Scott W.J. Lipinski CEO Nico A. Hoffmeister LOCAL ONE Maria Terre Office Management Katrin Duede HR & Finance Team Simone Soll-Urban Finance Team Tine Wawer Events Jens Kornberger Events Antara Gill Berlin Fashion Week Team Stefan Brunner Berlin Fashion Week Team Niklas Jendryke Berlin Fashion Week Team Victoria Kern Berlin Fashion Week Team Mara Eichhorn Berlin Fashion Week Team Marie Zimmermann Berlin Fashion Week Team Sander Cornilly International Projects Laura Altenberg International Projects Leonie Otto International Projects Laura Pohl International Projects Manuel Almeida Vergara Comm2 Team Raphael Schreiber Comm2 Team Ronja Hetland Comm2 Team Alena Berning Sustainability, Responsibility & Education Zoe Schnepel Sustainability, Responsibility & Education Paula Fröling Sustainability, Responsibility & Education Holly Lady Franz-Joseph Vorstand Christiane Arp Vorstand Dirk Schönberger Vorstand Marie-Louise Berg Vorstand Simone Hartmann Vorstand Roel de Cooman Vorstand Präsidium Nadja Swarovski Präsidium Sung-Joo Kim Präsidium Manuela Kampp-Wirtz Präsidium Claudia Hofmann Präsidium Chris Stricker Präsidium Marcus Kurz Präsidium Janina Lin Otto Präsidium John Cloppenburg Präsidium Christina Oster-Daum Präsidium Magdalena Schaffrin Präsidium Olaf Schmidt Präsidium Philipp Wolff Präsidium Dr. Christian Ehler Präsidium Inga Griese Präsidium David Fischer Präsidium Mandie Bienek Präsidium Anita Tillmann Präsidium Unser Team Der Fashion Council Germany wird von drei Organen strategisch und operativ geführt: Operationsteam, Vereinsvorstand und Präsidium Team Filter Alle

International Fashion Week Calendar JUN 11 - 14, 2026 London Fashion Week Fall Winter 26/27 JUN 16 - 19, 2026 Pitti Immagine Uomo JUN 19 - 23, 2026 Milan Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2027 JUN 23 - 28, 2026 Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring Summer 2027 JUL 02 - 05, 2026 Berlin Fashion Week Spring Summer 2027 JUL 06 - 09, 2026 Paris Haute Couture AUG 03 - 07, 2026 Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring Summer 2027 AUG 31 - SEP 05, 2026 Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo Spring Summer 2027 SEP 09 - 14, 2026 New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2027 SEP 17 - 21, 2026 London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2027 SEP 28 - OCT 06, 2026 Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2027 City

19.05.2026 19:00 - 22:00 Uhr Networking FCG FIRESIDECHAT: München View Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. 31.05.2026 Event Finissage: "Gallery Looks"- und "Fashion X Craft: Echoes of Tomorrow"-Ausstellungen View Im Rahmen einer Finissage verabschieden wir uns von unseren Ausstellungen "Gallery Looks" und "Fashion X Craft: Echoes of Tomorrow" am 31. Mai 2026 in der Gemäldegalerie. Das Programm der Veranstaltung wird bald bekannt gegeben. Juni 2026 19:00 Networking FCG FIRESIDECHAT: Mannheim View Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. Juli 2026 12:00 Konferenz 'METAMORPHOSIS - dialogues about change', powered by eBay View Die fünfte Edition unseres Talk-Formats 'Metamorphosis - dialogues about change', powered by eBay findet während der Berlin Fashion Week im Juli 2026 statt. Expert:innen aus den Bereichen Mode und Kreislaufwirtschaft sprechen hier über die verschiedenen Facetten und notwendigen Veränderungen in der Modebranche. 02.07.2026 19:00 - 22:00 Uhr Networking Berlin Fashion Week Opening Dinner View Mit dem Opening Dinner während der Berlin Fashion Week bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. 02. - 05.07.2026 Berlin Fashion Week Berlin Fashion Week SS27 View Die Berlin Fashion Week findet zwei Mal jährlich in Berlin statt und präsentiert die Kollektionen von aufstrebenden und etablierten Designer:innen an vier aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen. Die Show- und Präsentationsformate finden in diversen Locations überall in der Hauptstadt statt. 05.07.2026 Networking Berlin Fashion Week Closing Party View Mit der offiziellen Closing Party feiern wir das Ende der Berlin Fashion Week mit den teilnehmenden Brands, der internationalen sowie nationalen Gästen, der Presse und weiteren Akteuren der BFW. August 2026 Networking FCG FIRESIDECHAT: Berlin View Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. 