Sam Frenzl-Winner
SPONSORED BY RETAILER PEEK & CLOPPENBERG
Bebelplatz, Mitte
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Berlin
July 3rd, 2009
16:00
Words, Judith Ecochard
Images Courtesy of Peek & Cloppenburg KG Düsseldorf
Germany in general, and Berlin specifically- have cups that runneth over with fashion talent. There are several domestically based design schools, let alone universities located in nearby countries…that graduate scores of creative types.
It’s giving these fashion practitioners a leg up in the biz (connections, business know how, and money)-that is the mission of the Designer For Tomorrow award. And it all came down to a runway show where the finalists staged a well-edited catwalk extravaganza-consisting of five looks.
We favored some designers …but there was not a weak link in the bunch…everyone deserved to ‘stay on the island.’
The competition was very tough…with 8 finalists selected from the 150 portfolios submitted, according to Hanne Stürmann, from Public Relations of P & C…who we met between shows at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week tent.
The winner, Berlin resident Sam Frenzl delivered sophisticated and elegant separates-in a collection titled "nuite blanche"--- that referenced some 80’s styles (think Claude Montana, Thierry Mugier)…with fresh takes on neutral toned mixed textures and fabrics that reminded us of why we worship at the altar of Christian Lacroix .
Silhouettes were balanced between volume and slim pairings. A terrific long white jacket with peaked shoulders (that look was all over the Fall 2009 runways) worked over sheer glimmering silver gray harem shaped trousers.
And a bubble dress, with a sheer top (epaulets of fabric at the shoulder)…was perfectly accessorized with a wide belt and what looked like intricate leather leggings with cutouts over croc skin "hoisery." (Picture at top)
This fusion of exotic skins with delicate fabrics is sumptuous.
We love the varying shades of gray too-a color that works on many skin tones.
There was also a feminine chiffon gown that showed great skill in draping (hello Madame Grès) held up by three pyramid shape crystals as the neckline. WOW. No jewelry required.
Prior finalists had runway collections this season…and we expect that we will see Fall 2010 attire from all candidates next year.
ABOUT Peek & Cloppenburg KG Düsseldorf:
An 100 years old, family owned retailer in Europe, P & C operates 65 stores in Europe. It’s tag-the “middleman between the catwalk and the boardwalk”- comes to life in their architecturally distinct store that sell over 500 labels…including some unique/exclusive designer labels.
We were impressed with everyone we met that worked with this retailer…and applaud how the company’s website has a separate Environment and Ethics section.
PEEK & CLOPPENBURG