Berlin Fashion Week was treated to a mesmerising showcase as Karin Brettmeister, the Berlin-based luxury designer and mastermind behind Ritual Unions, unveiled her latest collection, Awakening. Known for her exquisite artisan wedding dresses, Brettmeister has spent the last eight years navigating the bridal couture landscape, asserting with elegance that she will never wed. With this new lineup, she ventures boldly into uncharted territory, marking a profound shift in her creative narrative.
All photos by Lars Nitsch @larsnitsch
@berlinfashionwe
@fashioncouncilgermany
Words by Marcel Schlutt and Nico Sutor
Ritual Unions Unveils “Awakening” at Berlin Fashion Week: A Captivating Exploration of Extremes
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic venue 1. OG on Französische Straße, the debut of Awakening was a feast for the senses. The collection invites us to consider enlightenment not as an endpoint but rather as a series of profound revelations derived from embracing emotional polarities. Each guest was greeted by a striking preface printed on sleek black cards, foreshadowing the evening’s exploration of dualities.
“Enlightenment is an elusive moment. Awakening imagines it not as a final destination, but as something revealed through the embrace of extremes,” it read. This sentiment was palpably felt throughout the runway presentation, where Brettmeister wielded contrasts like an artist, weaving through highs and lows, exuding both concealment and exposure, as well as firmness and fluidity.
The collection’s opening act featured a series of ethereal white dresses that transformed the space into a canvas of light. As the show progressed, it playfully oscillated between light and dark, culminating in a striking finale of bold, all-black ensembles. Brettmeister’s meticulous craftsmanship was evident in the rigid skeletal corsetry, either provocatively exposed or delicately layered beneath tulle, creating an exhilarating clash of aesthetics.
Highlights included glistening black and white rhinestones that adorned many of the creations, alongside models adorned with tulle masks encrusted with sequins and embroidery. A standout moment was marked by a jacket and corset adorned with taut white pearls, evoking a sense of armour. Each ensemble spoke to a dialogue filled with dissonance, juxtaposing form and material, simplicity and complexity, tradition and avant-garde innovation.
The finale captivated hearts and minds alike: a model adorned in flowing tulle connected by metal hooks to an exaggerated corset, her hands bound delicately behind her with a ribbon. This powerful imagery resonated deeply, encapsulating the emotional endurance required to navigate the extremes explored throughout Awakening.
In a world often intoxicated by extremes, Brettmeister’s collection at Berlin Fashion Week serves as a poignant reminder of the journey toward self-discovery and clarity. With Awakening, Ritual Unions has undoubtedly redefined the wedding dress narrative, gifting us a collection that is as introspective as it is visually stunning.
