After the whirlwind of Berlin Fashion Week SS25, we sat down with Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany, for an exclusive post-show conversation. Scott gave us an insider’s perspective on this year’s trends, the evolving role of sustainability, and what’s on the horizon for next season. As one of the most influential voices in the industry, Scott offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes and challenges shaping today’s fashion landscape.
– Fashion Council Germany (FCG) was founded in 2015 by national industry experts and acts as an interest group for fashion "designed in Germany". With our initiatives, we aim to further establish, support and strengthen German fashion design as a cultural and economic asset on a national and international level.
Special emphasis is placed on the promotion of young design talents and emerging designers. In addition to special training programmes in the areas of sustainability, fashion technology and community building, various events serve to promote dialogue and networking between industry experts and newcomers. Against this backdrop, Fashion Council Germany acts as a strong lobby organisation, constantly striving for greater visibility, global relevance and interdisciplinary cooperation for German fashion in politics, business and culture.
Fashion Council Germany is the only national interest group of its kind with strong international partners on a political, social and economic level. We represent the interests of our members and the industry in general at regional, national and European level. Our members actively use our network to grow and exchange experiences.
– Has this year's BFW attracted an international crowd? How has this impacted the designers?
– Since we took over the coordination of Berlin Fashion Week one of our main objectives has been to increase its international recognition and awareness with industry stakeholders, press and buyers. With the help of our “Hospitality Program”, where we invite international journalists and buyers to Berlin each season, we have been able to provide them with a “true Berlin experience” and introduce them to the astonishing design talent presented during BFW.
Their publications and positive feedback, as well as the overall success of the previous three seasons, have already led to a significant increase in interest and attendance at Berlin Fashion Week. This has also benefited the designers, with many brands already receiving significant attention in international markets such as the USA and Asia. We are more than certain to have taken the right course and will continue to increase the relevance of Berlin Fashion Week.
– Fashion Council Germany offers numerous programs and initiatives, including mentoring, educational opportunities, and networking possibilities. Can you provide more details about these programs and their impact?
– It certainly is a challenge to include all our initiatives within one answer. We are currently working on more than 10 different projects and initiatives in various areas, ranging from education to internationalisation, business development or fostering young talent. With our education projects, such as our own online education platform “re.FASHION ACADEMY”, we impart knowledge to industry professionals and interested parties and give them the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge.
With our project “GENERATION ZUKUNFT”, we provide knowledge about the ecological and social impact of the fashion industry as well as career opportunities to 9th grade students between the ages of 15 and 17. Our internationalisation project “Berlin Fashion X International” gives Berlin-based brands and designers the opportunity to access different international markets, connects them with important business contacts and gives them the chance to take part in a delegation trip to metropolises such as New York City or Seoul.
Our biggest project is the coordination of Berlin Fashion Week with its “Hospitality Programm” and the concept competition with the initiatives “Berlin Contemporary” and “STUDIO2RETAIL”. Each season, 18 show concepts and 5 event formats are awarded €25.000 and €5.000 respectively in prize money to support the realisation of their show or event.
With our partner eBay we organize the new industry talk format “Metamorphosis” during Berlin Fashion Week. This year eBay and Fashion Council Germany are also launching the 2nd edition of our report “Status on German Fashion” with a new focus on circularity. For more information on our initiatives, please visit the FCG website.
– What initiatives or programs have you launched to support sustainable fashion?
– The biggest breakthrough for us in terms of supporting sustainability within the industry has been the implementation of the Sustainability Requirements based on those of Copenhagen Fashion Week. We are currently working to establish a framework with its Minimum Standards that brands participating in Berlin Fashion Week will have to meet and adhere to in the future. The implementation of the Sustainability Requirements is currently in a pilot phase before they come into force in February 2026.
– How does Fashion Council Germany collaborate with political, cultural, and economic institutions to represent the interests of the German fashion industry?
