At Berlin Fashion Week, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as rebekka ruétz showcased her latest collection, FEASTonyourlife. This breathtaking presentation encapsulated a journey toward embracing one’s authentic self, celebrating the beauty in imperfection. The designer masterfully invites us to step into freedom, crafting pieces that resonate with the raw energy of life itself, vulnerable yet steadfast.
Photographer Shin Jeong Hoon took us backstage for an intimate glimpse into the heart of this collection, while Chelsea Claire captured the catwalk magic that filled the venue, the juxtaposition of structured silhouettes against flowing, voluminous forms echoed ruétz’s exploration of mobility and self-discovery.
All backstage photos by SHIN JEONG HOON
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All catwalk photos by Chelsea Claire for #BFW @bychelseaclaire
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Words by Marcel Schlutt and Nico Sutor
The palette of FEASTonyourlife is a visual dialogue between nature and our innermost selves, transitioning from deep Raven Black to earthy Peat Brown and ethereal Smoke Grey. These colours are not just hues; they encapsulate the essence of personal transformation, as soft Gold and shimmering Silver illuminate the path to self-realisation.
The collection’s foundation is constructed from organic cotton and denim, standing as a testament to sustainable practices, while innovative materials, like coffee leather, which symbolises change, and vegan leather that champions awareness, reflect ruétz’s commitment to responsibility. The chenille design, reminiscent of a caterpillar’s metamorphosis, further illustrates the duality of transformation, emphasising that true beauty often lies in the layers we shed.
As Derek Walcott eloquently states, “The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your door.” This sentiment profoundly resonates with the intent behind ruétz’s collection. It serves as an invitation not merely to discard the masks we wear but to engage in a deeper exploration of identity, authenticity, and the celebration of our unique narratives. “Peel your own image from the mirror,” she encourages, pushing us toward courageous self-awareness.
The collection isn’t just fashion; it encapsulates an experience, an exploration of the intersection between strength and vulnerability. Each piece speaks to liberation, challenging us to embrace our true selves and cultivate an unapologetic expression of individuality.
As we reflect on FEASTonyourlife, it’s clear that rebekka ruétz has once again paved the way for avant-garde fashion that echoes the narratives of feminine strength and authenticity. In a world saturated with expectations, her collection stands out as a bold proclamation of freedom, a feast for the soul.
Hair & Makeup – The Vision
The visual richness of this collection reaches new heights through an innovative collaboration with Sam Hill, the Creative Director and Makeup Artist from Inclover Agency. Hill’s artistry transcends traditional makeup and hairstyling; he has crafted intricate sculptural masks from glass and wire, each a delicate masterpiece that embodies the theme of unmasking and the journey of self-discovery.
Drawing inspiration from Derek Walcott’s poignant reflections on self-encounter, these masks symbolise the myriad roles we play—roles that can render us strangers in our own lives. They capture that pivotal moment when the performance gives way to authenticity, when the polished surface of our facade shatters, allowing us to truly see ourselves within life’s mirror.
The designs are steeped in a palette and forms inspired by the contemporary collection and the elegance of Japanese porcelain painting, echoing the tension between identity and performance. Each look, rough, abstract, and theatrical, serves as a powerful metaphor for the act of shedding external facades in favour of genuine self-revelation. The delicate threads, reminiscent of zippers drawn across the face, symbolise the unfastening of the mask, heralding the emergence of one’s true self into vibrant authenticity.
Moreover, Hill has ingeniously incorporated protective elements crafted from wire mesh, serving as a poetic representation of our innate desire for integrity and safeguarding from external distractions as we navigate the path of self-exploration.
In seamless harmony with rebekka ruétz, this entire vision extends beyond mere fashion; it encapsulates the profound journey of self-discovery, a narrative both powerful and vulnerable, uncompromising in its honesty. It is a celebration of peeling away masks and embracing the beauty of oneself, resonating deeply with Walcott’s lyrical quest for authenticity.
