Berlin Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2021 – The best shows & designers – CM

The spotlights go on, the music starts, and on the catwalk it is decided which trends will shape the coming months. The Fashion Week Berlin is much more than a fashion show – it is the pulse of the German fashion scene, a meeting point for creatives, scouts, German fashion designers and those who still want to become one. Anyone who wants to understand how fashion is created, who steps onto the stage and what really happens behind the scenes is exactly in the right place here.

Overview hide

Overview of the Berlin Fashion Week

The most important designers and shows of the season

Models on the Berlin Fashion Week – How it really goes

How to make a successful start in the fashion world

Frequently asked questions about the Berlin Fashion Week

Overview of the Berlin Fashion Week

Berlin has long secured a firm place as a fashion metropolis alongside the classic fashion capitals. While Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week are regarded as the uncontested giants, Berlin scores with something else: authenticity, accessibility and an unmistakable urban flair. The city attracts up-and-coming talents as well as established houses – a mix that is unique on an international level.

The spring/summer collections are traditionally presented in the autumn of the previous year, allowing buyers, press and consumers to plan accordingly. What is seen on the Berlin catwalk ends up in boutiques months later – from the concept-store scene in Mitte to the large department stores. Those looking for runway and catwalk tips will find one of the best schools in the world here: the real thing on stage.

Spring/summer compared to other seasons

Not every fashion week operates the same way. The spring/summer shows differ clearly in tone, fabrics and silhouettes from the autumn/winter collections. Light materials, airy cuts and vibrant colour palettes dominate – giving designers the chance to work more experimentally than during the darker season.

Fashion Week	Focus	Special Feature	Relevance for Models
Berlin	Streetwear, Sustainability	Talent Development	Very high for newcomers
Paris	Haute Couture, Luxury	Global media attention	Top-established
Milan	Leather, Craftsmanship, Style	Strong brand power	Experienced models
London	Avant-garde, Innovation	Young designer scene	For creative profiles
New York	Commercial, Ready-to-wear	Highest global reach	Commercial models

The most important designers and shows of the season

What really makes a Fashion Week is the names on the programme. Berlin has been bringing together a wide spectrum for years: from high-end houses with international recognition to newcomers who bring fresh air to the scene with unconventional ideas and sustainable concepts. The diversity is programme-based – and reflects the Berlin self-understanding.

“Berlin is not a copy of Paris or Milan – Berlin is the answer to that. Here, fashion happens before it becomes fashion.”

Established Houses on the Catwalk

Big brands use Berlin as a platform to present their spring/summer visions to an open, young audience. The shows combine staging with a statement: set designs, music and casting are coordinated to tell a story. Anyone who wants to be part of such productions should get to know the requirements for models early on and understand what sizes and requirements the industry expects.

Sustainable collections in focus
Upcycling as a design principle
Genderfluid cuts on the rise
Statement accessories over minimalism
Collaborations with streetwear labels

Rising talents and newcomers

Especially the emerging talent scene makes Berlin unique among the Big 4 Fashion Weeks. Young designers from German fashion schools get a real stage here – without the financial barriers that Milan or Paris bring with them. This openness makes the Berlin scene dynamic and surprising. Anyone looking to book an up-and-coming model should pay particular attention to these shows: Relationships that shape careers are formed here.

Experimental silhouettes and cuts
Handmade details instead of mass production
Collaborations with Berlin artists
Digital shows as a new format

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Models on the Berlin Fashion Week – How it really goes

Behind the scenes of a Fashion Week lies months of preparation. Models are specifically cast by scouts and agencies for individual shows. Anyone wanting to walk in Berlin needs more than just good looks – profile, versatility and the ability to physically embody a collection are crucial. A Berlin modelling agency can be the decisive first step to gain access to these castings.

Many models who are now internationally successful took their first steps at regional Fashion Weeks. The path from Berlin to London as a model or even New York as a model is real – but it requires strategy. Those applying should prepare a professional model portfolio for the casting and know how to prepare properly for the casting.

Casting and application for Fashion Week shows

The casting for Fashion Week shows is a process of its own – intense, sometimes chaotic, but educational. Agencies submit sedcards and composites, designers make an initial selection, and then personal castings follow, often just before the show. Anyone interested in a casting at CM Models or who wants to apply now should be prepared: height, measurements, walk and expression are assessed.

Important to know: It’s not just classic runway measurements that are in demand. More and more designers are embracing diversity. Whether it’s a curvy model or a candidate for a model agency without a minimum height – the Berlin scene is more open than its reputation suggests. Even those applying as a plus-size model find real opportunities in Berlin.

What models earn during Fashion Week

A question that many are asking: what does appearing at a Fashion Week bring financially? The answer depends heavily on experience, agency and designer. While newcomers often start by walking for experience and exposure, established models can earn very different fees per show. Those who want to find out more about what a model earns should also find out whether a model agency charges money – reputable agencies generally do not. A reputable model agency can be recognised, among other things, by the fact that it works without fees.

How to make a successful start in the fashion world

Following the Berlin Fashion Week is inspiring – but for many, the desire to be part of this world is the real driving force. Getting started in the modelling industry is more structured than it may seem from the outside. There are clear steps to become a model, and it’s worth approaching them systematically. Whether you want to start in Berlin, through a model agency in Hamburg or via becoming a model in Frankfurt – the basics are the same everywhere.

Those who initially don’t want to start full-time still have options: Modelling as a side job is a realistic entry point, building experience and a network without putting everything on the line straight away. It’s important to find the right agency – a look at the top 10 modelling agencies or a targeted cover letter for a modelling agency are good first steps.

Checklist: Preparing for the fashion scene

☐ Have professional photos taken for your application
☐ Measure and document your body measurements precisely
☐ Compile a portfolio
☐ Research reputable modelling agencies
☐ Experience Fashion Weeks as a visitor or observer
☐ Take catwalk training and practice posing
☐ Build a social media presence
☐ Submit an application and seek feedback

Those who do not meet the minimum size requirements for a modelling agency should not give up – there are agencies that specifically focus on diversity. The key is to find the right niche and present yourself authentically.

Frequently asked questions about the Berlin Fashion Week

How can I participate as a model at the Berlin Fashion Week?

The usual route is through a modelling agency that has contacts with designers and casting directors. If you don’t have an agency yet, you can apply directly – for example, via the online application form or by contacting a modelling agency in Berlin. It is important to have a professional application portfolio and knowledge of your own strengths.

What measurements do I need for a catwalk in Berlin?

The classic runway measurements start from a height of 175 cm for women, but Berlin is known for its openness towards diverse body types. Those who want to know the exact measurements and requirements will find detailed information there. For curvy modelling applications, there are specific routes – for example, through specialised agencies.

Is the Berlin Fashion Week also suitable for newcomers?

Yes – Berlin is regarded as one of the most accessible Fashion Weeks for newcomers. Many up-and-coming designers prefer to work with new faces. Those who are well prepared, have informed themselves about the steps to modelling and present themselves authentically have real chances of securing their first bookings.

What does participation as a visitor to the Berlin Fashion Week cost?

Many shows at the Berlin Fashion Week require accreditation – for press, buyers and industry representatives. However, some events and side shows are publicly accessible or can be attended via raffles and partner tickets. Those who want to get to know the industry without stepping into the spotlight will find a good opportunity here to gain insights and make contacts.