Berlin. The Place to Be for Fashion?

I think the pressure that we should be putting on our new, our famous and our infamous designers is to get creative. Shock us without telling us what we are buying. Turn out sustainably designed clothing and make that the only option for a season or two…or ten. Until then, I feel quite reassured in my vintage obsession. I’m not a label whore, thank you very much, I am simply doing my part for the environment. Merci to the fashionable people of the past.

It is in this space of shocking new creation, sustainability and opportunity that the 20 featured designers from Berlin had a grand stage to claim their place amongst the fashion elite. Unfortunately, they chose to decorate the stage as if a deconstructed igloo. That was harsh; I know how cold it gets in Germany. But, all’s fair in love and fashion and the design truly reminded me of an off-off-Broadway play’s set. The crowd was primed to give a standing ovation.

The fashion show was more a fashion installation, maybe an art party. Four to five models were on the different blocks of faux ice at the same time, rotating their turn every twenty seconds or so. The models were reminiscent of New York’s fashion week, pale white faces with a silver shiny slickness to them. Reminded me of a rebirth, like a fresh start to dieting again. But, to the contrary, it wasn’t a rebirth. It was the same old bloated, script we’ve heard before in Bryant Park. I was expecting to be blown away with innovation and newness but, unfortunately for me, the expectant crowd and, most importantly, the designers, I was not.

Don’t get me wrong, there were some excellent pieces that I absolutely had to have. The sea anenomie sweater vest reached new heights of playing with shapes and proportion and the gnarled, multi-colored yarn dress was a piece that can be seen in Stella Mcartney’s left brain or, wait, is it the right? Whichever one is the creative, daring side. I wish I could tell you who created each of these and other standout pieces, but the convoluted Inuit layout of the catwalk made it impossible to distinguish between designers. The formerly energetic audience was quiet.

Berlin might very well be the “place to be” but only if they can sustain and further develop the creativity that brought them to New York and not fall victim to its tired and usual theatrics.