“Follow Your Dreams” is the title of the Laurèl Fashion Show held today at 6 pm in Kaufhaus Jandorf, the new location at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin.
Daydreams, life dreams, the stuff that dreams are made from… Laurèl’s Fall/Winter 2017 Collection explores the concept under the heading of “Follow Your Dreams.” “I’m inspired by people that hold fast to their dreams,” explains Laurèl Head of Design Elisabeth Schwaiger. Her new collection focuses on capturing shooting stars from the sky, building self-esteem and bringing visions to life.
Star guests including Mina Tander, Jeanette Hain, Alexandra Neldel, Katja Flint, Alice Dwyer, Sonja Gerhardt, and Maria Ehrich lined the first row and followed the show with fascination. Other VIPs from the worlds of entertainment and society, among them Judith Rakers, Doris Golpashin, Ursula Karven, Viktoria Lauterbach, Bonnie Strange, Johanna Klum, Loretta Stern, and Jana Ina Zarrella, rubbed shoulders with more big acting names like Gizem Emre, Anna Thalbach, Chiara Schoras, Laura de Boer, Stephanie Stumph, Mariella Ahrens, Ann-Kathrin Kramer, Gerit Kling, and up-and-coming stars such as Mala Emde und Ben Münchow, all keen to snatch the first exclusive look of Laurèl’s new styles.
“Don’t part with your illusions,” advised Mark Twain. Dreams are what give us motivation and spark our creativity––in fashion as in life. Elisabeth Schwaiger and her design team have expressed this idea in the new collection, reveling in opulent fabrics of brocade and silk, glowingly colorful art prints, playful patterns and sequined embellishments––like an evening dress with allover embroidery in rich Bronze. “I believe dreams are always journeys to another world or another time,” reflects the designer about the new season’s collection. “Dance like nobody’s watching… just going for it and giving my emotions free rein. The result was a lavish array of historical style references and modern elements, which are blended together to create a world of fashion dreams.”
The collection’s most distinctive feature is its diversity of style. Exotic, opulent touches confront a sporty, casual coolness that is very Nineties. Grunge meets baroque, masculine teams up with feminine, streetwear embraces romantic, and all fuse into a “rough, laid-back luxury” that is the essence of the look.
Outlines are flowing, playfully combining a variety of lengths. Styles are highly decorative, featuring a Seventies twist that showcases their feminine side, yet is countered by flowing shapes. Raw-seamed knits in casual cocooning-inspired lines bring vibrant contrast to more tailored looks in classic checks that give a nod to the Scottish Highlands.
Heritage patterns receive a new lease of life, opening up breathtaking worlds of fabric; brocades and jacquards are designed exclusively for Laurèl, reminiscent of the Arabian Nights and referencing vintage kimono prints from the heart of Asia. Subtle sparkle, added by Lurex, lame, metallic-finish leather, and shimmering prints, is a predominant design feature and permeates the entire collection. It’s like breathing cold, crisp air on a winter night, walking through a flurry of glittering, sparkling snow crystals.
Highlights include a velvet overall in Teal, teamed with a check coat in brushed wool; a full-length pleated dress with side slits in Black, parting on the catwalk to reveal a fine knitted catsuit in pastel Violet, and a full-length velvet dress with art print in shades of Green with double strap detail, teamed with a jacket in Khaki.
Styling makes use of recurring elements; parkas are nonchalantly shoulder-robed or carried over the arm, and deliver clear-cut contrasts to evening dresses. Large shawl collars in chunky knits add a rough-edged, modern feel to these ultra-opulent styles. The bold pattern mixes are finished with velvet heels worn with sparkling short socks, fur sandals, or shiny sneakers.It’s a collection that throws open the doors of creativity, allowing space for individual personality.
Make-up is natural, in a sunny, nude look set off by an electric jolt of pure red lip color. Hair is drawn into a bun with loose strands casually curling at the sides, effectively framing the glamorous earrings.
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Sonja Gerhardt attends the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Sonja Gerhardt
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Designer Elisabeth Schwaiger and Chiara Schoras attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Elisabeth Schwaiger;Chiara Schoras
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Designer Elisabeth Schwaiger and Viktoria Lauterbach attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Elisabeth Schwaiger;Viktoria Lauterbach
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Designer Elisabeth Schwaiger, Laurel CEO and Alexandra Neldel are seen backstage ahead of the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Elisabeth Schwaige;Alexandra Neldel
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Alice Dwyer and designer Elisabeth Schwaiger attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Alice Dwyer;Elisabeth Schwaiger
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Designer Elisabeth Schwaiger is seen backstage ahead of the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Elisabeth Schwaiger
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Stephanie Stumph, Gizem Emre, Chiara Schoras, Alexandra Neldel, Marie Ehrich, Alice Dwyer, Mina Tander, Jeanette Hain, Katja Flint and Lisa Mundt attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Stephanie Stumph;Gizem Emre;Chiara Schoras;Alexandra Neldel;Marie Ehrich;Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander;Jeanette Hain;Katja Flint;Lisa Mundt
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Franziska Knuppe attends the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Franziska Knuppe
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Viktoria Lauterbach attends the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Viktoria Lauterbach
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Judith Rakers and Franziska Knuppe attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Judith Rakers;Franziska Knuppe
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Stephanie Stumph, Gizem Emre, Chiara Schoras, Alexandra Neldel, Maria Ehrich and Sonja Gerhardt attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Stephanie Stumph;Gizem Emre;Chiara Schoras: Alexandra Neldel;Maria Ehrich;Sonja Gerhardt
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Chiara Schoras and Alexandra Neldel attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Chiara Schoras;Alexandra Neldel
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Alice Dwyer Mina Tander and Katja Flint attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander;Katja Flint
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (R-L) Stephanie Stumph, Franziska Knuppe, Roman Knizka, Viktoria Lauterbach and Ursula Karven attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Franziska Knuppe;Stephanie Stumph;Roman Knizka;Viktoria Lauterbach;Ursula Karven
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Johanna Klum and Jana Ina Zarrella attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Johanna Klum;Jana Ina Zarrella
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (R-L) Lisa Mundt, Katja Flint, Jeanette Hain, Mina Tander, Alice Dwyer, Sonja Gerhardt, Maria Ehrich, Alexandra Neldel and Chiara Schoras attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Lisa Mundt;Katja Flint;Jeanette Hain;Mina Tander;Alice Dwyer;Sonja Gerhardt;Maria Ehrich;Alexandra Neldel;Chiara Schoras
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Xenia van der Woodsen, Juliane Diesner and Kate Gelinsky attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Xenia van der Woodsen;Juliane Diesner;Kate Gelinsky
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Gerit Kling and mit Wolfram Becker attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Gerit Kling;Wolfram Becker
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Franziska Knuppe, Stephanie Stumph and Gizem Emre attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Stephanie Stumph;Franziska Knuppe;Gizem Emre
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Victoria Swarovski attends the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Victoria Swarovski
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Marie Ehrich, Alice Dwyer and Mina Tander attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Marie Ehrich;Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Jeanette Hain and Katja Flint attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Jeanette Hain;Katja Flint
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Roman Knizka and Chiara Schoras attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Roman Knizka;Chiara Schoras
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Alexandra Neldel, Ursula Karven, Viktoria Lauterbach, Stephanie Stumph and Judith Rakers attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Alexandra Neldel;Ursula Karven;Viktoria Lauterbach;Stephanie Stumph;Judith Rakers
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (R-L) Judith Rakers, Stephanie Stumph, Viktoria Lauterbach, Ursula Karven and Alexandra Neldel attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Alexandra Neldel;Ursula Karven;Viktoria Lauterbach;Stephanie Stump;Judith Rakers
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Laura de Boer and Carolin Dekeyser attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Laura de Boer;Carolin Dekeyser
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Nova Meierhenrich and Anna Angelina Wolfers attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Nova Meierhenrich;Anna Angelina Wolfers
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Johanna Klum and Loretta Stern attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Johanna Klum;Loretta Stern
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: Doris Golpashin attends the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Doris Golpashin
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Viktoria Lauterbach and Ursula Karven attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Viktoria Lauterbach;Ursula Karven
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Maria Ehrich, Sonja Gerhardt, Alice Dwyer and Mina Tander attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Maria Ehrich;Sonja Gerhardt;Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Chiara Schoras, Alexandra Neldel, Maria Ehrich, Sonja Gerhardt, Alice Dwyer, Mina Tander and Jeanette Hain attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Chiara Schoras;Alexandra Neldel;Maria Ehrich;Sonja Gerhardt;Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander;Jeanette Hain
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Ursula Karven, Viktoria Lauterbach, Judith Rakers, Roman Knizka, Franzsika Knuppe and Stephanie Stumph attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Judith Raker;Stephanie Stump;Viktoria Lauterbach;Ursula Karven;Roman Knizka;Franzsika Knupp
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Chiara Schoras, Alexandra Neldel, Maria Ehrich, Sonja Gerhardt, Alice Dwyer, Mina Tander and Jeanette Hain attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Chiara Schoras;Alexandra Neldel;Maria Ehrich;Sonja Gerhardt;Alice Dwyer;Mina Tander;Jeanette Hain
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Gizem Emre, Chiara Schoras and Alexandra Neldel attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Gizem Emre;Chiara Schoras;Alexandra Neldel
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Judith Rakers, Stephanie Stumph, Viktoria Lauterbach, Ursula Karven and Alexandra Neldel attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Judith Raker;Stephanie Stump;Viktoria Lauterbach;Ursula Karven;Alexandra Neldel
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 18: (L-R) Valerie Husemann, Lisa Hahnbueck, Laura Noltemeyer, Michele Kruesi and Magdalena Ilic attend the Laurel show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin A/W 2017 at Kaufhaus Jandorf on January 18, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Laurel) *** Local Caption *** Valerie Husemann;Lisa Hahnbrueck;Laura Noltemeyer;Michele Kruesi;Magdalena Ilic
