DIE BLONDE BERTA

(The Blonde Berta), mixes gothic aesthetics with elaborate details reminiscent of knight and samurai costumes. The intriguing name refers to Ludwig Tieck’s early romantic fairy tale, «Blond Eckbert» (1797). It all started with a black and white illustration, «the lurking flowers» which symbolizes destiny or a rabbit’s burrow. This was followed by the image of a new heroine, who – unlike in Tieck’s tale – resigns herself to her fate. The collection is dedicated to this tough woman, named Berta, who rose from the ashes of the grim and unhappy fairy tale. As her most outstanding attribute was and is her female nature, the name of the collection is suggestive of her femininity.

The colours convey darkness and mystery, they are juxtaposed by highlights in various shed of red, gold and skin tones. Moss green, mineralic shades greenish and blueish grey and camel refer to her wild environment.

Thick, somewhat fleecy qualities with hairy textures of bamboo, mohair and wool are in tension with the light, semi-transparent fabrics made of silk, cotton and viscose. Thick and thin jersey is used with much love and mastery. Using a sophisticated burnt-out print technique, transparent areas are created. Besides jersey silky, light microfibres were used for pants and skirts. Traditional Asian craftsmanship decorate the pieces and provide highlights in an impressive selection of accessories and details. Worth mentioning are also a few heavy hand-knitted tops.

The edgy elegance is complimented by some selected details of a male warrior’s armour. This woman is determined to make her own way and conquer the world!