LYRA MAG.

July 18th, 16:30 Bebelplatz BERLIN Words, Pics-Judith Ecochard “ It’s a game played between contrasts-but one of those which is so subtle, that you might not take notice of it: the one between male and female elements, hard and soft, classic and very modern.” -Esther Perbandt – THE DESIGNER : Perbandt is a fashion veteran, having studied at University of Arts (Berlin), earned a Master Degree at the European Fashion/Textiles Design in Utrecht, Berlin and Paris…and followed it up at the International Fashion Design post-graduate program at the Parisian Institut Francais de la Mode. Whew. While toiling for 14 months with Chacok (Paris), she met her English born partner Jayne Simone Curé…and then returned to her stomping grounds in Berlin to launch her eponymous line of clothes and accessories (2004 and 2003 respectively). THE SHOW : S/S 09 was a winner-many editorial types thought this collection should have been the anointed one. Sticking with her “strict/rigid but also sensitive/open ap...

BERLIN PRESENTS DESIGNERS UNDER THE RADER Words, Pics Judith Ecochard Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week-Bebelplatz, Berlin July 18th, 18:00 We were excited to see this show as is somewhat like the GEN ARTS Fashion award in the U.S.A. Three labels got to participate in front of a panel of judges and a packed house of enthusiastic supporters. Although our pick…did not win (but had a lot of editor types that thought the label should have…details in a later posting)…all lines were victorious in a way. And got boat loads of support from the German press. BOESSERT/SCHRON Duo Sonia Boessert and Brigitte Schrorn crafted a largely BLACK, functional, easy to wear collection for S/S 09. In business since 2003, the ladies have a devoted following in Germany and Japan for these breezy dresses and separates. Draped or gathered silks were techniques that are signature cuts for Boessert/Schorn... came off as polished sophistication. Our pick for a night out is the black tunic/mini dress with a gathered wais...

BERLIN FASHION WEEK Offsite PALAZZO ITALIA July 18th, 2008 17:00 Words, Pics- Judith Ecochard One of the reasons Berlin is bustling is that compared to other fashion forward cities like Milan, Paris and London…rents here are cheap. Cheaper than Manhattan, in fact. The wave of creative types descending on this city is partially reflected in the student population. There are eight major fashion schools here... and each is an avant-garde factory of talent. THE SHOW: By our count, there were over 12-14 students showing anywhere from 10-12 looks apiece…we could not keep track - as there was no run of show-and the runway event went on way too long. Note to producers…limit students to three to four key looks…and have the whole show with at MOST…60 looks. Even the polite crowd was stirring…and people left. BUT: It’s obvious that there is true talent in this graduating class. FABRICS WERE EXCEPTIONAL-we hope the deft use of quality and color finds its way across the big, blue ocean.

Text & Images, Casi Densmore-Koon Edited by Vivian G. Kelly SOME BACKGROUND After much anticipation, we attended a trunk show for Colombian jeweler designer, PAULA MENDOZA, at MULEH, DC’s trend setting boutique. Not only did we get to discuss Paula’s line of earthy, organic baubles, we had the opportunity to meet Muleh’s storeowner, Christopher Rieter. When sitting down with CHRISTOPHER REITER, we would have never guessed he was a previous savvy vintage thrift store shopper or a Stock Broker in Asia; we have never met someone with such passion for what they do. Walking in Muleh feels as if you are being invited into a beautiful home and that you’re shopping in dear friend’s closet; the vibe is cozy and welcoming. The building has a lot of history, it was a car dealership in the fifties as well as the former home of The Black Cat, a well-known nightclub. WHAT IS MULEH? Muleh (Moo-Lay) means, "to come home" in Javanese. The store opened in 1999 and became a go-to destinatio...

EDGY AND READY FOR PRIME TIME WORLDWIDE July 18th, 16:00 - offsite at the Kungstgewerbemuseum Words, Images by Judith Ecochard The four-year old label C. Neeon is the creative output of two very visually talented designers, Clara Leskovar and Doreen Schulz. Graduates of the prestigious Kunsthoschule Berlin Weissensee and deserved winner of France’s prestigious Grand Prix du Jury at the 20th (2005) Hyères International Festival de Mode & de Photographe (in a jury led by the amazing Roland Mouret, no less)…C. Neeon’s runway show attracted both the upscale posh AND street hip club ready, clad crowds. THE SHOW: A 20 minute runway romp snaked around outdoor seating set up outside on the entrance plaza of the museum. Techno/rock beats kept the male and female models strutting at a fast pace-(no DIVA posing here). THE LOOKS: We loved how unique this show was-and the strong point of view of the designers. The interplay of bold color blocks of fabrics (Mondrian) …trimmed with wide bands...