30.08. - 04.09.2026 Delegationsreise Berlin Fashion X International Delegationsreise Seoul View Im September 2026 geht es für einige deutsche Labels im Rahmen einer Delegationsreise, organisiert von unserem Internationalisierungsprojekt Berlin Fashion X International und gefördert von der Berliner Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe, nach Seoul/Südkorea, um durch Workshops, Showrooms und Store-Besuche ihre Präsenz auf dem koreanischen Markt auszubauen. September 2026 Networking FCG FIRESIDECHAT: München View Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. Oktober 2026 Networking FCG FIRESIDECHAT: Hamburg View Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. November 2026 Konferenz Fashion Zukunft Konferenz in Schottland View Die FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz findet jährlich im historischen Anwesen Dumfries House in Schottland statt. Mit verschiedenen Workshops, Panel-Talks und Gastvorträgen widmen sich die knapp 100 Teilnehmer:innen aus Deutschland und der UK aktuellen Themen der Modebranche. Der Fokus liegt hier besonders auf Schüler:innen, Studierenden und Start-Ups. November 2026 Reise Generation Zukunft Reise nach Schottland für Schüler:innen View Durch unser Bildungsprojekt "Generation Zukunft" bekommen jährlich Schüler:innen die Chance, bei einer mehrtägigen Reise nach Schottland dabei zu sein. Im Dumfries House – der Bildungstätte der The King's Foundation – nehmen sie an Workshops und an der FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz teil, um ihr Wissen über die Modeindustrie zu festigen und sich auszutauschen. November 2026 10:00 - 14:00 Uhr Versammlung Jahresmitgliederversammlung View Einmal jährlich findet die Jahresmitgliederversammlung statt. Hier kommen alle Mitglieder des FCG sowie der Vorstand zusammen, um das vergangene Jahr Revue passieren zu lassen und über mögliche Änderungen zu informieren / abzustimmen. Monat Alle Kategorie Alle Veranstalter Alle

Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. FCG FIRESIDECHAT: Hamburg Oktober 2026 Mit dem Networking Event FIRESIDECHATS bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. VERANSTALTER:IN Fashion Council Germany DATUM Oktober 2026 ORT Hamburg ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Tine Wawer E-Mail Adresse tine.wawer[at]fashion-council-germany.org Anmeldung (falls möglich) nur auf Einladung Website https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/initiativen/firesidechats Previous Next

Durch unser Bildungsprojekt "Generation Zukunft" bekommen jährlich Schüler:innen die Chance, bei einer mehrtägigen Reise nach Schottland dabei zu sein. Im Dumfries House – der Bildungstätte der The King's Foundation – nehmen sie an Workshops und an der FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz teil, um ihr Wissen über die Modeindustrie zu festigen und sich auszutauschen. Generation Zukunft Reise nach Schottland für Schüler:innen November 2026 Durch unser Bildungsprojekt "Generation Zukunft" bekommen jährlich Schüler:innen die Chance, bei einer mehrtägigen Reise nach Schottland dabei zu sein. Im Dumfries House – der Bildungstätte der The King's Foundation – nehmen sie an Workshops und an der FASHION ZUKUNFT Konferenz teil, um ihr Wissen über die Modeindustrie zu festigen und sich auszutauschen. VERANSTALTER:IN Fashion Council Germany DATUM November 2026 ORT Schottland ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Leonie Otto E-Mail Adresse lot[at[fashion-council-germany.org Anmeldung (falls möglich) für Schüler:innen nach Auswahlverfahren Website https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/initiativen/generation-zukunft Previous Next

Mit der offiziellen Closing Party feiern wir das Ende der Berlin Fashion Week mit den teilnehmenden Brands, der internationalen sowie nationalen Gästen, der Presse und weiteren Akteuren der BFW. Berlin Fashion Week Closing Party 05.07.2026 Mit der offiziellen Closing Party feiern wir das Ende der Berlin Fashion Week mit den teilnehmenden Brands, der internationalen sowie nationalen Gästen, der Presse und weiteren Akteuren der BFW. VERANSTALTER:IN Fashion Council Germany DATUM 05.07.2026 ORT Berlin ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Tine Wawer E-Mail Adresse tine.wawer[at]fashion-council-germany.org Anmeldung (falls möglich) nur nach Einladung Website Previous Next

Next Previous FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND Initiatives ZIELGRUPPE Newcomer Brands und junge Designer:innen mit 2 – 15 Jahren am Markt BEWERBUNG 2024: Abgeschlossen 2025: Abgeschlossen KATEGORIEN Award ABOUT THE INITIATIVE VOGUE Germany und der FCG bringen die deutsche Ausgabe des Fashion Fund nach Berlin. Im Rahmen des Wettbewerbs FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund werden junge Designtalente gesucht, die einen innovativen und kreativen Ansatz verfolgen. ALL INFORMATION Mit dem FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND rufen der FCG und VOGUE Germany einen Wettbewerb zur Förderung von aufstrebenden Designtalenten aus. Die Initiative wurde in 2024 zum ersten Mal in Deutschland umgesetzt und wurde durch