Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage at Berlin Fashion Week (BFW)
Berlin Fashion Week (BFW) witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability, with brands such as People, Avenir, Haderlump, and Rianna + Nina demonstrating that style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. As the hectic schedule wound down, attendees were treated to an exceptional event in the Mitte district, hosted by People, a fashion brand with a unique mission.
People collaborates with young individuals aged 13 to 27 who are homeless, struggle with mental health issues, or face drug addiction. Together, they create handmade clothing, accessories, ceramics, and design objects. Co-founder Ayleen Meissner explained, “We started the project because of a longing to bring fashion back to people, to bring it into the middle of society and to have it more inclusive, more diverse, and less elite.”
Launched in 2015 by Meissner and Cornelia Zoller, People is committed to zero waste, upcycling, and promoting gender and size fluidity. Meissner emphasized the importance of connecting fashion with people facing challenges, blending fashion, psychology, and social work to empower young people through design. Their latest collection, “Edition 6: Less,” is a response to societal pressures and norms, featuring natural dyes and eco-friendly pigments. The collection, displayed at the Nella Beljan Gallery until July 23, includes hand-crocheted bags, raw silk trousers, and deconstructed suiting.
People participated in the Studio2Retail program, organized by Fashion Council Germany (FCG), which provides grants to designers to connect with consumers. Scott Lipinski, FCG’s chief executive, highlighted the initiative’s aim to integrate BFW into the community, emphasizing fashion’s role in shaping young people’s ideas and celebrating individuality.
Another highlight was Avenir’s public runway show near Potsdamer Platz, showcasing sustainable denim designs tailored for modern commuters. Founded by Sophie Claussen in 2020, Avenir champions a circular economy model, utilizing surplus fabrics sourced from the Spanish textile platform Recovo. This approach allows Avenir to scale collections despite the challenges of using deadstock fabrics.
Haderlump also focused on sustainability by using deadstock fabrics and producing made-to-order items locally in Berlin. Other notable events included an exhibition and panel discussion by Natascha von Hirschhausen and CSR.ART, the Black in Fashion pop-up event curated by Buki Akomolafe, and a show by slow fashion brand Rianna + Nina.
Carina Bischof, chairwoman and co-founder of Fashion Revolution Germany, noted the significant groundwork being laid through various talks and events. Avenir, for example, hosted a textile printing workshop for The Lissome magazine, which advocates for fashion rooted in reciprocity and craft.
Berlin’s supportive infrastructure, collaborative community, and favorable government policies make it a fertile ground for sustainable enterprises. BFW, revitalized under FCG since 2022, emphasizes community as its core message. Christiane Arp, FCG’s chairwoman, praised the local and international community spirit reflected throughout the event, underscoring the inclusive and progressive culture of Berlin.
From the opening party to the closing event, Berlin Fashion Week celebrated the synergy between sustainability and fashion, proving that ethical practices and stylish design are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary forces driving the future of fashion.
Content courtesy of Berlin Fashion Week & NFHÂ
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