Bob Varela News

PERRET SCHAAD

Since their debut collection presented at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in January 2010, Johanna Perret and Tutia Schaad have defined the essence of PERRET SCHAAD’s line by cultivating their obsession for the “modern” and the “beautiful”. Already the first collection proved the duo’s capacity to express their aesthetic as well as their perfectionism. It was greatly applauded and marked the launch of the label into business, not only encouraged by the press but also by retail response. In their work the designers use quality fabrics, both noble and tactile materials and combine them with harmony or in contrast, creating beautifully made designs. Keeping an intuitive method in their design process, with precise cuts and inventive draping, PERRET SCHAAD creates sharp and sensual silhouettes. Lines and patterns evoke structure and fluidity, while forms and volume draw the classic and the new. PERRET SCHAAD’s look is complete – romantic and feminist, intimate and free.

KIESEL

In July 2011, as part of the fashion talent award ‘Designer for Tomorrow by Peek & Cloppenburg Duesseldorf’, Alexandra Kiesel was one of five finalists to present her collection on the catwalk of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. Her ‘Baukasten Individualisten 12/6/24’ collection convinced the jury chaired by Marc Jacobs, the patron of the award and was voted as “Designer for Tomorrow”. Inspired and informed by the Bauhaus style, her outfits are characterized by strongly contrasting colour combinations, geometric shapes and rather austere cuts.

MIRANDA KONSTANTINIDOU

Miranda Konstantinidou became internationally known via her “KONPLOTT” jewellery brand, with which she has set countless trends. She started 25 years ago in womenswear when she spent ten seasons designing fashion collections for Trevira and Messe Frankfurt which were shown in Frankfurt and Hong Kong. Konstantinidou was born in Thessaloniki, later studying fashion illustration and design in Germany and Italy. In the mid 1990s she opened her first single-brand stores, of which there are now about 60 worldwide. For about the last 15 years she has run her own manufactory in Cebu, a centre of handcraftsmanship in the Philippines, where she also lives. She is constantly developing new production techniques by combining traditional and modern assembly methods and experimenting with unusual combinations of materials. In running a company with more than 1300 employees worldwide, she is committed to working with people trained in her own firm. As a businesswoman, she relies strongly upon solidarity and a company culture that is almost entirely shaped by women.

ANJA GOCKEL

Anja Gockel is one of the most successful fashion designers Made in Germany. After her studies in Hamburg she received a scholarship for the reputable Central Saint Martins College in London and worked with legendary Vivienne Westwood afterwards. She created her own label ANJA GOCKEL in 1996. Four years later, she returned to Mainz and launched ANJA GOCKEL GmbH. Her collections are sold in the best shops throughout Germany and in 20 countries worldwide. Her designs are worn by Queen Silvia of Sweden, Marietta Slomka, Ann-Kathrin Kramer and Martina Hill, to name just a few.

DAWID TOMASZEWSKI

Designer Dawid Tomaszewski, having his roots in Poland, decided after his studies in London at the College of Fashion and Academy of fine Arts under Vivienne Westwood in Berlin, to broaden his field of vision, with studies in History of Art at Academy of Fine Art in Poznan, Poland. During his work on various projects Dawid Tomaszewski developed his unique style in the high fashion world called "New Couture"; he took part in competitions and is winner of the Premium Young Designer Award.

In 2009 he went through to the final of Designer for Tomorrow, already well-known Designer such as Sonia Rykiel and the fashion label Comme des Garçons paid attention to him and his unconventional, creative ideas. At the end of the same year Dawid Tomaszewski returned to Berlin eager to launch his own premium label, reflecting his fascination for women and his passion for perfection. The label DAWID TOMASZEWSKI stands for perfection, exclusive fabrics, distinctive patterns and fine craftsmanship. Both of his collections, the complex "New Couture line" and his new, more casual "Studio line" demonstrate his susceptibility to fashion and the needs of women.

IRENE LUFT

Irene Luft’s history is a homage to fashion. As the daughter of a master tailor she followed her mother’s tracks and did her apprenticeship as a couture tailor. Afterwards she attended the renowned German Master Craftsmen School for Fashion and later graduated from the Akademie für Mode & Design in Munich. She designed her first own collection, while working for Rena Lange. Just one year later Irene Luft founded her own eponymous label in Munich and ever since positioned herself well in the fashion business. She also established a socially responsible, regional bound and sustainable producing couture manufactory in Plauen. In this context especially elderly people (above 50 years), single moms and many more are given a chance to a fair job. Her focus is to support low qualified young people and supply those with specially created apprenticeship training position.

Photos courtesy of MBFW Berlin

LAURÈL

LAURÈL is an internationally renowned premium brand from Germany – exciting, appealing and always feminine! LAURÈL fashion stands for "luxury ease" – a new laid-back style which reflects the identity of the modern woman, combining independence and strength with femininity. Looks with a feel-good style that can be worn 24/7. The slogan “See · Feel · Love” represents the message which the brand LAURÈL stands for. Women are to "see" the creations, "feel" them on their body and "fall in love" with LAURÈL.