– At Fashion Council Germany, we work with different institutions that represent the interests of the German cultural and creative industries, especially the fashion industry. The Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and State Secretary Michael Biel serve as our biggest supporters and partners. They fund many of our projects, in particular Berlin Fashion Week with around €5 million every year. This not only enables us to carry out our current projects, but also helps us to grow and establish new programmes and initiatives. We also work with foundations such as The King’s Foundation, Swarovski Foundation and PVH Foundation, as well as local creative industry support of cities across Germany.
– Berlin is known for its unique and diverse fashion culture. What aspects of Berlin contribute to its distinctive fashion identity?
– Berlin's distinctive fashion identity is shaped by its history, vibrant arts scene, and diverse, multicultural population. The city's open-mindedness and experimental spirit encourages innovation and creativity, allowing designers to push boundaries and explore new concepts. In addition, Berlin's diverse and bold culture attracts young talent from around the world, further enriching its fashion landscape.
– Describe the overall feeling Berlin Fashion Week brings in people? Does it have a community feel and how do designers benefit from the communal experience?
– Berlin Fashion Week brings an atmosphere of excitement and inclusivity, with a strong sense of community. The industry as a whole, and designers in particular, benefit from this shared experience through networking, collaboration and exposure to a diverse audience. The supportive environment encourages creative exchange and helps emerging designers gain visibility and establish their brands.
– What does the future of Berlin Fashion Week hold? What do we expect to see more of?
– We are proud of our work and the success of the past seasons – with it we do not only reflect on Fashion Council Germany, but on all those designers, brands, platforms and stakeholders presenting their work during Berlin Fashion Week. But we will not stop moving forward or settle on our success – rather we strive to take a step forward every season.
The future of Berlin Fashion Week looks promising as we continue to focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity. With the implementation of the Sustainability Requirements, we can expect to see more eco-friendly and innovative designs, as well as the integration of cutting-edge technology and greater representation of diverse voices. There will also be a continued focus on supporting emerging talent and fostering collaboration within the fashion community.
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After the whirlwind of Berlin Fashion Week SS25, we sat down with Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany, for an exclusive post-show conversation. Scott gave us an insider’s perspective on this year’s trends, the evolving role of sustainability, and what’s on the horizon for next season. As one of the most influential voices in the industry, Scott offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes and challenges shaping today’s fashion landscape.
– Fashion Council Germany (FCG) was founded in 2015 by national industry experts and acts as an interest group for fashion "designed in Germany". With our initiatives, we aim to further establish, support and strengthen German fashion design as a cultural and economic asset on a national and international level.
Special emphasis is placed on the promotion of young design talents and emerging designers. In addition to special training programmes in the areas of sustainability, fashion technology and community building, various events serve to promote dialogue and networking between industry experts and newcomers. Against this backdrop, Fashion Council Germany acts as a strong lobby organisation, constantly striving for greater visibility, global relevance and interdisciplinary cooperation for German fashion in politics, business and culture.
Fashion Council Germany is the only national interest group of its kind with strong international partners on a political, social and economic level. We represent the interests of our members and the industry in general at regional, national and European level. Our members actively use our network to grow and exchange experiences.
– Has this year's BFW attracted an international crowd? How has this impacted the designers?
– Since we took over the coordination of Berlin Fashion Week one of our main objectives has been to increase its international recognition and awareness with industry stakeholders, press and buyers. With the help of our “Hospitality Program”, where we invite international journalists and buyers to Berlin each season, we have been able to provide them with a “true Berlin experience” and introduce them to the astonishing design talent presented during BFW.
Their publications and positive feedback, as well as the overall success of the previous three seasons, have already led to a significant increase in interest and attendance at Berlin Fashion Week. This has also benefited the designers, with many brands already receiving significant attention in international markets such as the USA and Asia. We are more than certain to have taken the right course and will continue to increase the relevance of Berlin Fashion Week.
– Fashion Council Germany offers numerous programs and initiatives, including mentoring, educational opportunities, and networking possibilities. Can you provide more details about these programs and their impact?
