Post by Sara-Zoe Gries

On the search for some new inspiration, I landed at VOGUE Germany’s #ForcesofFashion Summit in Berlin last week - I've never been to such an event, and honestly, I think it was quite unique. Vogue and Condé Nast Germany have been part of many of my strategies, I read all magazines, so clearly, I was hyped. To sum up: I ended up leaving the venue, overwhelmed by the #creative ideas, but also the pure #acceptance for new emerging designers (such as dear friend Daniela Harsch making queer-modular bridalwear, oh so cool). For those who need a story time (Gen-Z after all): I went alone, but I oh well, I learned a lot, especially that people in this industry are so kind and #BFW is not Paris FW - that is great, because: - Berlin is THE melting pot in Germany, where creatives feel at home, especially people who might not afford Paris or London rent (my first random thought) - Berlin is always #underconstruction, causing a new ground for designers and anyone that wants to join the fashion industry (photographers, models, media, you name it) - AUTEL STUDIO, check them out! - "Berlin macht erfinderisch" - yes, there might be the "new person that thinks he is a Berliner" cliche, but actually, in the end Berlin is closest to New York than any other European Metropolitan in my eyes. And yet: “We are not against anyone, we want to work together - yet other cities are better at this than us" was the response as to why other fashion weeks have a better rep. I came for #inspiration, I stayed #forthepeople, the ones that inspire me to chase innovation in Germany (it's tough, we have bureaucracy here, but as a strategist I can only say #challengeaccepted). I learned that #successissubjective, or rather, the first talk at VOGUE Germany with Fashion Council Germany & REFERENCE STUDIOS GmbH showed me, that maybe the Fashion industry in Germany is really cool?! Thank you dear Scott Lipinski Mumi Haiati Kerstin Weng Kai Frölich for the amazing opening that changed this perspective - we surely aren't acting like the devil wears prada here (still can't wait for the sequel)! ✨💫 A lot of insights, I will forever cherish - and the best thing: I had the greatest time on my day off, away from data, still following my passion of learning about the fashion media industry! Love and Light, Sara-Zoe