MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK BERLIN-DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS!!!!
July 17, 2008, Bebelplatz Berlin
Words, Pics -Judith Ecochard
We could not resist the delicious combo of an IMG-Mercedes-Benz sponsored Fashion Week and the fab Berlin…the “IT” city of Europe.
And if we didn’t have two flight cancellations and then a two hour runway sit –we would have been in the Cultural Capital of 2008 for the first day of festivities. (Thank-you American Airlines).
But we digress.
REASONS TO LOVE BERLIN FASHION WEEK
1) It’s Berlin!!!! A green, clean village/city with distinct neighborhoods buzzing with art galleries, music., cafés, clubs-and a UNESCO site smack dab in the middle (Museum Island). People are so friendly too...and willing to share on where to go.
2) Idiot proof subway system to zip around, pedestrian/bicycling friendly streets to make it easy to take in the sights, and cars that slow down for walkers without horns blowing.
3) Major and emerging designers showing their garb and accessories-often to the toe tapping efforts of a live band- in the MBFW tent and- assorted nearby art galleries, tradeshow venues, museums, and showrooms….BECAUSE Berliners are not hung up on the PRECIOUS art/music vs. fashion debate that seems to consume some…OF COURSE THEY ARE INTERGRATED/RELATED (sometimes directly inspired) and should be.
More of an intellectual approach.
4) Efficient (duh) staff manning the huge Mercedes-Benz one runway tent in the historic district of Mitte (former East Berlin-now tourist hub).
5) Everyone speaks English.
6) Happening off site locations for shows that grab you back in time-ie the amazing Joops show in a former power plant facility with soaring cement ceilings, spacious courtyard, and dramatically lit- waaayyyy over in East Berlin fringes.
And fun after parties attended by everyone!!! Cool DJs, multi age crowds, great settings.
7) Plush Mercedes -Benz cars and vans to whisk you to and fro’ said offsite locations…driven by charming, well mannered, and dapper uniformed chauffeurs who all seem to have spent a year abroad in the USA or UK. Meaning, their English is more grammatically correct than ours.
8) Genuine discoveries of fresh talent with distinct point of views (more to follow).
9) Running into photographer GURU Dan Lecca who gave us tips on what not to miss.
10) Copious pours of bubbly from sponsor Freixnet, mascara from Maybelline (the fourth largest market in the world for this American company is HERE). and energy hits from sponsor Angel raspberry sips.
WHAT WE MISS FROM OTHER FASHION WEEKS:
Not much---but no “run of shows” with list of runway looks, details on makeup/hair credits, models etc---which is standard in the States-not used in Berlin (or Paris fashion events either).
Staff on Break!
The sun is missing too…and the temps barely break 18C. So not prepared!!!!!