Ronja Hetland, Paula Fröling, Raphael Schreiber, and Celine Witon under the direction of Manuel Almeida Vergara. EVENTS The team managed by Tine Wawer and Jens Kornberger and supported by Franziska Kurth takes care of organizing all our events and functions. FINANCE / OFFICE / HR All human ressources, finance and office matters at Fashion Council Germany are handled by team lead Katrin Düde together with Simone Soll-Urban and Maria Terre. These photos are excerpts from our 10-year Fashion Council Germany booklet, in which we reflect on a decade of shaping and advancing German fashion. Discover the full booklet and explore all the stories and highlights HERE . AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Manuel Almeida Vergara INFOS ANFRAGEN press@fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/team MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG The People That Make It All Happen: Meet Our Team

30. Dez. 2025 A conversation full of confidence and excitement between our Chairwoman Christiane Arp and our CEO Scott Lipinski. Christiane Arp: Although it sometimes felt otherwise, Fashion Council Germany didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It was founded on the understanding that there was already so much in Germany worth supporting, preserving, and showcasing. From the beginning, our goal was to create a new, effective ecosystem for all the incredible talent working here — something that had not existed before. Scott Lipinski: For that, it remains crucial to frame fashion both as a cultural and an economic asset in order to shift perceptions of fashion in and from Germany. Christiane Arp: Yes, and I keep realising how important it is not only to reach the right recipients at political and economic levels, but also to stay in dialogue with these young talents, to listen, exchange ideas, and learn from them. And even though we’ve achieved a lot in that regard, one of my ongoing wishes is for Fashion Council Germany to continue deepening and expanding these conversations. Scott Lipinski: Building on that, continuing to strengthen our role as a connecting link between players in the fashion industry, politics, business, and media remains a key goal for me as well. Christiane Arp: Right, you often describe Fashion Council Germany as a sort of interpreter: translating political language for the fashion industry, and vice versa, translating the language of fashion for politics. Scott Lipinski: Though this role has proven effective in many ways, strengthening these relationships and continuing to act as a mediator remains one of our core missions — one we plan to pursue even more intensively in the coming years. Christiane Arp: In light of these political discussions, it is very important to me that although we operate somewhat opportunistically — recognising and seizing opportunities — we also clearly define and respect the boundaries of that opportunism. From the very beginning, we have stated that any collaboration, whether with politicians or large corporations, must always align with our association’s values. Scott Lipinski: I agree – we’ve kept that promise for the past ten years and we will continue to hold on to that. Christiane Arp: For me, it comes down to this: Every conversation we initiate and every partnership we build should ultimately contribute to our overarching goal – providing fashion in and from Germany with a solid foundation. The next step is to go beyond making young designers visible and increasingly support them in becoming commercially successful while remaining creatively independent as well. Scott Lipinski: We aim to do this not only to retain talent already working in Germany, but also to create opportunities that encourage more designers to settle here, help secure jobs, and expand the industry in Germany. Christiane Arp: Equally important is demonstrating that, with Fashion Council Germany, these talents have a true partner by their side, someone who supports them and helps them stay focused. This is especially crucial now, as both the world in general and the fashion industry in particular are undergoing major transformation and facing significant challenges. We aim to help actors in Germany’s fashion industry recognise opportunities within these challenges — and seize them. Scott Lipinski: This applies not only to emerging talent, whose support will remain both a heartfelt mission and a key responsibility of Fashion Council Germany, but also to educational initiatives. I would love to see us expand projects that raise awareness among students about sustainability and fairness, much like a number of our programmes already do. Christiane Arp: At the same time, we aim to work closely with established industry stakeholders to develop solutions collaboratively. For this, it is essential to sustain a healthy balance within our network of members between small labels and large companies — bringing both sides together and encouraging exchanges that respect individual needs while pursuing shared objectives. Scott Lipinski: We want