Articles by Barbara Russ
What we can expect from the new Berlin Fashion Week
10 Jan 2023 - Fashion
Mercedes-Benz has exited the German capital, at least as its namesake sponsor. Can Berlin Fashion Week stand on its own two feet? Judging by the programme of the upcoming edition, it does indeed look that way. It includes at least as many programme items, if not more, than in previous seasons. Going West The Berlin Fashion Week is always on the...
Visit to the Shein pop-up: what makes the fast-fashion giant so appealing?
12 Aug 2022 - Retail
Berlin's luxury shopping mile, the Kurfürstendamm, begins at Breitscheidplatz and becomes increasingly exclusive the further one walks towards the west. However, going west past Gucci, Chanel, and Hermès this August, you'll find the very opposite end of the price and quality scale: Shein. The Chinese ultra-fast fashion company has opened a...
OTB founder and chair Renzo Rosso talks the metaverse and IPO plans
24 Jun 2022 - Fashion
The 15th edition of Greentech Festival in Berlin launched Wednesday with a gala at the former Tegel Airport, an area that is now called Urban Tech Republic. During the Green Awards gala, Renzo Rosso, the founder and chairman of OTB, received the 'Special Prize Italy‘, with Italy being this years' guest country of the festival. OTB, whose...
Labels to Watch: Knits
9 Feb 2022 - Fashion
Knitwear is a winter wardrobe classic, but lightweight knitwear is also becoming increasingly popular in the summer season. The benefits are clear: knitwear is beautifully crafted and very versatile, made in wool or cashmere it can be warming yet breathable, in cotton or synthetic fibres it can be water repellent and lightweight. And knitwear is...
Sebastian Dahlmanns, Head of Design Viktor & Rolf: Tips on landing a job in fashion
6 Oct 2021 - People
Sebastian Dahlmans works in Amsterdam at Viktor&Rolf. As Head of Design, he has exciting insights into life as a designer at an international fashion label. In a conversation with FashionUnited, he reveals what qualities he looks for in interns, which mistakes to avoid and how to get the best start in the fashion industry. How did you get your...
Red carpets: Evening wear is making a comeback
21 Sept 2021 - Fashion
Red carpet events have returned with a vengeance this month with the MTV VMAs and the Met Gala. After a long pandemic-induced dry spell, evening gowns, glamour und galas are finally back. With virtually no more occasions to wear dinner jackets, cocktail dresses and high heels, the evening wear industry's sales plummeted last year. But now, its...
A guide to the German fashion market
3 Sept 2021 - Business
Germany is an attractive market for the fashion industry. Within Europe, it is the largest and one of the richest markets. Many international players have found a reliable key market in Germany. But on the other hand, many brands and retailers have tried unsuccessfully to conquer it. What was the reason for that? Here - on the eve of Berlin...
Women in leadership: Antje von Dewitz, CEO Vaude
19 Aug 2021 - Business
To be in the black with green ideas, this motto could perhaps sum up Antje von Dewitz's vision for Vaude, the mountain sports company her father founded in 1974 and which she is leading into the future. Antje von Dewitz is one of the few leading women in the outdoor industry. In this interview, Antje Dewitz reveals the opposition she faced in...
Women in leadership: Martina Brown, VP Brand, Schiesser
16 Aug 2021 - People
Martina Brown is vice president brand at Schiesser AG, responsible for brand and communications at the German lingerie company founded in 1875. Throughout her career, with a brief stint at Villeroy & Boch, she has worked mostly in the lingerie industry, at Falke, Wolford and Aubade. In this interview, she reveals what has changed in the industry...
Black-owned fashion labels to watch
9 Aug 2021 - Fashion
A whole year has passed since the murder of George Floyd. The police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for minutes, depriving him of air to breathe, has since been found guilty on all charges. Accountability - a glimmer of hope in the fight against police violence against Blacks and People of Colour in the USA. Nevertheless, as the daily...