Berlin Fashion Week: The names to drop and what to shop

Fashion week circuits are back, and they’re more innovative, sustainable and inclusive than ever. From today, the spotlight turns to Berlin as a week’s worth of runway shows, creative installations, trend-setting panels and conferences take over the city. 

Official AW23 presentations will be made by the likes of Rianna + Nina, Odeeh, Malaikaraiss, and Esther Perbandt – a collection of designers that represent the promising new talent and emerging brands in Germany.

To update us on who and what we should be paying attention to, we’ve enlisted Damien Winpenny, a British Berlin-based sales manager for SEEK – the progressive contemporary fashion trade show that takes place biannually during Berlin Fashion Week and presents more than 250 brands across luxury streetwear. 

Here, Winpenny shares the labels he’s excited about, and the clothing stores locals and visitors alike should check out during their trip. 

What brands are you most excited about this year?
‘With my SEEK glasses: mvdham, Kappy Design and Skotti Grill. Without them: Salomon, AFFXWRKS and Satisfy.’

What are you up to this month?
‘Non-stop fashion weeks starting with Florence, then Berlin, and finally Paris.’

What are your favourite clothing stores in Berlin?
‘1. Voo Store – so aesthetic. Interesting brand mix. Aspirational store.
2. Our Legacy – legends never die. Spiciest shirts in the game.
3. Firmament – the place to buy OG Japanese streetwear goods.
4. Overkill – top tier sneaker game.
5. Trüffelschwein – good people, good brands, good vibes.
6. Universal Works – it’s always great to see the Brits on tour. Affordable, well-made and timeless.’

What are you wearing over fashion week? 
‘Show days are all about comfort. Today, I’m a touch sloppy on set-up day, but it feels good: AFFXWRKS hoodie, Stone Island joggers, and Asics x Kiko trainers. Tomorrow on show day, I’ll put in a little more effort: Junya nylon trousers, Visvim trainers, AFFXWRKS tee, and Stone Island Shadow Project gilet.

‘In the evening, I’ll suave it up a bit with a spicy Our Legacy shirt, Arpenteur moleskin jacket, Levi’s vintage denim, and Paraboot shoes on my trotters.’
 
Where do you go for a fresh trim? 
‘A friend cuts my hair. I found him via word of mouth and he has no social media.’

How do you spend your time between shows? 
‘Post show, I’ll definitely take advantage of my Soho House membership and wind down at Soho House Berlin.’ 

Finally, who should our members follow? 
‘I’ll give a shout out to a couple of the boys: @baldevschahal is a well put together guy, and @love_peace_and_hiphop isn’t bad for an older fella.’