everyone in Germany’s fashion industry to pull together, and we see Fashion Council Germany as a connecting platform where they can meet and exchange experiences. We will continue fostering that spirit, shifting the question from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it for us?” Christiane Arp: This, by the way, also applies to me, the other members of the Board of Directors, and our internal team structures, which we aim to strengthen and professionalize at every level. Ten years ago, we started as a young council with equally young team members, and we have seen them grow with us and beyond themselves. What helped us then was being a young and agile organisation, able to respond swiftly. My hope is that even as we continue to formalise our work, we retain that flexibility — to recognise mistakes, own them, and rectify them dynamically. Christiane Arp: Above all, this requires self-confidence, a quality I see as fundamental and continue to nurture, both within ourselves and throughout the community we represent. When we pursue our mission with confidence and communicate our work confidently, we inspire others in the industry to view and present their work with the same healthy sense of self-assurance. Scott Lipinski: For me, this also involves courage, the courage to stand by oneself, to face change calmly and optimistically, and to do things differently when necessary. Over the past ten years, Fashion Council Germany has repeatedly demonstrated that kind of courage — and that is exactly what we intend to carry forward into the next decade. Scott Lipinski: They are deeply enthusiastic about our mission and give Fashion Council Germany its face. We want to continue supporting them and, at the same time, aim to attract more people who bring impressive expertise, further enhancing the Council’s credibility. And, just as importantly, who can carry out their work here with passion and joy. Scott Lipinski: A respectful, solution-oriented approach to mistakes is also crucial to achieving this. Reflecting on the past, there have been moments when things didn’t go as planned or when we made decisions we‘d handle differently now. This conversation is an excerpt from our 10-year Fashion Council Germany booklet, in which we reflect on a decade of shaping and advancing German fashion. Discover the full booklet and explore all the stories and highlights HERE . AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Manuel Almeida Vergara INFOS ANFRAGEN press@fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG Let's Talk Future - Conversation with Christiane Arp and Scott Lipinski

26. Dez. 2025 “The fashion industry remains an emotionally driven field,” says Simone Hartmann, head of the recruitment agency Hartmann Consultants and board member of Fashion Council Germany‘s Board of Directors. In this interview, she explains how companies can channel this emotional aspect and structure their teams in a way that enables them to work as successfully as possible. Interview by Kelly Niesen Simone Hartmann, you are the head of the agency Hartmann Consultants and have been working in executive search since 2009. As an expert in this field — how should companies structure their personnel today in order to work successfully? Simone Hartmann: In today’s tense market and competitive environment, companies must ensure that, in addition to all professional competencies, the productivity and energy levels of their teams are also optimally aligned. Demographic change means above all that companies are dealing with mixed-age teams in which older employees are often in the majority. Companies need to know what strengths and weaknesses they can rely on in their teams in each age group. Relevant skillsets and high motivation and energy levels form the basis for productive, trusting, and meaningful collaboration and enable teams — whether working on-site, remotely, or in hybrid settings — to achieve their goals successfully. With positively energized and motivated teams, companies continue to evolve, unlock their potential, and proactively work on good answers to the challenges of our time. Is there something that makes the fashion industry particularly distinctive when it comes to personnel issues and structures? Simone Hartmann: While in the past it was often enough for fashion players to have a strong, prestigious brand in order to attract top talent and top managers, the changing job market now requires a clearly formulated talent strategy. We observe a much more strategic approach to HR management in our industry and both, brands and retailers, have understood that they need well-designed training and development pathways to retain young talent as well as middle and top management within their companies. The fashion industry remains an emotionally driven field, however, the image of the euphoric fashion world is today being questioned more critically, and specialists and executives are demanding entrepreneurial substance and responsibility in order to be attractive as an employer brand that knows how to