In the evening of 2nd July, 2024, we got ready for an extremely sought-after fashion week highlight: renowned German traditional brand Marc Cain invited us to present its Spring Summer 2025 collection in a highly sophisticated, royal location: this season, Marc Cain illuminated the Colonnades at the New Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam for its spectacular fashion show. Together with the Sanssouci Palace and its garden, this location has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Once more, this stellar show was part of the official Berlin Fashion Week Calendar. As always when Marc Cain invites, the guest list consisted of an incredibly well-chosen, high-profile audience. This time, the star guests of this striking show included Hollywood actress Kelly Rutherford and international actress Jessica Madsen who many of you will know from her role as Cressida Cowper in the Netflix hit series “Bridgerton“. Their highly elegant, graceful appearances perfectly underlined the festive spirit of this impressive fashion show.
“You can always count on Marc Cain to provide a surprise during Berlin Fashion Week, and this time was no exception with our choice of location. The colonnades at the New Palace in Sanssouci Park were built by Frederick the Great in the 18th century. The so-called Mopke area around the colonnades is the oldest preserved, continuous clinker floor area in Europe. Seeing our collections presented in front of this historic backdrop is also a very special highlight for me personally,” enthused Helmut Schlotterer, Chairman of the Board and Founder of Marc Cain.
As always, when the Bodelshausen-based label invites, the atmosphere, hospitality and attraction were one-of-a-kind: in this context, worth of mentioning is the fact the atmospheric, historical setting and the perfectly coordinated music contributed to a show feeling that was unforgettable. It was exactly this royal location choice in Potsdam which made the show feeling so extraordinary. Furthermore it perfectly matched the high class and level the famous fashion brand always masters so extremely well. This season, the audience entered the grounds through the impressive, 24-metre-high Triumphal Gate. They could then choose their seats with a literally picture-perfect view along the colonnades in a semi-circle. This seat selection guaranteed both the best runway- and architectural impressions. Pure goosebumps feeling!
Accompanied by the atmospheric sounds of modern interpretations of classical music, the models were walking down the catwalk in the over 100-meter-long colonnades. The highly graceful, glamorous and sophisticated looks were an extremely well-chosen, breath-taking combination of the various Marc Cain labels. They were impressively showcasing the brand’s diversity and talent to harmoniously unite several lines and create a picture-perfect result. Kim Riekenberg, who opened the show as first face, was wearing a very sophisticated, sparkling dress in lavender hues. Statement jewellery and a soft, floating scarf rounded off her striking outfit.
Knitwear, which is one of the signature styles of Marc Cain, played a prominent role anew. For their new range, the focus was on airy summer knitwear, shorts and miniskirts in bouclé. Due to their composition made of textured surfaces, lace and lace patterns these lavish looks definitely stayed in mind. Numerous pieces were “Knitted in Germany”. For these compelling creations, Marc Cain used the fashion company’s own knitting facilities.
The colour palette felt like a refreshing, endlessly elegant, blithe summer sorbet: at first, soft beige, light yellow and various rosé hues were selected. Due to the use of sparkling yarns, several soft beige looks radiated pure elegance. Sparkling details were an inspiration that was repeatedly used this season – many looks sparkled and shined. Simply striking! In addition to that very delicate colour choice, bold blue, red and orange tones played a central role as well. The use of sheer white felt like a very pleasant, fresh summer breeze. Matching the imposing setting and motto of this spectacular evening, Marc Cain opted for “Loud” instead of “Quiet Luxury”: satin looks, sequins and lurex underlined that ultra-glamorous approach. For the brilliant finale, the models presented striking looks from the new Marc Cain Glam label: the first long, then sparkling dresses and outfits with the most unique floral patterns were main features of this marvelous line.
“It’s fantastic to be here in Berlin for Fashion Week, and I’m thrilled to experience a Marc Cain Fashion Show for the first time. For this special evening, I chose a dress decorated with opulent flowers from the new Glam Collection, which is being showcased tonight on the runway. The cream-coloured coat complements the outfit perfectly, adding an elegant touch,” enthused Kelly Rutherford.
Images Courtesy of ©MARC CAIN GMBH
Some outfits felt like a homage to the fashion of “Bridgerton“, an American historical romance television series which plays in the early 1800s in London’s High Society. The looks always stayed feminine. Additionally, a romantic and magical approach was visible in countless creations. Retro influences could be noticed in various garments, such as in the use of twinsets, bouclé costumes, pinstripes and A-line skirts that reminded us of previous times. What also stood out in this context was a long, sheer white floating dress with a ruffled collar that was provided with black polka dots. Influences from the ’50s could be recognized several times. Another highlight were statement suits which were often kept in shining fabrics. They were often embellished with strong, eye-popping prints – a true eye-catcher this time! Three-piece suits were another highlight for next spring and summer. Some looks that were made of metallic yarn underlined the festive spirit of these pieces. Worth of mentioning is the fact some ensembles radiated pure royal feeling: for instance a fabulous rosé-coloured ankle length coat that was provided with a very peculiar collar and coat pockets that was kept in delicate rosé felt highly graceful. It was paired with pumps in the same metallic nuance and eye-catching, sophisticated earrings. What a strong statement look!
The feelgood factor of the runway looks played a major role as well. This approach could be spotted in various practical outfits you can perfectly add in your daily wardrobe: for example cargo pants that emerged both in a long version, and as shorts. Moreover jackets in utility style that were kept in white or camel, classy shirt blouses in the same nuances, plus summer knitwear pieces such as cardigans and timeless suits are the perfect addition for your daily closet next spring and summer.
With having chosen The New Chambers, a part of the ensemble of Sanssouci palace in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam, Marc Cain chose the perfect, opulent location for this festive event. They were constructed for King Frederick the Great of Prussia from 1771 to 1775. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is located in the west of Sanssouci Palace, was constructed as a complement to the Picture Gallery, which is situated in the east. Both buidings enframe the summer palace.
Many other prominent guests did not want to miss the Fashion Show in the Colonnades and the after-show in the New Chambers of Sanssouci, including Bettina Zimmermann, Kai Wiesinger, Jessica Schwarz, Nilam Farooq, Gizem Emre, Rebecca Mir, Amira Pocher with partner Christian Düren and Diana zur Löwen.
“I love fashion so I’m delighted to be at the Marc Cain Fashion Show. I believe a casual tailored suit like this is perfect for any occasion, and the sequins add a touch of glamour. Berlin has a special energy that I absolutely adore. It’s great to be part of this exciting event!“, declared Jessica Madsen.
With their festive presentation of their Spring Summer 2025 collection titled “Pure Radiance” in The New Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Marc Cain proved once more you can always count on Marc Cain for the most spectacular fashion week experience. The royal location perfectly underlined the festive, graceful and magical character of this compelling collection. It was once more an unforgettable highlight.
Review by Sussan Zeck for DSCENE Magazine
All Images Courtesy of ©MARC CAIN GMBH
i am not sure berlin fashion week is the place anymore for brand ssuch as marc cain.. Not even sure why are they thinking these runway shows do anything to elevate their brand?