In this show, Kilian Kerner eneavoured to give relatives who have missed their loved ones since the GDR era a voice that would be heard. Therefore, many influences from the 80s can be found stylistically in the creations of this compelling collection. The German Democratic Republic (GDR), located in East Germany, was the one of the two divided German states that existed from 1949 to 1990 after the Second World War. With his moving fashion show, the designer brings a very serious topic to the big stage.
For the first time, Kilian Kerner showed his new collection with his two designer colleagues Marcel Ostertag and Danny Reinke in the large Uber Arena, Berlin. With a capacity to host 17.000 people, this is the largest indoor venue in the city. This multi-purpose arena is used for concerts, sporting events such as ice hockey and basketball, and other shows. In previous seasons, their fashion shows took place in the Uber Eats Music Hall, which is located next door. Kilian Kerner, who has been a fixture at Berlin Fashion Week and well-known German designer for many years, once again managed to attract numerous prominent personalities from film, television and the fashion industry who all couldn’t wait to see his new collection.
In his Spring Summer 2026 line, the designer interprets the typically expressive silhouettes, such as emphasised shoulder sections, in a modern and refreshing way. Sequins that sparkle and shine radiate the glamour of days gone by. The designer manages to give viewers the confidence that even after dark times, better times will come.
A midi dress in powdery grey was chosen as the opening look, which impressed with its striking shoulder section and wide waist belt. If you looked closely, you could see small, sharp studs. In the course of the collection, progressive streetwear looks met extremely glamorous, sparkling evening creations. Outfits embroided with daisies met elegant glittering stones. Furthermore, gold and black faux leather brought a certain gloom to the mood of the collection. Moreover torn denim looked like an outcry.
The wide variety of cuts and looks in this collection as well as the unique details, be it ruffles, draping or very precisely cut looks, surely remain in your memory. The designer skilfully played with various design ideas and influences and interpreted them in a very individual, beautiful way, always inspired by a little 80s flair. He drew strength and hope from the darkness, never giving up and continuing to believe in bright, sparkling moments. The models looked serious, but also very graceful and strong. The babydolls in the arms of some of the models were a reminder of the fate of the families who are still searching for their family members. Black flowers, often as appliqués, were a recurring motif in this collection.
While the show started very colourful, with different shades of blue and red as well as silver and bright gold, it turned completely black towards the finale. It was the first time that Kilian Kerner mixed creations from Kilian Kerner Berlin with ten looks from Kilian Kerner Senses for his SS26 line.
Both the hairstyles of the models with perms and the make-up reminded us of that time. The final look of this line, in which the model was completely covered in oversized, artificial flowers, was particularly memorable.
The Cubic Screens in the Uber Arena Berlin, where the show took place, also showed films in which relatives read out messages in which they searched for their loved ones. For the traditional final walk, the models held hands of relatives who were looking for their missed loved ones on posters. Classic violin sounds underlined the serious character of this message.
For Spring/Summer 2026, Kilian Kerner convinces us with a very emotional show and a collection that will certainly be remembered for a long time due to the diversity of the outfits and the cuts paired with the most unique details and many sparkling moments that create hope in the darkness, always with a touch of 80 flair. He also encourages us to never give up on our dreams and to keep believing in the sparkling moments of life.
Review by Sussan Zeck for D’SCENE Magazine
Images Getty Images for Kilian Kerner