set a future-oriented course in the age of AI by investing in the right tools and developing the necessary new skills. What does this mean for HR development work in these companies? Simone Hartmann: That this work is crucial — not just as a fig leaf to improve employer branding, but to identify potential at an early stage, to recognize succession options within the company, and to meet the demand for lifelong learning and personal growth across generations. So would you say it is especially important to create a balance between creativity and pragmatism within these teams? Simone Hartmann: Definitely. Teams should always be able to offer creative approaches to meeting customer needs. This holds true for design just as much as for logistics. No one can afford to ignore customer expectations anymore; however, the right balance of creativity is essential to drive innovation, bring new ideas to market, and implement new workflows and productive team dynamics. Are there nevertheless personnel-related challenges that you consider particularly relevant for fashion companies? Simone Hartmann: Certainly. One issue is the loss of specialist knowledge — for example, the “fitting competence” in the industry. At the leadership level, we see that the focus of top creatives and top managers is largely on gaining relevance and market share, which dominates their daily work. Top executives now tend to have shorter tenures on average, as the industry is under great pressure and company owners or boards expect quick results. When performance is sluggish or negative, reactions are much faster than they used to be. Speaking of leadership positions in fashion: they don’t have the best reputation — think of The Devil Wears Prada . Have you found that depiction to be accurate, or has that atmosphere changed in recent years? Simone Hartmann: There certainly used to be main characters with an attitude of infallibility — but those times are truly over. Since the principle of “data has a better idea” has taken hold, egocentrism has given way to the sobering reality of click algorithms and projected digital sales forecasts. As a result, fashion companies are increasingly evolving into tech companies. You yourself have extensive experience in fashion companies, having worked for brands such as Ralph Lauren, Triumph, and Rena Lange. What did you learn during that time? Simone Hartmann: Despite the different brand positions and company sizes, I learned a great deal about consistency in brand management. At that time, Ralph Lauren was reintegrating its licensing business and strengthening its European presence with the construction of its headquarters in Geneva. For us employees and for the retail partners, this was a clear commitment that Ralph Lauren would henceforth build its credibility and brand consistency from within — a goal that, in hindsight, was successfully achieved. Triumph on the other hand was and still is a true product specialist, and it was there that I learned product management from the ground up. Working within the European division meant close collaboration with design, marketing, and sales, and I was involved in launching a new product segment — super sexy and seductive lingerie — which sparked lively discussions among the owning families and subsidiaries. Why is that? Simone Hartmann: There were concerns about damaging the brand’s image and its established strengths such as fitting expertise and delivery reliability. Nevertheless, the launch went ahead — and neither an image loss nor compromises in fitting quality followed. On the contrary, Triumph gained an additional brand facet, which positively contributed to its perception. These lessons about the interplay between product management, design, marketing, and sales within a matrix organization, as well as insights into the entire supply chain — from pricing structures and profitability to timing challenges — have shaped me profoundly. And how was your experience at Rena Lange? Simone Hartmann: There I deepened my knowledge of the luxury segment and of selling collections that, with their niche positioning between Chanel and Escada and their distinctive brand DNA, had every reason to exist at the time. However, following a change in ownership, the brand was no longer managed consistently and quickly lost relevance due to misguided decisions — a lesson and a warning at the same time. Overall the team leaders who mentored me had a tremendous impact on my personal growth. I was very fortunate to encounter strong, charismatic leaders who shared their knowledge, recognized my potential, and actively fostered it. Today you run your own agency, Hartmann Consultants, and also volunteer your time to support the Fashion Council Germany. What motivated you to join the Board? Simone Hartmann: The Council’s mission — to act as a bridge between established brands, emerging designers, and the global fashion world — is something I consider extremely worthy of support. Fashion Council Germany is still young, and in the past ten years it has developed its reach