Within the vast program of Berlin Fashion Week that kicked off on September 5, Estethica, the ethical fashion showcase, has returned and took place in Berlin from September 3 to September 7.
As a follow-up to the Fashion Open Studio initiative held in Berlin, Estethica presented ‘What Lies Ahead’ featuring a group exhibition held within 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit, also hosted a series of challenging talks and discussions, and the launch of an exclusive collaboration with The Pool rental hub.
"In Solidarity" is part of the continued support for Ukraine’s fashion industry, which began with Jean Gritsfeldt’s show which closed Berlin Fashion Week in March 2022. Gritsfeldt’s collection was amongst others produced and made possible through the solidarity and voluntary support of Fashion Revolution Germany and Berlin’s sustainable fashion community. For September 2022, four Ukrainian designers have been selected for a new program which provides business and financial support.
The support for Ukrainian fashion designers is a joint effort of the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Labor, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Der Berliner Salon, Estethica, Fashion Council Germany, Neo.Fashion and 202030 - The Berlin Fashion Summit, and an expression of the ongoing sympathy and solidarity with Ukraine.
The Estethica program for Berlin Fashion Week September 22 also includes a live upcycling lab with the Berliner Stadtmission and Haus der Materialisierung to celebrate the craft, commitment and uncompromising ethos of a new generation of designers for whom sustainability is fundamental.
A selection of ten designers from Berlin and Ukraine presented their work in a highly stylised group exhibition, ‘What Lies Ahead’.
Fade Out Label is a zero waste brand focused on "degrowth" by drastically reducing consumption and the exploitation of raw materials. Designer Andrea Bonfini says "you are what you wear" respecting quality and not quantity.
Tanja Bombach is a director and designer based in Berlin, founder of the project series Catalogue of Disguise, using fashion, performance and music. The series adopts an intersectional approach to shape a cultural perception of fashion.
Vladimir Karaleev is a Bulgarian born, Berlin based designer producing and sourcing locally in a small range made-to-order series, working with stock or end of roll fabric usage and no overproduction.
A special project focusing on four Ukrainian designers has been tailored to support their business, communication, logistical and design practices. The designers will receive assistance both in cash (of up to €3000 each) and access to specific one-on-one professional mentoring.
Gunia is a brand that rethinks and integrates recognizable elements of traditional culture into modern design objects for everyday use. Each product is handmade and hand-painted, keeping alive the culture of Ukrainian craft heritage and protecting the livelihood of rural artisans.
Hempful Specialising offers easy clothes made from organically grown hemp.
Ksenia Schnaider was founded by a designer duo from Ukraine, mainly using upcycling and recycled materials. It is a synthesis of fashion design reasoning from Ksenia Schnaider and engineering logic and a sense of humour from Anton Schnaider.
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