Berlin achieved UNESCO City of Design status in 2006 and is often referred to as a centre for fashion with trendsetters from all over the world travelling to the City twice a year for Berlin Fashion Week; the City is an ideal breeding ground for innovation due to its openness to diversity.
There are currently more than 3,700 fashion companies in Berlin, an increase of more than one third over the past ten years and the City has nine fashion schools alone. Graduates tend to remain in the City after graduating and who can blame them with the opportunities available. In January this year, it was reported that many creative are moving from London to Berlin to escape the stress, high cost of living in favour of the laid back culture and much more affordable German City. Berlin is now the third most visited city in Europe, having surpassed Rome, with only London and Paris ahead of it.
Rising stars in Berlin include newcomers Jennifer Brachmann with her post-classical-menswear and Thomas Hanisch with his Avant-garde Couture Clothing range, he is a 24-year-old graduate who managed to sell part of his very first collection to Lady Gaga.
As well as designers coming from Berlin, many are setting up home in the City. These include Michael Michalsky, former chief designer at Adidas, Andrea Schelling with her haute-couture range and Michael Sontag, who gained fame overnight with his asymmetrical cuts and drapery, his designs which have never been drawn came to life on mannequins through his drapery work.
The opportunities in Berlin are incredible and we love diversity of designers coming out of this City. Who are your top picks? We would love to hear from you!
Our Lighthouse Late in association with The List is on Friday 9th October. We will have live music from The Spook School, Apache Darling, Supermoon and headlining are FOUND. The theme is Berlin.
The night is supported by Blue Moon Craft Beer, Caorunn Gin and Fentimans Tonic and ticket holders receive two complimentary drinks on the night (over 18s only).