BERLIN FASHION WEEK AUTUMN WINTER 2024/25 – OUR RECAP
08/02/2025
Berlin in winter already carries this gritty coolness and the Fashion Week this season took that vibe and pushed it into something much bigger. For a long time Berlin Fashion Week had a reputation problem it was called too small too irrelevant without the big names or international spotlight. But what I experienced this season felt completely different. There was energy in the air the kind that makes you want to stay out until 3am just to talk about clothes and culture with strangers who instantly feel like friends.
This season pulled in around 20,000 guests and while other fashion weeks are all about exclusivity Berlin felt open. Of course there were the editors the buyers the photographers but there was also the community that truly loves fashion. You could feel people cheering for their labels not because of hype but because they wanted them to win. And that makes Berlin special.
The venues added to the magic. Instead of the same sterile tents or glossy halls the shows happened in places that carry weight and history. It felt raw real and in line with the city itself. Berlin doesn’t try to compete with Paris or Milan it refuses to copy. Instead it builds its own rules and invites you to step inside.
Namilia
Photo by Boris Marberg
Namilia’s Autumn Winter 24 collection, Paw Off, turned heads at the Kulturforum Gemäldegalerie on Tuesday evening. The crowd was colorful, excited, and ready for the brand’s signature mix of rebellion and glamour. Emilia Pfohl and Nan Li drew inspiration from medieval armor, military styles, and over-the-top trashy glam, creating looks that boldly addressed the challenges queer people face in public spaces.
The collection was full of energy and contrasts. Realtree prints and custom monograms met pink tones, rhinestones, chain details, stretch Lycra, and vegan leather, crafting a visual story that was dynamic, provocative, and unapologetic. Sculptural cuts and couture-inspired designs introduced new silhouettes, pushing Namilia’s aesthetic in exciting new directions.
The Kulturforum provided the perfect backdrop for the show, while London DJ and producer SH3L supplied a soundtrack that heightened the intensity of every look. True to Namilia’s ethos, the casting celebrated diversity, offering a fresh and alternative vision of fashion that feels entirely modern.
At its core, Paw Off is about freedom, confidence, and empowerment. The collection encourages everyone to live their truth, celebrate themselves, and reclaim control over their bodies and identities. With every piece, Namilia proves that fashion can be bold, fearless, and unapologetically alive.
William Fan
Photo by Boris Marberg
The Autumn Winter 2024 25 collection by William Fan was eagerly awaited. The Berlin Contemporary Prize winner, who had previously transformed the atrium of the Walter Gropius Building into a spectacular runway for his Spring Summer 2024 show, returned with an equally impressive venue. Just one day before the show, it was revealed that the ready to wear line would be presented in the warm up hall of the Olympic Stadium, a location that perfectly complements the collection’s central theme.
This season, Fan focused on exploring contrasts between different themes while further developing the brand’s core silhouettes. Building on his previous collection, Ceremony, which analyzed cross cultural dress codes for social gatherings, the new collection, Off Duty, moves beyond conventional clothing norms. It emphasizes leisure and personal freedom, allowing individuals to express their identity without the constraints of daily roles. The styling achieves a delicate balance between highlighting personality and maintaining a sense of anonymity.
Simplicity is central to the collection. Fabrics are suitcase friendly and the styling intentionally minimal, reflecting the relaxed Off Duty spirit. Structured cotton plays a key role, appearing in both familiar and new silhouettes. Complete looks made from this material are especially versatile, suitable for travel or a variety of occasions.
Faded, dessert inspired colors give the loose silhouettes a casual, laid back feel. This season, the relaxed aesthetic is complemented by a new sunglasses collection. Many models were cast directly from the streets of Berlin, highlighting the city’s vibrant diversity and reinforcing the collection’s urban, approachable sensibility.
Gerrit Jacob
Photo by Ioannis Papadakis
William Fans Autumn Winter 2024 25 collection was highly anticipated. After transforming the atrium of the Walter Gropius Building into a spectacular runway for his Spring Summer 2024 show, he returned with another striking venue. Just a day before the show it was announced that the ready to wear collection would be presented in the warm up hall of the Olympic Stadium, a location that perfectly reflects the concept behind the collection.
This season the focus was on contrasts and the evolution of the brand’s core silhouettes. Building on his previous collection, Ceremony, which explored cross cultural dress codes for social gatherings, the new collection Off Duty moves away from traditional clothing norms. It centers on leisure and freedom, allowing people to express their identity without the restrictions of everyday roles. The styling balances personal expression with a sense of anonymity.
The collection emphasizes simplicity. Fabrics are practical and suitcase friendly, and the styling is minimal, echoing the relaxed Off Duty concept. Structured cotton is featured throughout, in both familiar and new shapes, creating versatile outfits that work for travel or a variety of occasions.
Soft, dessert inspired colors give the relaxed silhouettes a casual feel. The collection is complemented by a new sunglasses line, and many models were cast from the streets of Berlin, reflecting the city’s diversity and bringing an authentic urban energy to the runway.