Berlin Fashion Week! What treasure lies in that which none would seek? What holds value when it lacks any? What wonders exist in the unseen and the untold? It is these enigmatic questions that form the essence of Andrej Gronau’s mesmerising FW25 collection, a sumptuous exploration of beauty in imperfection that I adore.
This season, Gronau crafts a rhapsody of delight from the realm of Bric-à-Brac and Objet d’Art, beckoning us to take a second glance at the neglected gems we encounter in our lives. The collection joyfully transforms the seemingly purposeless—charming trinkets, heirloom treasures, and quirky décor—into an emotional tapestry of self-expression. With wrinkled metallics evolving into ornamented jackets and delicate knits resembling paper ribbons, Gronau manages to evoke the nostalgia of yesteryear while infusing playful sophistication into the evening wardrobe.
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All photos by Harry Miller www.instagram.com/leftgoesright
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We are reminded through this collection that what once seemed childlike and curious can emerge as a canvas of sartorial elegance. Each piece invites us to contemplate the intimate treasures we collect, those objects that cradle memories and stories within our habitats. The interplay of textures—faded and bright, shiny and matte, hairy and smooth— paints a vivid portrait of the wonder we held in our childhood, urging us to see each object for its inherent beauty.
Oversized collars reminiscent of antique figurines meld Victorian drama with a contemporary twist, while furry textures hark back to the nostalgic richness of our favourite childhood toys. Star-shaped cut-outs exude playfulness, drawing from the tactile joys of juvenile craft. Voluminous shapes, such as puffy sleeves and flared dresses, intermingle effortlessly with clean, utilitarian tailoring, striking a dynamic balance between whimsy and refinement.
By juxtaposing faded with shiny, childlike with refined, and rough with smooth, the FW25 collection triumphs in celebrating the beauty of imperfection. It invites us to introspect on the sentimental worth of our collected objects—reminding us that rummage can often serve as vessels of memory and personal expression.
The glitter of rhinestones and the gentle shine of tinsel or faux pearls stir a visual nostalgia that transcends mere financial value. These elements begin whispers of beauty that echo not from purpose, but from the profound joy they ignite within us. Here, Gronau positions beauty as an emotional journey, unshackled from necessity, a celebration of the pure aesthetic pleasure that we once discovered with innocent eyes.
Andrej Gronau’s FW25 collection is a sweeping testament to the allure of the unseen—a must-see for those who savour the narratives woven into each piece. It’s a collection I simply can’t get enough of!
