Berlin-based unisex fashion label Dennis Chuene which was founded by South African-born designer Dennis Chuene in 2008, presented its collection ‘Big Ego – Low Self-Esteem‘ for the second time during Berlin Fashion Week. Being significant for the looks is their focus on craftsmanship, quality and emotion. The limited creations focus on handmade, unique designs that always stay wearable. Furthermore the very special detail-awareness of this range and the choice of highest quality fabrics, longevity and comfort play a major role. With the creations of this set, Dennis Chuene wants to express his emotions and inner feelings. For that purpose he experiments with construction, materials and applications.
“Every piece of clothing is inevitably connected to me and my inner self. Traditional craftsmanship is important to me, coupled with innovative production methods and materials. Every piece is unique, just as every emotion and human being,” explains Dennis Chuene
The fashion show was part of the Berlin Fashion Week calendar. Worth of mentioning is also the fact the show concept was chosen and awarded with prize money within the competition “Berlin Contemporary” by the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises as well as the Fashion Council Germany.
During the show half of the guests were given headphones while the other half listened to the designer’s inner feelings through speakers. Extraordinary looks and a special selection of models depict the various facets of his psyche.
“By representing myself through my designs, DENNIS CHUENE is more than a fashion brand – it’s about listening, understanding and expression – it’s an archive of feelings, emotions and lived experiences.” states the designer.
“The show and collection is an exploration of myself, the inner struggles of an individual wrestling with their own self-worth. It was important to me to also invite the audience to think about their own insecurities and the masks they wear in their daily lifes,” analyses the creative spirit behind the brand.
The colour palette of this range contains of dark tones that are broken up with white embroidery. The silhouettes of this line are kept rather loose, for instance long, figure-hugging coats are paired with loose, pleated trousers and other inspirations. The feelgood factor plays a central role in this set. You can wear these outfits every day in any urban jungle. They give you comfort and strength. A sweater which serves as inspiration for the whole line is made of numerous individual threads. It features a very individual, hand-embroided sonogram image of an unborn child. Dennis Chuene declares: “The piece made me wonder where my big ego – low self-esteem comes from. From birth or inherited from life?”.
“Every piece of clothing is inevitably connected to me and my inner self. With my first show under the title “Dennis Who?!” I asked myself the question of who I actually am. With this show, I bared it all,” explains the designer. “Big Ego – Low Self-Esteem” features a wide range of handmade, unique creations in a rather dark colour palette. What stays in mind is their focus on craftsmanship, quality and emotion.
Review by Sussan Zeck for DSCENE Magazine
Images: © Dennis Chuene, Boris Marberg for BFW
