Berlin Fashion X International – Delegation trip to New York Citty strengthens German American partnership
Credits: Katharina Poblotzki, Fashion Council Germany Fashion Council Germany's fourth Berlin Fashion X International delegation trip to New York City has come to a successful end. The nine selected fashion and accessory labels, most of them based in Berlin, enjoyed a five-day programme of exciting workshops, networking events and location visits. The main goal of the delegation trip was to introduce the participants to the US market, discover latest trends and make valuable contacts. The nine delegation participants - 6ad Stitches, Esther Perbandt, Fiona Bennett, Gina Melosi, International Citizen, Laura Gerte, Studio Taskin, Unvain and William Fan - were given a condensed but intensive insight into the US market, with a clear focus on innovation, digitalisation and brand strategies. The programme kicked off with a reception at the SAP „S.FASHION“ Experience Lab, focusing on topics such as big data and modern technologies in retail. These topics were further explored during the week with visits to the FIT DTech Lab and Meta. These showcased data-driven solutions and digital tools that provide new perspectives on the shopping experience and brand development. A pitch event at the beginning of the week gave the participating brands a first opportunity to present their concepts to renowned industry experts. The immediate feedback served as valuable preparation for the rest of the programme and meetings. Over the following days, the delegation explored the New York retail scene, particularly at the intersection of luxury, art and media. Discussions with store operators such as ESSX, Komune and Café Forgot shed light on aspects of the buying process and highlighted the growing interest in German design labels. Discussions with the German Chamber of Commerce in NYC (GACC) and industry experts such as Michal Kurtis (Luxury Brand Consultant), Emma Oleck (Stylist & Fashion Market Editor, The Cut & NY Magazine) and Karo Brandi (Correspondent, Harper's Bazaar Germany) provided in-depth information on entering the US market. Topics such as digital sales strategies, logistics and customer loyalty were addressed in a practical way and complemented by individual consulting sessions. A visit to the New York Embroidery Studio also provided valuable insights into production, design development and collaboration with local manufacturing partners. Credits: Helga Traxler, Fashion Council Germany Another focus was on strategic brand communication. Working with agency Redgert Communications, the designers received practical input on PR, storytelling, and sustainable brand development. Additional highlights included exchanges with Nicole Phelps (Global Director, Vogue Runway), Mark Holgate (Global Network Lead and US Fashion Features Director, Vogue US) or Samuel Hine (Global Fashion Correspondent, GQ) from Vogue and GQ. The programme was rounded off by a visit to the studio of designer Kobi Halperin as well as Tobias Ulmer of HYACYN, who highlighted the importance of digital brand identity. The trip not only gave participants access to key industry contacts, but also provided a lasting impulse for the innovation, positioning, and international expansion of their brand. The next delegation trip will take place in September 2025, for the first time to Seoul, South Korea. Berlin Fashion X International is supported by a state programme financed by ERDF funds and funds from the state of Berlin. About Fashion Council Germany Read more about Fashion Council Germany on their company page
Fashion Council Germany's fourth Berlin Fashion X International delegation trip to New York City has come to a successful end. The nine selected fashion and accessory labels, most of them based in Berlin, enjoyed a five-day programme of exciting workshops, networking events and location visits. The main goal of the delegation trip was to introduce the participants to the US market, discover latest trends and make valuable contacts.
The nine delegation participants - 6ad Stitches, Esther Perbandt, Fiona Bennett, Gina Melosi, International Citizen, Laura Gerte, Studio Taskin, Unvain and William Fan - were given a condensed but intensive insight into the US market, with a clear focus on innovation, digitalisation and brand strategies. The programme kicked off with a reception at the SAP „S.FASHION“ Experience Lab, focusing on topics such as big data and modern technologies in retail. These topics were further explored during the week with visits to the FIT DTech Lab and Meta. These showcased data-driven solutions and digital tools that provide new perspectives on the shopping experience and brand development.
A pitch event at the beginning of the week gave the participating brands a first opportunity to present their concepts to renowned industry experts. The immediate feedback served as valuable preparation for the rest of the programme and meetings. Over the following days, the delegation explored the New York retail scene, particularly at the intersection of luxury, art and media. Discussions with store operators such as ESSX, Komune and Café Forgot shed light on aspects of the buying process and highlighted the growing interest in German design labels.
Discussions with the German Chamber of Commerce in NYC (GACC) and industry experts such as Michal Kurtis (Luxury Brand Consultant), Emma Oleck (Stylist & Fashion Market Editor, The Cut & NY Magazine) and Karo Brandi (Correspondent, Harper's Bazaar Germany) provided in-depth information on entering the US market. Topics such as digital sales strategies, logistics and customer loyalty were addressed in a practical way and complemented by individual consulting sessions. A visit to the New York Embroidery Studio also provided valuable insights into production, design development and collaboration with local manufacturing partners.
Another focus was on strategic brand communication. Working with agency Redgert Communications, the designers received practical input on PR, storytelling, and sustainable brand development. Additional highlights included exchanges with Nicole Phelps (Global Director, Vogue Runway), Mark Holgate (Global Network Lead and US Fashion Features Director, Vogue US) or Samuel Hine (Global Fashion Correspondent, GQ) from Vogue and GQ. The programme was rounded off by a visit to the studio of designer Kobi Halperin as well as Tobias Ulmer of HYACYN, who highlighted the importance of digital brand identity.
The trip not only gave participants access to key industry contacts, but also provided a lasting impulse for the innovation, positioning, and international expansion of their brand. The next delegation trip will take place in September 2025, for the first time to Seoul, South Korea.
Berlin Fashion X International is supported by a state programme financed by ERDF funds and funds from the state of Berlin.
