In a stunning showcase during Berlin Fashion Week, Danny Reinke presented his collection, Numinous, which reinterprets the essence of the forest as an independent force rather than a mere backdrop. The presentation condensed the space into an intense, almost ritualistic atmosphere, amplified by live music and atmospheric lighting, demonstrating a clear narrative arc. The stunning backstage photography by Thilo Wilcke captures the essence of this remarkable collection, echoing the omnipresence of nature in every frame.
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All photos by Thilo Wilcke @thibilosoph
The collection deftly balances between prêt-à-couture and sculptural designs, where silhouettes convey both a sense of safety and fragility. The interplay of volume and precise cuts, alongside elongated lines and fragmented forms, creates a captivating visual dynamic. Central to the collection are coats, dresses, and ensembles crafted from faux fur and sheep’s wool, which emerge as almost sentient beings, observing the surroundings with awareness.
Materiality remains at the heart of the design philosophy. A conscious mix of tulle, transparent fabrics, and recycled or deadstock textiles converges to form garments with unique surface textures. Several pieces intentionally present an unfinished aesthetic—organically evolving like snapshots of an ongoing process. The oversized tulle silhouettes and voluminous ruffles seem perpetually in motion, transcending clear boundaries.
Continuing this exploration is the use of surreal elements within intricately crafted leather patchwork and beaded appliqués, inspired by the expressive visuals of Edvard Munch and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. The resulting forms oscillate between inner tension and expressive intensity. A significant part of the collection features self-woven fabrics made from collected remnants, cords, wool, felt, leather scraps, and other natural materials that coalesce into a new, distinct textile. Hand-knitted sweaters, hats, gloves, and accessories add a layer of protection and warmth.
Light, chiffon-like materials drape over heavier textures like morning mist, creating ephemeral contrasts. This results in a collection that oscillates between nature and artifice, external realities and inner perceptions—mysterious, raw, and profoundly emotional.
The colour palette intentionally remains subdued and earthy, dominated by varying shades of brown, grey, and moss green, punctuated by broken nature hues. Isolated bright accents in white and cream introduce deliberate highlights, much like glades in a forest. The composition is focused, serene, and atmospherically dense.
Additionally, the collaboration with Sungyi Lee of WALA DESIGN LAB introduces a dialogue of unique design perspectives within the collection. Lee’s work brings a personal language of form and material aesthetics to the presentation, making visible the interplay between different cultural conceptions of nature and spirituality. A proponent of holistic design, Lee’s approach considers space, material, and atmosphere as an interconnected experience, merging architectural clarity with emotional depth and rich narratives.
The partnership between Danny Reinke and Sungyi Lee is rooted in a shared commitment to understanding design as a reflection of responsibility, identity, and context. At WALA DESIGN LAB, design transcends surface-level appeal, embodying a lived ethos aimed at creating impactful spaces while remaining sensitive to resource use.