Condé Nast bereits in den USA, der UK, China und Spanien etabliert. Zu den Preisträger:innen zählten bisher unter anderen RICHARD QUINN (2022), 16ARLINGTON (2023) und Melitta Baumeister (2023). Angekündigt wurde der Wettbewerb während des offiziellen Berlin Fashion Week Opening im Februar 2024 – im September 2024 wurde aus sieben Finalist:innen Kasia Kucharska zur ersten Gewinnerin ernannt . Die zweite Edition wurde im November 2025 offiziell bekanntgegeben. Balletshofer , Gerrit Jacob , GmbH , Haderlump Atelier Berlin , Kitschy Couture , Laura Gerte und Lou de Bètoly wurden von der Jury zu den Finalist:innen ernannt. Ende März 2026 wurde das Gewinner-Label bekannt gegeben: GmbH sind die Sieger des zweiten FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund. ÜBER DAS PROJEKT: Im Rahmen des FCG/VOGUE FASHION FUND wird ein Wettbewerb ausgelobt, der sich an junge Designer:innen aus Deutschland richtet, um diesen internationale Sichtbarkeit zu verleihen. Gesucht werden Designer:innen die mit ihrem Label insbesondere einen innovativen Ansatz verfolgen. Der / die Gewinner:in wird mit einem Preisgeld von 50.000 Euro, bereitgestellt von KIKO MILANO, und zusätzlichen Leistungen ausgezeichnet. Diese beinhalten u.a. eine redaktionelle Einbindung bei VOGUE Germany, eine Fashion Show während der Berlin Fashion Week im Juli 2026, diverse Kommunikationsleistungen durch Condé Nast und den FCG sowie ein exklusives Business Mentoring Programm, welches den / die Gewinner:in mit Branchenexpert:innen aus verschiedenen Bereichen wie Sales, Produktion, Styling, Lieferketten und Handwerkskunst zusammen bringt. Außerdem profitiert er / sie vom Zugang zum internen FCG-Netzwerk und erhält eine kostenlose fünfjährige FCG-Mitgliedschaft. So werden umfangreiche Networking-Möglichkeiten geschaffen, in denen sich der / die Gewinner:in mit jungen Talenten und einflussreichen Persönlichkeiten der internationalen Modebranche connecten kann. ANFORDERUNGEN: Um an dem Wettbewerb teilnehmen zu können, mussten die Designer:innen die folgenden Anforderungen erfüllen: Aktives Fashion Business: mind. 2 Jahre – max. 15 Jahre am Markt Hauptsitz des Unternehmens in Deutschland Max. 30 Vollzeitbeschäftigte Max. 10 Millionen Euro Gesamtumsatz pro Jahr TIMELINE 2025-2026: 04.11.25: Verkündigung der zweiten Edition des FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund 04.11. – 07.12.25: Bewerbungsphase 08.12.25 – 19.01.26: Jury Bewertung 19.01. - 23.01.26 : Benachrichtigung der 7 Finalist:innen Feb 2026: Verkündung der Finalist:innen während der Berlin Fashion Week März 2026: Verkündung des Gewinners Ab April 2026: Mentoring Programm des Gewinners Juli 2026: Präsentation einer Kollektion des Gewinners während der Berlin Fashion Week JURY 2025-2026 Christiane Arp, Vorstandsvorsitzende Fashion Council Germany Mumi Haiati, CEO & Founder Reference Studios Scott Lipinski, CEO Fashion Council Germany Katrin Schneider, Marketing Director DE/CH bei KIKO Milano Kerstin Weng, Head of Editorial Content bei Vogue Germany Patrick Pendiuk, Fashion Features Director bei Vogue Germany FINALIST:INNEN 2025-2026: Balletshofer , Gerrit Jacob , GmbH , Haderlump Atelier Berlin , Kitschy Couture , Laura Gerte und Lou de Bètoly . GEWINNER 2026: GmbH GEWINNERIN 2024: Kasia Kucharska ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Laura Altenberg TELEFON +49 30 994 0489 64 INFOS ANFRAGEN laura.altenberg[at]fashion-council-germany.org WEBSITES https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/stories/meet-the-fcg%2Fvogue-fashion-fund-finalists-2025%2F26 https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/stories/gmbh-gewinnen-den-fcg%2Fvogue-fashion-fund-2026 https://www.condenast.de/de

Condé Nast I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. To update me, go to the Data Manager. The Data Manager is where you store data to use in your site pages, or collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. This collection in the Data Manager is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, you can import a CSV file or simply edit the placeholder text. You can also add more fields which you can connect to other page elements so the content displays on your published site. Remember to sync the collection so your content is live! You can add as many new collections as you need to store or collect data. Email Phone Number Eine schöne Quote von unseren Patrons wird hier eingeblendet. GmbH gewinnen den FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund 2026 Deutsche Mode auf Expansionskurs: Zwölf Brands auf Delegationsreise in Tokio Apply now: Innovative concepts wanted for Berlin Fashion Week in July 2026 Letzte Chance: Jetzt für den eBay Circular Fashion Fund bewerben

