VENEER
SS26
VENEER
SS26 COLLECTION
PRESENTATION
BERLIN FASHION WEEK
VANESSA BAERNTHOL PRESENTS THE SS26 COLLECTION ‚VENEER‘ IN FORM OF A PRESENTATION AT BERLIN FASHION WEEK
Berlin, 30 June 2025 – Today, Vanessa Baernthol unveiled Spring/Summer 2026 collection ‚VENEER‘, at Berlin Fashion Week. Known for her architectural approach to fashion and strong commitment to sustainable production, Baernthol presents a collection that deconstructs and redefines layering as an artistic and functional practice. The presentation took place at the art venue Schlachter 151 in Berlin-Charlottenburg, held in a moment suspended between architecture and movement, silence and sound, permanence and transformation, presence and power.
Building on the conceptual foundation of the FW25 runway debut collection ‚REBUILT‘, this season’s ‚VENEER‘ transcends the traditional runway and concentrates on the performative aspect, as site specific immersive Presentation format at Schlachter 151. Upon arrival, guests encountered models already positioned throughout the space—still and silent—until the soundscape activated the performance, directing and initiating subtle, instinctive movements that began to immerse the whole room in shifting presence.
„Movement, pose, and expression of each visible character are directed by a voice. Failure, function, and pace are defined by the spoken word. Oblivion and blind trust are broken only by a clear
stance—the presence and precision of the model’s walk. Moments repeat; similar, yet not the same, scenes unfold before the viewer’s eyes. Interaction is kept to a minimum—nonetheless, everything functions as a unified whole.“
The performance existed in dual form—live, activating the physical space of Schlachter 151, and projected, through a film intervention that captured the descent of figure by figure within the monumental staircase of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Unter den Linden. The Staatsbibliothek’s architecture, with its opulent and representative façade, grand staircase, and rich ornamentation characteristic of the neobaroque style, embodies power, education, and cultural identity, while simultaneously reflecting the symmetry and clarity of neoclassicism.
‚VENEER‘—SCULPTURAL LAYERS AS ARTIFACTS OF PRESENCE AND POWER
Stone and metal speak as silent witnesses—artifacts carrying architectural memory, echoing historical time. Layers fold and unfold like sculptural silhouettes, balancing presence and weight. The garments move between solidity and translucence, holding tension between past and present. Form and function entwine in an architectural rhythm—structured yet fluid, commanding yet subtle. Shapes repeat, shift, and transform—never static, always present and powerful. Power is felt in every fold, every movement, every pulse of the room—reinforced by a specially designed scent. The colour palette is grounded in sage, ashy earth tones, warm light greys and obscure blacks.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS—FIVE SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTES
Opening Look—a hooded blazer from light grey, fluid silk drapes and gathers, softly ruched into an integrated corset—not tight, but loose, almost undone. The hem is raw, the movement fluid. Tights ground the look, sheer and silent.
Second Look—a three-piece from follows. Sage-toned linen jersey folds into symmetry—hooded top, fluid pants—disrupted by an asymmetrical skirt layer that cuts across the frame. Precision meets disruption, structure meets flow.
Third Look—a ribbed cotton tube dress, minimal and firm. Above it, a hooded sleeve overlay in naturally textured silk. Metal splits puncture the surface—half nail, half needle—worn like relics, crafted in collaboration with Mean Goddess. Materials speak. Memory pierces.
Fourth Look—a ruched black dress evokes weightless density. Volume builds in the skirt—above, a sheer corset rests as an added layer, fragile yet defined. Tension lives between staging and restraint. Stillness is sculpted in transparency.
Final Look—climatic momentum of the collection—a black naturally textured silk gown, fitted corset at the top, explodes into a ballooned, ruched skirt. A long train drags behind—tracing power across the floor. Form extends, presence lingers.
OHAGURO AS CULTURAL TESTAMENT
„A visual statement emerged in the model’s blackened teeth, referencing the Japanese practice of ohaguro—a historic beauty ideal and symbol of wealth, maturity, and status. Baernthol draws on this cultural reference, transforming it into a contemporary context. The palette held strict—muted earth tones in sharp contrast to black. The garments, like the staging itself, were never loud, yet deeply intense. ‚VENEER‘ revealed a designer who understands fashion as an architectural space—meant to be inhabited, traversed, and transformed.“ (Fashion Street Berlin)
Thanks to the whole team—Creative Production by Stella Raschke—Movement Direction, Screen Film Direction and Sound by Gloria Viktoria Regotz—Screen Film by Edgar Scherwinski—Runway Photography by Marcus Hartelt and Tobias Kruse—Head of Makeup by Olivia Nwachukwu—Head of Hair by Aline Jakoby—Metal Artifacts and Scent Design by Mean Goddess—Set Design by Guillermina Burgos Fischer—Casting by Joy Livia—Guest Management and Production Assistance by Victoria Depta—Graphic by Philipp Bulk—Models are Finja Loechtermann, Vagabond Jazz via Wir Sind Uns, Asha Leah via Majin Mgmt, Ivy Vegas via Majin Mgmt and Ruilin D via Majin Mgmt—Photo Team by Laura Hänel and Jonas L. Mertens—Makeup Team by Kristin Waltersdorf via Bigoudi, Jesse Strikwerda and Natsumi Allgöwer—Hair Team by Laura-Sophie Langer via Bigoudi, Rocky Villanueva—Casting Assistance by Anton Bobko—Dressing and Backstage Assistance by Sophia Bogner and Tim Reimann.
Thanks to our partners and supporters—Fabrichouse.com, Charlotte Tilbury, Styleheads, Oribe, Oribe Pro, Christian Ebner, Schlachter 151 & Anna, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin and Amano Eastside Berlin.
Photographer – Marcus Hartelt, Tobias Kruse