Germany is home to two exceptional car manufacturers: Mercedes Benz and BMW. It’s a place where some of the electrical energy is produced from windmills installed in the ocean bed. It’s quite humbling and enlightening to see the environment here in constant movement.
In the past decade, this innovative society has given the world a lot that has left us with our mouths open and in absolute awe. Whether it’s a posh looking Mercedes or a windfarm on land or in water, you have got to admire the nation.
However, I still couldn’t see Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or any other major city in Germany as a fashion capital. The country’s marketable aesthetic is so focused on giving the world innovative fresh ideas, goods, cars and a free degree to some international students that fashion is just NOT on the cards.
When my fiancé drove me to Berlin for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, all I thought of was windmills, Mercedes Benz and wurst (German traditional sausage). However, after her show, Pearly Wong changed my expectation of what I would like to see come out of Germany in terms of fashion.
Pearly’s show wasn’t quite like the others I had seen. It visually addressed the issue of slow fashion. The need for consumers to consider futuristic and socially ethical fashion consumption. The collection that could be worn by either you or your partner made me think of the absurd amount of money we spend on clothes. Her collection, superbly executed and presented by “mannish” looking models echoed the need for us to be realistic in our choices and remember that we are here on this planet to function. Yes, clothes make us beautiful but they should also allow us to function and our fashion choices should be wise.
The use of the tough black reminded me of the dark times. However, the sleek combed back hair styling and knee pads on some of the models, triggered a sense of battle. Perhaps a general statement that we need to be ready for whatever comes our way.
The use of black and white and the need for less colour and dyeing of materials also plays on this ideology of social cautiousness regarding the environment and what fast fashion has done to the world and its inhabitants. Overall, the garments screamed functional.
Fashion now is more like an Instagram story. We have forgotten what fashion and style really use to be. We forgot that it is actually a way to express our personality and not just visual display logos. It should be a reflection of the social state merged together with art and functional capabilities.
Pearly’s collection was a desperate cry and a dark wake-up call that we need to do the following:
- Remember clothes are too be worn and enjoyed.
- They are supposed to be used in a manner that moves towards living ethically.
Even though it would be difficult to trace the origin or all her materials, the show’s aesthetic and display spoke for this case. It was sort of like when Rick Owens used plus-sized street dancers to open his show. He was addressing the need for the fashion industry to be more aware and accepting towards women who are not a UK size 6.
Addressing the many issues and clichés of the fashion industry in just about 25 minutes, Pearly gently reminded us that we are humans, we all have to wear clothes but also our fashion consumption pattern will affect how we dress sooner or later.
Go easy on the crazy amount of dyeing and overspending. We just need to be clothed.
I imagine Germany’s fashion industry leading by way of innovation; addressing the different social and environmental issues within the fashion industry. I hope to see more fashion designers use their shows to enlighten and trigger social and environmental concerns. It starts with one simple step.
To see Pearly’s show recap follow me on:
http://instagram.com/theonlinerunway
www.online-runway.com