Mit dem Opening Dinner während der Berlin Fashion Week bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. Berlin Fashion Week Opening Dinner 02.07.2026 Mit dem Opening Dinner während der Berlin Fashion Week bringt der Fashion Council Germany Entscheidungsträger:innen der deutschen Modebranche zusammen. Darunter: Fashion Brands, Designer:innen, Redakteur:innen, Politische Entscheidungsträger:innen, etc. VERANSTALTER:IN Fashion Council Germany DATUM 02.07.2026 ORT Berlin ANSPRECHPARTNER:IN Tine Wawer E-Mail Adresse tine.wawer[at]fashion-council-germany.org Anmeldung (falls möglich) nur auf Einladung Website Previous Next

Condé Nast I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. To update me, go to the Data Manager. The Data Manager is where you store data to use in your site pages, or collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. This collection in the Data Manager is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, you can import a CSV file or simply edit the placeholder text. You can also add more fields which you can connect to other page elements so the content displays on your published site. Remember to sync the collection so your content is live! You can add as many new collections as you need to store or collect data. Email Phone Number Eine schöne Quote von unseren Patrons wird hier eingeblendet. GmbH gewinnen den FCG/VOGUE Fashion Fund 2026 Deutsche Mode auf Expansionskurs: Zwölf Brands auf Delegationsreise in Tokio Apply now: Innovative concepts wanted for Berlin Fashion Week in July 2026 Letzte Chance: Jetzt für den eBay Circular Fashion Fund bewerben

12. Dez. 2025 “I always enjoy working with the members of the Fashion Council Germany on challenges and political ideas,” says Dr. Christian Ehler, CDU politician and Member of the European Parliament. In this interview, Ehler, who also sits on the Fashion Council Germany’s Advisory Board, explains why associations like Fashion Council Germany and collaborative projects such as the European Fashion Alliance become especially important when matters become serious at the EU level. Interview by Grit Thönissen Christian Ehler, what does the term “European fashion” mean to you? Dr. Christian Ehler: For me, European fashion is not just something we take out of our wardrobe every morning. It is also culture — a living expression of European values and creativity. At the same time, it represents economic strength and global relevance. Around the world, European fashion showcases our history and our culture. Considering this relevance as you describe it, how significant is the work of the European Fashion Alliance, which you support in various ways? Dr. Christian Ehler: The EFA holds great importance in my view. As a European association of fashion professionals from nearly all European countries, the European Fashion Alliance represents a diverse network of companies, designers, and creatives on the European stage, a form of representation that had long been missing. Although textile manufacturers already had established associations, the needs and challenges of the fashion sector are quite different from those of the textile industry. Now, there is finally a unified voice that EU representatives can refer to. And what about Fashion Council Germany as part of the EFA? How has the role of this relatively young council developed in recent years? Dr. Christian Ehler: In my opinion — outstandingly! The Fashion Council Germany has secured a strong position within German political and social life and has become indispensable. Through its wide range of event formats, the FCG succeeds in bringing society, fashion, and politics to the same table. I’m very pleased to continue accompanying this journey as a member of the Advisory Board. Founded only ten years ago, Fashion Council Germany is relatively young. In France, for example, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has existed for around 150 years, and in Italy, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana for almost 70. Nevertheless, the FCG plays a central role in the EFA. With Scott Lipinski serving as Chairman of the European Fashion Alliance, the Fashion Council Germany currently holds a leading position — and that’s very good news. Germany has a wealth of talented designers and fashion professionals, and, let’s be honest, a certain talent for organisation, which certainly doesn’t hurt. The founding of the Alliance was made possible largely through Mr. Lipinski’s persistent efforts, so to me, it’s only logical that the Fashion Council Germany is now at the forefront of the EFA’s work. Is the cultural and creative sector, to which fashion also belongs in Germany, taken seriously as an industry in the