GmbH Berlin's 2026 Fall Collection: A Political Fashion Statement or a Beautiful Escape?
Berlin's fashion scene is about to get political, and GmbH is at the forefront. Just moments before their highly anticipated show, designers Serhat Işik and Benjamin Huseby revealed their mindset. While GmbH has always infused their designs with political undertones, they also believe in the power of creating purely stunning fashion.
But here's where it gets controversial. Işik reflects on their previous collection, 'Untitled', which celebrated pink hues and bows, a privilege they acknowledge. However, the current global climate demands a different approach. As Işik puts it, "As soon as you walk out, you face reality." His partner, Huseby, sported a T-shirt with a striking message, 'Friedensangst' ('Fear of Peace'), mocking the German financial press's term for shareholders' anxiety in the defense industry when peace agreements are signed.
In these turbulent times, the designers find solace in a familiar principle: discovering beauty amidst darkness. They drew inspiration from Berlin's club culture of the 1980s, a period of true freedom and transgression. This collection revisited their fashion roots, playing with body-hugging silhouettes and powerful proportions. Yet, it also surprised with its softer side, featuring flowing pants, peplum jackets, and faux fur coats that added a delicate touch.
The runway showcased a contrast between toughness and delicacy, with GmbH's signature thigh-high square-toe boots, boxer waistband pants, and modular accessories like faux fur collars. The collection served as a retrospective of Berlin's past and GmbH's journey. But will their 10th-anniversary show in the summer mark a new stylistic era?
The answer lies in the political climate. Interestingly, Işik and Huseby feel the most pressure from within the industry due to their identities as Muslim immigrants. They embrace this politicization, stating, "We want to talk about that too. That's why we founded GmbH." A bold stance, indeed, and one that might spark debate. Could this very politicization become a reason for their downfall? The designers seem to embrace the possibility, leaving us with a thought-provoking question: Can fashion ever truly be apolitical?
What do you think? Is GmbH's approach a powerful statement or a distraction from the harsh realities they aim to address? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