and impact as rapidly as the industry itself has evolved. Not being burdened with a long legacy like other councils is an advantage in these transformation- and innovation-driven times. Our members benefit from this drive and commitment to advancing the profound change underway in the German fashion landscape. What professional experience do you bring to the Board? Simone Hartmann: In addition to my understanding of the fashion industry, in my current role as an executive search consultant I support companies in finding leaders and specialists who can tackle today’s challenges and view them as opportunities for meaningful change. I assess the key competencies, motivation, and drive of executives and play an active role in filling key positions in the European fashion industry. This knowledge of what makes top performers successful is something I can contribute in a filtered, applied way — making me, within the Board, the “human resources expert” who supports both our members and the Council itself in navigating HR-related topics and serves as a sounding board for these matters. This interview is an excerpt from our 10-year Fashion Council Germany booklet, in which we reflect on a decade of shaping and advancing German fashion. Discover the full booklet and explore all the stories and highlights HERE . AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Manuel Almeida Vergara INFOS ANFRAGEN press@fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG Balancing Act - Interview with Simone Hartmann

19. Dez. 2025 “Designers from Germany show an incredibly impressive level of resilience,” says Claudia Hofmann, one of the founding members of Fashion Council Germany. In this interview, the renowned stylist explains why it remains essential to support these strong and adaptable young talents — for example, through initiatives like the Fellowship Programme by Fashion Council Germany and H&M, which she co-initiated. Interview by Kelly Niesen Claudia Hofmann, you’re one of the co-founders of Fashion Council Germany. What inspired you, as a stylist, to become involved in its founding ten years ago? Claudia Hofmann: Looking back, it was a very exciting time. Together with the other co-initiators, we recognised the challenges within the German fashion industry and asked ourselves what we could do differently and what sort of impact we could create. Through my work as a freelance stylist, consultant, and creative director, I have always supported young designers and understood how important and relevant it is to nurture emerging talent. It was an incredible feeling to live in Berlin and be able to drive positive change there. Our goal was to create the greatest possible impact. Thanks to our extensive network and connections across the media landscape, we were able to bring together the crème de la crème of the industry and establish the Fashion Council Germany. There are many ways to drive change. Why did you specifically choose to establish an association, or more precisely, a fashion council? Claudia Hofmann: During a trip to New York, I met Natalie Massenet, then-President of the British Fashion Council, and we started talking. At one point, she asked me, “Claudia, why doesn’t Germany have a council?” I replied, “We already have plenty of other associations here.” She made it clear that while that’s all well and good, international councils mainly speak to one another — council to council. So, when I returned from that trip, it became clear to me that we needed to establish one in Germany as well, so we could position ourselves alongside cities like New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Copenhagen, and communicate with them on equal terms. From your perspective, how did the association develop in its early stages? Claudia Hofmann: In the beginning, we were essentially a start-up. We all invested our free time and utilised every resource available to establish the strongest possible foundation. I still remember Anita Tillmann offering us a space with great visibility for our designers at the Premium trade show. And Christiane Arp, who at the time was both President of the FCG and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Germany , provided important platforms such as the Vogue Salon for our talents. That’s how we managed to present ourselves to the outside world as a strong and united force. One of your early initiatives to support young talent was a two-year fellowship programme launched in 2016 in cooperation with H&M. How did that partnership come about? Claudia Hofmann: Within the Council, I was initially responsible for the area of education. Through a close relationship with Thorsten Mindermann, then Regional Manager for Central Europe at H&M, it made perfect sense to involve the fashion giant in supporting young talent in Germany. Interestingly, it was not only a first for the FCG — the Fellowship Programme by Fashion Council Germany and H&M was also the first collaboration of its kind for the Swedish company. The idea was to create a long-term programme in