The Fashion Circus: Spotlight on Berlin Fashion Week’s Drenched Runway

Credits: Andreas Rentz/Getty Image for ABOUT YOU Fashion Circus

When Berlin dances on the fashion stage, it doesn’t just rain, it pours – yet the Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 edition impressively demonstrated the city’s unshakable creativity and dynamism. From July 1st to 4th, nearly 28,500 guests, as reported by the organizers, flocked to see the latest trends and collections despite a sky that brought more than its fair share of rain. This fashion week once again proved that Berlin, in line with the popular German saying, ‘is not made of sugar’ but possesses an indomitable spirit that pushes relentless downpours into the background. The event was approached pragmatically; attendees made the best of the situation – whether by swapping high heels for rubber boots or humorously dealing with wet feet. The saying ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’ was impressively proven by reality.

The week became an extravagant fashion spectacle, an unrestrained event that took place in the most unusual locations in the city, celebrating its size and diversity. Instead of typical runways, collections were presented in ancient halls, artistic ruins, and even on rain-soaked terraces. These ever-changing locations kept the excitement high and boredom at bay, although it sometimes meant not all events could be attended due to long travel distances. The city itself became a stage, and unplanned rain breaks led fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and designers to gather under improvised shelters. These spontaneous encounters offered rare opportunities for exchange and reflection on the fashion world, creating a sense of community and solidarity that captured the essence of Berlin Fashion Week: a place where creativity and community come together to create something unique.

Highlights of the Fashion Shows

ANONYMOUS CLUB’s ‘Fantasia 2024: FREUDIAN GLITCH’ transported viewers to a dreamlike realm where birdsong clashed with brutal sounds. This immersive show, characterized by Shayne Oliver’s avant-garde designs, made the rainy weather almost inconsequential. Oliver created a dreamlike scene that delved deep into the subconscious of the viewers, transporting them to a surreal dimension. The deconstructed sportswear and dramatic silhouettes reflected a fascinating interplay of chaos and structure.

Anonymous Club at INTERVENTION II by Reference Studios Runway Show on the 1st of July 2024 in Tempodrom Berlin. Photographer Instagram @godenschweger.photography

Find more about ANONYMOUS CLUB here.

CLAUDIA SKODA unveiled her knitwear masterpieces at the Tempodrom, where the SS25 collection showcased a powerful testimony of craftsmanship and innovation. Her designs, reminiscent of the wild West Berlin underground scene of the 70s and 80s, created a warm oasis in the damp Berlin. With traditional techniques and modern silhouettes, Skoda broke the norms of knitting and created a bridge between past and present that left the audience in awe.

CLAUDIA SKODA at INTERVENTION II by Reference Studios Runway Show on the 1st of July 2024 in Tempodrom Berlin. Photographer Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger

Find more about CLAUDIA SKODA here.

GMBH introduced “Resistance Through Rituals” on the terrace of the Tempodrom, where the rain became part of the unconventional style. This collection, impressive for its strength and resilience, symbolized a fusion of personal heritage and urban design. Designers Serhat Isik and Benjamin Alexander Huseby presented a collection that combined rebellion and cultural diversity with traditional elements and modern cuts, making a strong statement about identity and belonging in a globalized world.

GmbH at INTERVENTION II by Reference Studios Runway Show on the 1st of July 2024 in Tempodrom Berlin. Photographer Instagram @godenschweger.photography

Find more about GMBH here.

LUEDER brought “RUBEDO” to the runway, redefining male identities. Marie Lueder combined sportswear with medieval influences, evident in her designs through distinctive chaps-inspired skirts and recycled materials. LUEDER’s collection made a strong statement for sustainability and innovative fashion, challenging traditional gender roles and offering an eco-conscious perspective.

LUEDER aka Marie Lueder at INTERVENTION II by Reference Studios Runway Show on the 1st of July 2024 in Tempodrom Berlin. Photographer Instagram @godenschweger.photography

Find more about LUEDER here.

NAMILIA delivered a visual spectacle with “Good Girl Gone Bad,” featuring vibrant pink leather looks and daring faux fur coats. Their collection seamlessly merged pop culture and provocation, creating a manifesto of self-determination and individuality. Nan Li and Emilia Pfohl consciously broke with conventional notions of femininity and fashion, offering a powerful, colorful celebration of pop culture and critique.