European Parliament? From both an economic and social perspective? Dr. Christian Ehler: Absolutely, the cultural and creative industries are recognised! During the last legislative term, we organised many formats and events that highlighted and strengthened the role of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in Europe. The European Commission also developed a report on the status of CCIs in Europe, outlining many opportunities and tasks for the future. So yes, from both a social and an economic perspective, Europe is paying close attention to this sector. Where do you see the current key issues for the industry in Europe, and where does it need support from the EU right now? Dr. Christian Ehler: For me, there are two main areas. First, strengthening European companies as they transition toward an economically successful and sustainable future. Environmental legislation poses real challenges for many businesses — we need to reform it while also providing practical support for implementation. Second, digitalisation. Both consumer behaviour and business models have changed significantly. The digital product passport, for example, which will soon be introduced across the EU, could not only inform consumers about garments but also provide companies with valuable insights into consumer behaviour. The EU can play a crucial role in supporting projects and innovation in this field. So it does make sense, even for smaller fashion companies, to engage with the EU and align with the policies developed at that level? Dr. Christian Ehler: Of course. At the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, we are working to minimise the impact of regulations such as the Ecodesign Directive and the Green Claims Directive, both of which we in the CDU/CSU entirely reject, on small and medium-sized enterprises. But other regulations, including those on chemicals and digital policy, also affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMIs). For us as politicians, it can sometimes be difficult to fully understand how certain laws influence smaller businesses, which is exactly why it’s so important for these companies to engage with policymakers, invest their time, and actively help shape legislation and funding programmes. You also participated in the “Fashion Policy Round Table,” which took place for the second time in autumn 2024 and was initiated by the EFA. What is the purpose of this event? Dr. Christian Ehler: As a parliamentarian, these are precisely the kinds of events and moments that give me a comprehensive understanding of the fashion sector — its current state, its challenges, concerns, and successes. At the same time, they provide the fashion industry with a platform to showcase its work and help shape its future. The Status of European Fashion report also plays an important role here. Only through such an informed assessment can we develop the right measures for the future. Back from the European level to Germany: you are a member of the Fashion Council Germany’s Advisory Board yourself. What benefits does this bring you, aside from the responsibilities? Dr. Christian Ehler: I don’t see my membership on the Advisory Board as an obligation at all — for me, the FCG is a space for exchange and idea generation. And I must admit, I always have a great time working with the members of Fashion Council Germany on challenges or political ideas! Has this commitment also influenced your own perception of fashion? What does clothing mean to you personally? Dr. Christian Ehler: Clothing means a great deal to me. While the playful possibilities in men’s fashion are somewhat limited, I own hundreds of ties and cufflinks, which I enjoy combining in different ways. There was a period when I wore ties less often, but I’ve since returned to them. Is there an informal dress code in the European Parliament that you observe? Dr. Christian Ehler: There used to be an informal dress code among Members of Parliament, a shared understanding of appropriate attire that also conveyed respect for the institution of the European Parliament. Unfortunately, that no longer exists. I view this growing informality with some scepticism, as it also reflects, to some extent, a more casual attitude toward democracy itself. And generally speaking, some turkey-necked gentlemen might actually benefit from wearing a tie again! 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 https://www.fashion-council-germany.org/ MITGLIEDER Previous Next 10 YEARS FCG Listen Up, Brussels! Interview with Dr. Christian Ehler