MINX BY EVA LUTZ

Fashion is more than beautiful clothing. Fashion inspires one’s personality and leaves an imprint on one’s personal environment. Fashion is, if anything, about motivation and passion.” This is the philosophy that inspires Eva Lutz to create the significant, unique Minx styling. Clear lines, elaborate fits and innovative materials – pure and in manifold variations – mark the fashion statement of the designer’s collections. Eva Lutz uses sophisticated combinations of materials and high quality garments to create an individual fit for self-confident and modern women. Minx is uncomplicated, comfortable and of playful elegance. Discreet details leave an individual touch. Employed, successful and at the same time a family person – this represents the modern woman. Minx is the fashion label that addresses this self-confident women of today.

KILIAN KERNER

Kilian Kerner (1979), was born and raised in Cologne. Before founding the label KILIAN KERNER in 2004 he studied drama in Cologne and Berlin between 2000 and 2003. Due to his success in the past Kilian Kerner was able to expand and develop his label. The premium line KILIAN KERNER as well as the diffusion line Kilian Kerner Senses are both available in fourteen countries worldwide, e.g. at Apropos in Köln/Düsseldorf, Tessabit in Italy, Fenwick and House of Fraser in UK and the KILIAN KERNER stores in Berlin and Hamburg. In the meantime there have been numerous celebrities supporting KILIAN KERNER: Actresses like Karoline Herfurth and Alina Levshin, famous models such as Eva Padberg and Karolína Kurková, actor Tom Schilling and musician Tim Bendzko – are fond of Kilian Kerner’s designs.

Photos courtesy of MBFW Berlin

BLACKY DRESS BERLIN

Eva Renes took on the role of head of design at BLACKY DRESS BERLIN in May 2013 and is now presenting her first fashion show for the designer label at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

From 2003 she travelled between her previous places of work and Berlin. Now she is happy to be settled in the German capital where she greatly appreciates the internationalism, the pulsating lifestyle and the art scene. As a respite from her job, the designer turns to literature, art and fascinating conversations with interesting people. The inspiration she gets from this makes its way into her collections, both consciously and unconsciously. Her first BLACKY DRESS BERLIN collection shows a linear yet at the same time feminine collection, which stands out with its high-quality, gently flowing fabrics and clean tailoring.

DIMITRI

Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos is the designer behind the label DIMITRI. As early as a child, the 36-year-old designer developed a great affinity to fashion and a fascination for fabrics and cuts through the years. Dimitrios worked for well-known designers around the world, such as Jil Sander, Hugo Boss and Vivienne Westwood is now thrilling international customers and fashion press with his own line DIMITRI. Dimitrios designs beautiful feminine collections for women who want to stand out from the crowd and who are looking for exclusive fashion. Accessories such as bags and jewellery complete his portfolio. Since 2010, the designer is regularly presenting his collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

HOLY GHOST

The three young women Sedina Halilovic, Ivana Bogicevic and Jelena Radovanovic have shared a deep friendship for over 12 years. In Spring 2010, holyGhost was born out of their love for fashion. Sedina, the creative spirit (born 1982 in Munich) has studied Fashion Management at AMD in Munich and is responsible for the design. Ivana, the spirit of development (born 1980 in Kraljevo/ Serbia) studied at the public School of Fashion in Munich. She is responsible for production and quality management. Jelena, the managing spirit (born 1983 in Belgrade/ Serbia) has graduated with a degree in economics from State University in Munich. She is the Head of Sales and Marketing.

MALAIKARAISS

MALAIKARAISS was launched in 2010 in the lovely city of Berlin. Malaika Raiss and her team create essential collections of sophisticated long time favorites with a fun, feminine twist. The ready-to-wear styles combine innovative fabrics and yarns with a unique finishing in an expressive look and feel.

MARCEL OSTERTAG

Marcel Ostertag is a designer and a brand. In his studio, surrounded by the pulsating streets of the Gärtnerplatz quarter, he creates his collections which are set between tradition and modernity. During his studies at the renowned Central St. Martins College in London, Marcel Ostertag could extend his feeling and know-how for fashion and is constantly developing thanks to numerous international shows and collaborations. Catwalk shows in Shanghai, Beijing, London and Vienna are in the meantime routine, as is the seasonal show in the course of the Berlin fashion week.

He draws his inspiration from nature, encounters with interesting people, travels and foreign countries – but never forgets his roots. He has worked on projects with Burberry, Paul Smith and Dunhill, furthermore great brands such as Miele and Volkswagen are amongst his customers. He finally devoted himself to the glamour of fashion with the founding of his own label Marcel Ostertag in 2006. His fashion is exclusively produced in Germany, as his credo is ‘quality needs control’. That is what his style demands and you can feel it in every fantastic piece by Marcel Ostertag.

MARC STONE

Marc Stone has developed his clothing brand as a holistic concept influenced by contemporary art, journeys, music, theatre and film. Marc Stone combines classic, modern style with subtle futuristic touches. The effortless minimalist spirit of each collection comes from working quality and hi-tech fabrics. Colours are subtle, and dictated by the feel of the season. The story of MARC STONE started in Zürich in the multicultural district circle four. As a progressive fashion brand MARC STONE stands for minimalist design, which boasts clean lines and innovative looks. The brand sells its products in a variety of international showrooms (Paris, Milan, Berlin, Seoul, Singapore and New York) and at numerous international trade shows. Moreover, in 2011, the brand opened its online store with international shipping.

 

Photos courtesy of MBFW Berlin