Berlin Fashion Week (I): Minimalism and Futurism

From pure lines and simple shapes to flamboyant styles, Berlin proved to be, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, a strong candidate for the title of 'ultimate fashion capital'.

Berlin Fashion Week started on Thursday, July 17 with a presentation of the HUGO collection for Spring/Summer 2009 that struck a minimalist note. Belgian designer Bruno Pieters presented his second collection for the well-known German brand.

The collection was inspired by Berlin's 1920s architecture and art featuring structural lines and new takes on classic shapes, such as the shift dress and the men's-wardrobe-borrowed tuxedo. Basic black and white, neutral beige and dark blue enhance those severe cuts which, along with flirty short hemlines, illustrate HUGO philosophy: understated, unconventional, fashion forward style.

Another minimalism ‘spokesperson" is Kai Kühne, former AsFour design partner. The German designer mixes classical shapes with a sophisticated avant-garde flair that reflects his artistic sensitivity. After all, Kai studied fashion photography and art history along with fashion design and business.

Muted shades, glossy fabrics, slinky leather, body conscious silhouettes, strong shoulders; Kai Kühne spring 2009 collection achieves a modern elegance enrolled in the Futurama trend, best described by those chic little black dresses.

Young Berlin-based designer Bernadett Penkov (born Budapest) makes white look extremely Sci-Fi. She incorporated decorative body amour into her clothing, designed in collaboration with The Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin KPM.

Porcelain shoulders and necklaces give a futuristic warrior-look to delicate tulle and lace teamed with white gladiator heels and mountain boots. In today's fashion world when ‘young designer' doesn't say much, innovative fashion labels such as Penkov know that their chance is a strong, individual look.