NAMILIA SS25 Runway by Studio Alexander Fischer

Find more about NAMILIA here.

ODEEH showcased their collection in the colonnade of the Altes Museum, where classical and futuristic elements merged into a fascinating dialogue between tradition and experiment. Otto Drögsler and Jörg Ehrlich presented designs ranging from track pants to elegant blazers, conveying a sense of timeless elegance through transparent, shimmering, and glittering elements. Each silhouette reflected a balanced blend of kitschy charm and romantic sophistication.

ODEEH SS25 Runway by Studio Alexander Fischer

Find more about ODEEH here.

RIANNA + NINA brought “Folklore” to life at the Greek Embassy, where vintage-inspired designs were complemented by traditional dancers from Athens. Their collection celebrated Greek tablecloths, Balkan embroidery, and handcrafted luxury fashion, delivering unrivalled elegance. The designs were a homage to cultural tradition and craftsmanship, underscoring the brand’s luxury ethos.

RIANNA + NINA SS25 Runway by Studio Alexander Fischer

Find more about RIANNA + NINA here.

SF1OG unfolded a collection at the historic Umspannwerk that united nostalgia and forward-thinking. Rosa Marga Dahl and Jacob Langemeyer presented designs made from recycled materials and antique fabrics, impressing with an innovative mix of old and new. The live performance by Golden Hours and the diverse casting highlighted the artistic spirit of the collection, celebrating sustainability and creative visions.

SF1OG SS25 by Boris Marberg for BFW

Find more about SF1OG here.

SIA ARNIKA presented her SS25 collection in a vacant storefront with harsh neon lights and unsettling sounds. The designs, combining minimalism with maximalism, showcased a provocative aesthetic through dramatic cutouts and diverse textures. Sia Arnika offered an impressive display of anonymous expression and bold self-confidence.

SIA ARNIKA by Andrew Thomas

Find more about SIA ARNIKA here.

The grand finale at Circus Roncalli marked the climax of an unforgettable fashion adventure. The About You Fashion Show turned the circus into a stage for more commercial brands like Adidas, HUGO, and Nike, presenting their collections in an atmosphere that, along with show acts, delighted visitors. Despite the challenges posed by the persistently unstable weather, it was a fitting conclusion that captured the unyielding spirit of Berlin. The show combined fashion with spectacular circus performances, creating an experience that went far beyond a simple fashion show. It was a sensory feast that captivated the audience and spectacularly concluded Berlin Fashion Week.

With support from the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affiars, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Fashion Council Germany, Berlin Fashion Week once again gained noticeable stability. The days were filled with numerous performances, installations, showrooms, and parties, contributing to a comprehensive picture of the Berlin fashion scene. The diverse events provided authentic content, particularly addressing themes like sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. The close collaboration with local authorities and fashion organizations emphasized the importance of Fashion Week as an integral part of Berlin’s culture and economy.

Berlin Fashion Week proved that the city not only shines as a fashion hub, but also as a bastion of unconventional creativity and unyielding freedom. The fashion week set new standards and showed that, despite all the weather-related challenges, Berlin has a distinctive personality and an increasingly serious place in the international fashion scene. Young labels, often small and still growing, found space here to assert themselves and experiment, demonstrating resilience in a difficult industry where a lack of financial resources and large teams can quickly become limiting factors. Berlin remains a city that knows no fixed rules and faces every challenge with aplomb. The unique experiences and spontaneous encounters during this week have shown that fashion is more than just clothing – it is an expression of values, community, and the ability to thrive even under the most difficult conditions.

In summary, the summer edition of Berlin Fashion Week fostered an atmosphere of resilience and creativity that deeply impressed both participants and spectators despite the unstable climate conditions. The variety and innovation expressed in the collections confirmed Berlin as a vibrant fashion destination, ready to embrace new paths and face future challenges with openness and courage. With a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, paired with a unique urban backdrop, the event remains an exciting entry in the global fashion calendar.

Streetstyle images of Berlin Fashion Week: