This Tuesday, Fashion Council Germany hosted its fourth international Fireside Dinner in a special atmosphere: Decision-makers, representatives and visionaries from the worlds of fashion, culture and business came together in New York City to further deepen the German-American exchange in the fashion industry. As part of the internationalisation project Berlin Fashion X International and the associated delegation trip to New York City, FCG offered the Fireside Dinner as a space to create new impulses and promote synergies between German talent and the international fashion scene.

The event took place at the renowned Restaurant Schilling in the heart of the Financial District. A specially curated menu was presented for the event, paying homage to German cuisine. Schilling is a project of Michelin-starred chef Eduard Frauneder, who reinterprets Austrian cuisine in his unique style. Around 50 selected guests came together in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy culinary excellence and discuss the future of German-American fashion relations.

In close cooperation with partners, a platform for personal exchange, collaboration and intercultural dialogue will be created throughout the delegation’s trip. In addition to strengthening the partnerships, the evening focused on the German fashion and accessories labels that have travelled with the delegation: 6ad Stitches, Esther Perbandt, Fiona Bennett, Gina Melosi, International Citizen, Laura Gerte, Studio Taskin, Unvain and William Fan. They impressively demonstrated the creative diversity and innovative strength of the German fashion design scene - and the extent to which they are already internationally connected.

Other guests included local figures from the fashion and technology scene as well as representatives from well-known media, including Melitta Baumeister (Designer), Mark Holgate (Global Network Lead and US Fashion Features Director, Vogue US), Larissa Gargaro (Fashion Creator Partnerships, META) Vincent Gobeil and Laura Baker (Buying Director & Co-Founder, ESSX), Fiona Luo (Public Relations, Gia Kuan Consulting), Sam Knoll (Fashion Market Editor, i-D), as well as Dylan Kelly (Fashion Editor, Hypebeast) and Murat Aktihanoglus (Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Remarkable Ventures). Some of the guests in attendance had already visited the German capital during Berlin Fashion Week in the past. Their repeated participation in New York not only emphasises the growing international network, but also the relevance and appeal of Berlin as a fashion capital beyond national borders. The Fireside Dinner did not only serve as a platform for new impulses, but also for the continuation of existing dialogues. It was a reunion of figures who actively contribute to the global positioning of the German fashion industry.

Berlin Fashion X International is supported by a state programme financed by ERDF funds and funds from the state of Berlin.