partnership with a major brand that would support designers across all areas. Ten designers qualified for the final round, and four were ultimately selected for the fellowship by a distinguished panel of experts. What did this support look like in practice, and what did participants take away from the experience? Claudia Hofmann: We connected the designers with influential mentors, and H&M provided them with in-depth insights into their internal processes over several weeks. It focused on coaching and expertise — sharing both background knowledge and practical experience. Many of the designers are still in close contact with their mentors today. One of the most remarkable examples of the opportunities such programmes can create is the story of Tim Labenda: Angela Missoni, who was part of the expert jury, immediately recognised his talent and offered him a position at her company on the spot. That example fits well with your 2016 statement that you saw a promising future for fashion made in Germany. Has your prediction come true? Claudia Hofmann: I think that’s something that needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the debate surrounding the supply chain law, U.S. tariffs, and other issues has clearly impacted both the fashion industry and creativity. Nevertheless, Germany remains economically strong, and purchasing power is still there. Fashion now needs to adapt in light of these changes. At the Fashion Council Germany, we have built important partnerships with councils and institutions in other countries, such as South Korea and the U.S., and have launched an exchange programme with Japan. German design is very popular in the Asian market, where there’s strong interest in our work here in Germany. It’s always inspiring to look at other markets and learn from them. What are German creatives particularly good at in an international comparison? Claudia Hofmann: German talent is incredibly diverse. They are hard-working, deeply committed, and have a strong sense of sustainability. I’ve worked closely with universities, and at graduation shows there were always teams from major international fashion houses — from France or Italy — such as Dior, Fendi, or Stella McCartney, who came specifically to recruit German graduates. Many designers from Germany work with remarkable dedication and focus. They also demonstrate an exceptional level of resilience. They know how to persevere. Fashion Council Germany now plays a leading role in organising and developing Berlin Fashion Week, which each season attracts growing attention. What do you particularly value about this platform? Claudia Hofmann: I find it remarkable that there are so many support programmes in place, backed by key decision-makers and the Senate. The curation of participating designers is excellent, and I’m always impressed by how they manage to continually reinvent themselves, both returning brands and newcomers alike. We’ve also succeeded in generating significant international attention, from the press to major buyers. It’s wonderful to see how the platform keeps evolving, growing stronger, more defined, and more confident with each season. Berlin Fashion Week has found its own identity; it no longer needs to compare itself to others. Ten years of Fashion Council Germany: what are you most proud of? Claudia Hofmann: First and foremost, I’m proud that we took the initiative, turned an idea into reality, and watched it grow into something truly significant. I’m proud of our success, our expanding membership, and above all, of the fantastic team that has built something meaningful — a team that gives designers visibility both nationally and internationally. We’ve managed to shift the perception of Germany from being seen merely as a “clothing country” to being recognised as a genuine fashion nation. I’m also proud of moments like our visit to the Federal Chancellery in 2017, where we succeeded in raising political awareness, or our collaboration with Oxford Economics and the resulting report on the state of German fashion. We’ve built connections, brought together diverse players across the industry, and helped shape a shared vision for its future. The past ten years have been, above all, vibrant! This interview is an excerpt from our 10-year Fashion Council Germany booklet, in which we reflect on a decade of shaping and advancing German fashion. Discover the full booklet and explore all the stories and highlights HERE . AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Manuel Almeida Vergara INFOS ANFRAGEN press@fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG Bringing the Heavyweights on Board - Interview with Claudia Hofmann