5. Dez. 2025 “The founding of Fashion Council Germany was not a spontaneous idea – it was a strategic necessity,” says Anita Tillmann. “We knew that a lot would have to change,” adds Marie-Louise Berg. In this interview, the two FCG founding members look back on the origins of Fashion Council Germany – and share their hopes for its future. Interview by Manuel Almeida Vergara You still remember the exact moment when the idea to found Fashion Council Germany first came up? Anita Tillmann: By the time of its founding in 2015, several major fashion fairs and design formats had already been established in Germany. For example, I had persuaded IMG and Mercedes-Benz to launch Fashion Week Berlin back in 2007. This meant that German fashion had already gained visibility — but there was still no institutional framework to represent it politically and economically. While organisations such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America, founded in 1962, and the British Fashion Council, founded in 1983, had long existed, Germany only had associations focused on industry and commerce. In addition to the strong presentation platforms already in place, we needed an institution to provide strategic and political representation. So, the founding of Fashion Council Germany was not a spontaneous idea — it was a strategic necessity. Marie-Louise Berg: For me, the real spark came from a meeting with Mandie Bienek and Claudia Hofmann, who are also part of the Council’s founding team. At the time, I was deeply frustrated with how Berlin Fashion Week — once the focal point of the industry — was developing. After the first few years, when it took place in a large tent at such symbolic and prestigious locations as Bebelplatz or right next to the Brandenburg Gate, it was moved in 2014 to the Erika-Heß Ice Stadium, which was then almost entirely surrounded by the massive construction site of the new BND headquarters. Yet Berlin was meant to position itself as a fashion capital. We knew it would not be Paris, Milan or London, but it had to create its own signature identity while joining the international fashion circle. ODEEH SS25 by Luna Schaffron So, what happened next after that initial idea? Marie-Louise Berg: The concrete founding phase actually began, at least in part, at my private dinner table — until Anita generously provided us with our first office space, which we were able to use rent-free. From there, we began working on the legal framework needed to establish such an association, searched for a name that wasn’t yet trademarked, and organized basic funding and staffing. Anita Tillmann: At that time, we also identified the key personalities and institutions we needed to bring on board to ensure true credibility and impact. We deliberately approached potential founding members who could strengthen the Council’s foundation and help establish its relevance right from the very beginning. Were there any hurdles in this early phase that you hadn’t expected? Anita Tillmann: We had anticipated many external challenges — but perhaps underestimated the complexity of the internal work within such a diverse team. Alongside Marie-Louise, who contributed an important cultural perspective and strong connections to ministries and sponsors, and myself, representing the business side with experience in trade fairs, platforms, and brand development, the founding team also included experts from areas such as design and media. Each of us brought our own priorities and perspectives to the table. Christiane Arp, Claudia Hofman, Marcus Kurz, Mandie Bienek, Marie-Louise Berg und Anita Tillmann, 2016 But that diversity within the team must also have been enriching for the development of such an association, right? Anita Tillmann: In theory, it was absolutely essential — but in practice, it could also naturally create friction, yet it’s precisely those tensions that drive progress. So yes, I would say without hesitation that Fashion Council Germany would not be where it is today if it hadn’t been so diverse right from the very beginning. So, in the end, all of you agreed on a shared goal? Marie-Louise Berg: I’d rather say — on several shared goals! We wanted fashion to be recognised — both socially and politically — as a valuable cultural asset and an important economic sector, just as it has long been acknowledged in countries such as France, Italy, and the UK. To that end, we quickly identified the promotion of young talent and emerging designers in Germany as one of our core missions. Anita Tillmann: We had identified a gap that needed to be filled — the institutional representation of the fashion industry, which simply hadn’t existed before. For me, the economic dimension was the decisive one: if you look at the monitoring report of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy on the cultural and creative industries — which includes