The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

bitecatwalk Esther Perbandt Embracing Protection and Elegance F or Esther Perbandt, clothing is not just about physical protection; it’s about offering psychological comfort and confidence. With her SS24 collection, the designer continued designing elegant protective clothing that empowers the wearer to grow and feel secure. This season’s collection, ‘Concrete Jungle’, fuses two seemingly contrasting themes: the untamed beauty of wild birds and the raw, uncompromising aesthetics of concrete cities. Drawing inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film The Birds , bird motifs were woven intricately throughout the collection, sometimes appearing as finely crafted jacquard patterns or adorning the borders of sleek summer tops. The bird motifs came alive in the designs, evoking beauty and the eeriness of Hitchcock’s cinematic masterpiece. A standout piece in the collection was a show dress featuring 60 hand-cut and draped birds, seemingly weightless as they floated above a crinoline skirt yet imbued with a sense of drama and gravitas. Transparency and mesh fabrics added a touch of lightness and playfulness to Perbandt’s designs, infusing them with a hint of ‘80s sensuality. True to her signature style, all 15 unisex looks were rendered in black, emphasising the timeless elegance and allure of the colour. Alongside the one-of-a-kind showpieces, the designer also introduced commercial designs available for production, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality or style. Making her second appearance at Berlin Contemporary, Perbandt’s presentation at Acht Berlin in Mitte was a visual feast for the senses. Set amidst the atrium of the building, with trees and black balloons as the backdrop, models posed gracefully, accompanied by the haunting melodies of a cello player. Esther Perbandt’s collection testified to the transformative power of design. Through seamlessly blending elements of nature and urbanity, the designer invited us to embrace protection, elegance, and the beauty of contrasts in the modern world. https://www.estherperbandt.com