17. Dez. 2025 Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur Berlin Fashion Week ist ausgerufen. Auch diese Saison schreiben wir erneut den BFW Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb aus. Er richtet sich an aufstrebende Fotograf:innen – Studierende, Absolvent:innen und Young Professionals – aus den Bereichen Mode- und Streetstyle-Fotografie. Die Teilnehmenden werden dazu eingeladen, insgesamt fünf Fotos in verschiedenen Kategorien einzureichen, die anschließend von einer Fach-Jury bewertet werden. Ziel ist es, besondere Streetstyle-Momente und -Situationen während der Berlin Fashion Week einzufangen. Die Fotos des Gewinners oder der Gewinnerin werden anschließend im Fräulein Magazin veröffentlicht! Darüber hinaus wird die/der Gewinner:in als offizielle:r Fotograf:in zur kommenden BFW im Sommer eingeladen. Wir sind gespannt auf Eure Einsendungen! 30. Januar 2026: Submission geöffnet 10. Februar 2026: Submission geschlossen Ende Februar 2026: Bekanntgabe der Gewinner:innen HIER könnt Ihr Euch Bewerben. AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Marie Zimmermann INFOS ANFRAGEN coordination[at]fashionweek.berlin WEBSITE/S https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/street-style-photgraphy-competition https://fashionweek.berlin/index.html MITGLIEDER Previous Next Berlin Fashion Week Der Streetstyle Fotowettbewerb zur BFW geht in die fünfte Runde

2. Juli 2025 Under the theme Lead & Thrive: Building the Business of Tomorrow , day three of ‘ METAMORPHOSIS – dialogues about change’ powered by eBay provided a glimpse into the minds of today’s fashion leaders: What does visionary thinking look like now? How do you build a brand with purpose? And which values guide those shaping the future of fashion? A standout moment was the much-anticipated conversation between Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of Fashion Council Germany, and top model and entrepreneur Toni Garrn, exploring the question: Can fashion be a force for good? Interview: Thread by Thread: Edward Buchanan on Crafting a Fashion Future with Edward Buchanan (Creative Director, KSAT) & Rabea Schif (TV Host & Philanthropist) In this intimate and inspiring session, Edward Buchanan shared insights from his journey as a designer and advocate for inclusion, reflecting on creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural responsibility. From his early days at Bottega Veneta to his vision for a more intentional, purpose-driven industry, Buchanan called for fashion that places people and meaning at its core. Keynote: Strategic Leadership in Fashion Innovation with Maria Sbiti (Sustainability & Innovation Director, Freelance) Innovation needs more than big ideas—it requires leaders who can turn vision into real-world impact. In her keynote, Maria drew on her experience at Pangaia and Christian Louboutin to show how purpose-driven leadership and operational excellence are reshaping the fashion industry for the better. Panel: The Power of Communication: Building Brands That Matter with Christian Bracht (CEO, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, H&B Publishing), Fabian Arnold (CEO, Hypeneedz), Julien Rosilio (Founder & CEO, Oriane), Hikmet Sugoer (Founder, SONRA) & Sera Akyazici (Founder, TOURIST) This panel explored how powerful storytelling, clear values, and authentic messaging help brands stand out and build meaningful connections in a saturated market. Featuring voices from print, tech, and street culture, it revealed how narrative shapes relevance and trust in today’s fashion landscape. Interview: Let Clothes Do Good – In Conversation with Toni Garrn with Toni Garrn (Model & Founder, Super Flea Market) & Christiane Arp (Chairwoman, Fashion Council Germany) In this inspiring conversation, Toni Garrn and Christiane Arp explored how fashion can move beyond aesthetics to drive real impact. By blending advocacy with leadership, they showed how purpose-driven design and empowered communities can turn fashion into a force for good. Interview: From Vision to Venture: Building a creative Fashion Startup with Ann Claes (Co-Founder & Techno-optimist, Masjien), Serge Carreira (Director Emerging Brands Initiative, Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode) & Sara Sozzani Maino (Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani) Turning creativity into a viable business is no easy feat. In this session, Serge Carreira and Sara Maino shared how strategic guidance, strong support systems, and practical know-how can help emerging designers grow their vision into lasting fashion brands. Keynote: The New Wardrobe: Transforming Fashion Ownership in the Digital Age with Karinna Grant (Founder & CEO, Keeper) Karinna Grant examined the move from physical ownership to shared, fractional, and digital fashion models as solutions to overproduction and environmental challenges. The session highlighted how blockchain, immersive experiences, and co-ownership platforms are reshaping consumer values—prioritizing meaning and heritage over materialism in the future wardrobe. Photo-Credit: Finnegan Godenschweger AUTOR:IN Fashion Council Germany ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Comm2 Team INFOS ANFRAGEN press[at]fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITE/S https://www.metamorphosistalks.com/ MITGLIEDER Previous Next Berlin Fashion Week ‘METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change’ - RECAP DAY 3