fashion in Germany — you’ll see that the sector secured two million jobs in 2024 and generated a total turnover of 204.5 billion euros in 2023. That’s a record figure, and a considerable share of it can be attributed to fashion. Our goal was to bring together the brands, designers, and producers responsible for these impressive results under one united voice — and that remains our mission today. Were you able to gain strong partners right from the start to give that voice weight? Marie-Louise Berg: For me personally, it was clear from the outset that we first needed to build strong political relationships. Strategically, I reached out early on to Dr. Christian Ehler, a Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and a good friend. After a year of EU compliance checks, it was confirmed that he could join our Advisory Board — a position he still holds today. From the very beginning, Christian Ehler believed in the idea and the founding team of the Council and continues to support us with great commitment. He’s a key advocate for the cultural and creative industries — particularly for fashion — and an invaluable advisor in strategy and political relations. The Berlin Senate had always shown an openness to dialogue with us as well, and over the past few years we have worked especially closely and trustfully together. What about on a federal level? Marie-Louise Berg: In 2018, we succeeded in organizing a meeting at the Federal Chancellery, where we discussed our goals with then-Chancellor Angela Merkel. About 100 representatives of the fashion industry attended — it was the very first time in the history of the Federal Republic that fashion had been received at such a level and in such a way. We were able to show Angela Merkel that fashion is valued very differently in other countries, and that it would be both meaningful and important for the German economy if the same recognition were given here. The Chancellor then asked us to present a comprehensive picture of the industry. This led to the report Status Deutscher Mode , commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics — which we presented for the second time in 2024. That report opened many more doors for us, also internationally. Anita Tillmann: For me, that meeting at the Chancellery — access to which we largely owe to Marie-Louise — was a defining moment in the Council’s history. The founding of our association had already sparked considerable interest, but through our efforts, politics, media, and industry began to recognize that fashion is not merely a matter of lifestyle — it’s a driver of economic strength and an important factor in location policy. That meeting with Angela Merkel captured this shift perfectly. It was a crucial moment, because the credibility of an association grows with its results. Since then, Fashion Council Germany has continued to strengthen its professional standing and to demonstrate its impact through concrete achievements — even though certain parts of politics and business still tend to regard fashion as a “soft” topic. Marie-Louise Berg: That’s also why I would name another initiative as equally important — both for the Council and for the German fashion industry as a whole. In 2021, together with stakeholders and associations from twelve other cultural and creative sectors, we founded k3d – Koalition Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft in Deutschland. Scott Lipinski, Mandie Bienek, Marie-Louise Berg, Angela Merkel, Christiane Arp, Claudia Hofmann, Anita Tillmann, Dorothee Bär und Marcus Kurz im Bundeskanzleramt, 2018 Finally, if we don’t look ten years back but ten years ahead — what do you wish for Fashion Council Germany in 2035? Anita Tillmann: I hope that by 2035, Fashion Council Germany will be recognised as an equal player — on par with the major business associations — with genuine influence on political and economic decision-making, and with a visible impact on building a sustainable, globally connected fashion industry in Germany. Marie-Louise Berg: I would put it the same way: I hope the Council will have further consolidated and expanded its role as the key partner for the social and political recognition — and strengthening — of fashion in Germany. I wish for it to be perceived internationally as Germany’s leading fashion authority and as a driving force behind a truly sustainable yet globally competitive fashion industry. And I hope it will continue to bring even more talent and their innovative creativity and skills in craftsmanship to light — symbolising diversity and unity across disciplines. 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 Our Founding Story: From a Private Dinner Table to the Chancellor’s Office