– It certainly is a challenge to include all our initiatives within one answer. We are currently working on more than 10 different projects and initiatives in various areas, ranging from education to internationalisation, business development or fostering young talent. With our education projects, such as our own online education platform “re.FASHION ACADEMY”, we impart knowledge to industry professionals and interested parties and give them the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge.
With our project “GENERATION ZUKUNFT”, we provide knowledge about the ecological and social impact of the fashion industry as well as career opportunities to 9th grade students between the ages of 15 and 17. Our internationalisation project “Berlin Fashion X International” gives Berlin-based brands and designers the opportunity to access different international markets, connects them with important business contacts and gives them the chance to take part in a delegation trip to metropolises such as New York City or Seoul.
Our biggest project is the coordination of Berlin Fashion Week with its “Hospitality Programm” and the concept competition with the initiatives “Berlin Contemporary” and “STUDIO2RETAIL”. Each season, 18 show concepts and 5 event formats are awarded €25.000 and €5.000 respectively in prize money to support the realisation of their show or event.
With our partner eBay we organize the new industry talk format “Metamorphosis” during Berlin Fashion Week. This year eBay and Fashion Council Germany are also launching the 2nd edition of our report “Status on German Fashion” with a new focus on circularity. For more information on our initiatives, please visit the FCG website.
– What initiatives or programs have you launched to support sustainable fashion?
– The biggest breakthrough for us in terms of supporting sustainability within the industry has been the implementation of the Sustainability Requirements based on those of Copenhagen Fashion Week. We are currently working to establish a framework with its Minimum Standards that brands participating in Berlin Fashion Week will have to meet and adhere to in the future. The implementation of the Sustainability Requirements is currently in a pilot phase before they come into force in February 2026.
– How does Fashion Council Germany collaborate with political, cultural, and economic institutions to represent the interests of the German fashion industry?
– At Fashion Council Germany, we work with different institutions that represent the interests of the German cultural and creative industries, especially the fashion industry. The Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and State Secretary Michael Biel serve as our biggest supporters and partners. They fund many of our projects, in particular Berlin Fashion Week with around €5 million every year. This not only enables us to carry out our current projects, but also helps us to grow and establish new programmes and initiatives. We also work with foundations such as The King’s Foundation, Swarovski Foundation and PVH Foundation, as well as local creative industry support of cities across Germany.
– Berlin is known for its unique and diverse fashion culture. What aspects of Berlin contribute to its distinctive fashion identity?
– Berlin's distinctive fashion identity is shaped by its history, vibrant arts scene, and diverse, multicultural population. The city's open-mindedness and experimental spirit encourages innovation and creativity, allowing designers to push boundaries and explore new concepts. In addition, Berlin's diverse and bold culture attracts young talent from around the world, further enriching its fashion landscape.
– Describe the overall feeling Berlin Fashion Week brings in people? Does it have a community feel and how do designers benefit from the communal experience?
– Berlin Fashion Week brings an atmosphere of excitement and inclusivity, with a strong sense of community. The industry as a whole, and designers in particular, benefit from this shared experience through networking, collaboration and exposure to a diverse audience. The supportive environment encourages creative exchange and helps emerging designers gain visibility and establish their brands.
– What does the future of Berlin Fashion Week hold? What do we expect to see more of?
– We are proud of our work and the success of the past seasons – with it we do not only reflect on Fashion Council Germany, but on all those designers, brands, platforms and stakeholders presenting their work during Berlin Fashion Week. But we will not stop moving forward or settle on our success – rather we strive to take a step forward every season.
The future of Berlin Fashion Week looks promising as we continue to focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity. With the implementation of the Sustainability Requirements, we can expect to see more eco-friendly and innovative designs, as well as the integration of cutting-edge technology and greater representation of diverse voices. There will also be a continued focus on supporting emerging talent and fostering collaboration within the fashion community.
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