This season, RAUM.BERLIN kicked off with an innovative presentation format which was founded by the Fashion Council Germany and powered by eBay. The idea behind this project is to combine cutting-edge design, circular thinking and dialogue, bringing together influential people from the fashion business. This innovative format also sets an example for conscious consumption and greater transparency. As a platform where you can buy second-hand fashion, eBay is committed to supporting designers who want to break new ground, introducing them to a wide audience.
As location, Kranzler X, an interim use of the former Café Kranzler, was chosen. Until July 2025, this venue is experimenting with an open house for meetings, entertainment, culture and contemporary consumption. This event lasted three days, and on each of these days, three designers presented their latest collections in individually designed spaces. This format stood out from other fashion presentations by offering space for storytelling, experimentation and creative expression. Every morning, there was a two-hour opening reception where you had the opportunity to talk to the designers in person, view the latest lines and enjoy a variety of delicacies. After this time slot, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the format was open to the public.
Scott Lipinski, CEO of FCG, stated: “RAUM.Berlin creates a platform for talent to present their visions and creations beyond traditional runways. The format encourages new perspectives and highlights the diversity and innovation within fashion. By being open to the public, it continues Fashion Council Germany’s mission to support emerging designers and build meaningful connections between the fashion industry and the wider Berlin community.”
During these three days, visitors gained exciting insights into the innovations and current developments of the fashion industry. The origins of these lines often lay in influential subcultures, driven by a great deal of enthusiasm for experimentation and sustainability. From Berlin to Paris to Athens to Tbilisi, the designer’s work mirrored a shared commitment to rethinking fabrics, identities, and of course the role of fashion in shaping culture.
©RAUM.BERLIN, Photography by Celine Witon for FCG
Mandy Krüger, Head of Fashion eBay, declared: “RAUM.Berlin stands for new forms of creative expression – beyond traditional runways. The format created space for experimentation and dialogue, and platforms like this play an important role in driving the industry forward. In addition to supporting emerging designers, our focus was on sparking conversations around circularity – a topic that is essential to the future of fashion.”
In addition, a Pre-Loved Exhibition initiated by eBay was shown, curated by stylist, fashion editor and art director Christian Stemmler. This drew attention to the creative and circular potential of second-hand clothing. This trend is particulary popular among the younger generation, who are concerned about sustainability. This sets a clear message against short-lived consumption patterns and highlights the potential that existing clothing already has. The exhibition thus not only makes a curatorial statement, but also invites visitors to discover fashion in a conscious, stylish and forward-looking way.
In the afternoon, the programme “METARMORPHOSIS – dialogues about change” powered by eBay, provided a platform and stage for voices from the worlds of fashion, media and activism. Moreover the eBay networking lounge was open all day and turned Kranzler X into a meeting place for circularity, digital design and diversity.
During the three days of the event, nine designers had the opportunity to present their latest collections to a wide audience. For instance Day 1 focused on underground influences and subcultural identities. For example, Swiss designer Julian Zigerli merged print art, emotion and humour in a sculptural installation which was created in collaboration with artist Andi Fischer. The result is a line that, on the one hand, is very individual when you look at the prints and colours, but at the same time stays very wearable. The second day explored material storytelling and transformation of the body. The last day highlighted the future of fashion through circularity and cultural remixing.The designers experimented with new fabrics, local production, and hybrid aesthetics as a tool for sustainable innovation. For instance Avenir used garments made from overproduction waste as a tool for sustainable innovation. ROUGH creatively mixed Greek heritage with Berlin’s streetwear scene.
RAUM.Berlin, which was launched by the Fashion Council Germany and powered by eBay, offered a fantastic stage and opportunity to talk to the designers and discover their latest collections. Sustainable solutions, material storytelling and cultural remixing played a central role here. The event was also a great opportunity to meet new people and expand your network.
Review by Sussan Zeck for D’SCENE Magazine
Images Courtesy of ©RAUM.BERLIN, Photography by Celine Witon for FCG and Finnegan Koichi Godenschweger for FCG
