Berlin Fashion Week continues to embrace its guiding principles of freedom, inclusion, creativity, and diversity, sending a powerful message in turbulent times. The event celebrates authenticity and openness, core values of the vibrant city of Berlin. Attendees from all over the world, including buyers, journalists, and industry experts, can expect an exciting lineup of fashion shows, presentations, and events that reflect the global and inclusive nature of the fashion industry.
For the first time, the “Berlin Contemporary” concept competition expanded to include international labels beyond Germany and Ukraine. This change led to the selection of three African brands—Buzigahill from Uganda, PALMWINE IceCREAM from Ghana, and Orange Culture from Nigeria—as winners. The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to bring diverse global perspectives to the forefront of Berlin Fashion Week.
The “Berlin Contemporary” program, now in its sixth edition, continues to honor outstanding show and presentation concepts. The initiative, which is supported by the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and Fashion Council Germany, awarded €25,000 to 19 selected brands. These winners will present their Spring/Summer 2026 collections during the fashion week. A distinguished jury, including industry leaders such as Christiane Arp, Herbert Hofmann, Johanna Dramé, and Stavros Karelis, reviewed 79 submissions and chose the standout winners. The awarded brands include both established names like GmbH, Haderlump, and LUEDER, and newcomers such as David Koma, Gerrit Jacob, and Ioannes, marking a step toward a more global orientation for the event. Notably, one prize was reserved exclusively for an African brand, with Buzigahill receiving additional support for production, PR, and guest management.
In addition to the prestigious “Berlin Contemporary” competition, Berlin Fashion Week also introduced the “Studio2Retail” program, which opens the city’s fashion scene to a wider audience. This initiative provides an opportunity for brands, showrooms, and stores to present their event concepts to the general public. Supported by five grants of €5,000 each, the program highlights the growing connection between the fashion industry and local communities. An additional prize is sponsored by Berliner Sparkasse. Out of 44 submissions in the “Studio2Retail” category, a high-profile jury selected six winning brands. The winners of this category are APOC x Madomorpho, Effenberger Couture, Lou de Bètoly, Selva, Sezgin, and Vladimir Karaleev.
Berlin Fashion Week SS26 has once again proven its commitment to showcasing diversity, inclusivity, and the creativity of both established and emerging talent, setting a strong example for the global fashion community.
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