Fresh off the heels of Copenhagen Fashion Week, fashion influencer Nneka Michel touched down in Berlin, ready for another round of high fashion, creative energy, and cultural immersion. From runway debuts to intimate brand moments, her week in Berlin was a masterclass in elegance, innovation, and personal expression.
Friday: A grand entrance into Berlin Fashion Week
Early morning flights are never glamorous, but I believe in effortless travel style. I boarded my flight in a burgundy Zara tracksuit, layered under a vintage black coat—a balance of cosy yet elevated. Paired with Nike sneakers, a matching hat and scarf, and oversized sunglasses, I was set for a seamless transition from airport to city streets. The icy Berlin wind greeted me with a sharp reminder: fashion week waits for no one.
After settling into my hotel and grabbing a quick lunch at a nearby local cafe, I slipped into my first look for Berlin Fashion Week—a stunning coat from Danny Reinke, which I styled as a statement dress. The boldness of the piece called for equally strong accessories: a thebuckshat fedora, Guess pumps, and a Gucci bag.
The Danny Reinke show set the tone for the week. It was a seamless fusion of modern and vintage elements, with a nod to old-money sophistication. The collection celebrated timeless silhouettes with rich textures, but the most memorable moment was watching Danny Reinke run into his parents’ arms at the end of the show. It was a touching reminder that fashion is personal; woven with love, tradition, and emotion.
Saturday: Indulging in luxury and street-style
A day of leisure in Berlin can only mean one thing: shopping at KaDeWe, the city’s premier luxury department store and the second largest in Europe. From heritage brands to contemporary labels, every floor offered a new world of fashion indulgence… and of course, my friend and I left with more than we planned.
For a day of shopping and brunch, I chose an all-denim Zara ensemble, embracing the dark-wash Canadian tuxedo trend. The button-down top made trying on clothes effortless, and I layered it with my vintage black cashmere coat that I purchased years ago from a vintage shop in Köln. Accessories were key: olive Zara heels, layered gold jewellery, and my pre-loved Fendi bag – the ultimate carry-it-all essential.
Sunday: Fashion that feels like home
Between meetings and two shows, Sunday was a whirlwind. My outfit of choice? A striking black dress with yellow fringe by Nigerian designer Peter Oshobor. It’s a piece that not only made me feel regal but also served as a celebration of my heritage. Paired with my signature thebuckshat fedora, a mini Chanel handbag, and black Louboutins, the look embodied timeless elegance with a cultural twist.
I made my way to Haderlump, where my heart stopped at the sight of a long burgundy coat (it’s already on my wishlist). Later, at Maria Chany, I found myself captivated by a collection that embodied fashion’s ability to be both personal and universal, a testament to the idea that there is something for everyone.
Monday: A lesson in history and timeless style
Berlin’s history is as layered and complex as its fashion, so I set out to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. From Brandenburg Gate to the Bundestag, the day was spent immersing myself in the city’s political and cultural past.
For a day of sightseeing in January, practicality was key. I layered a black H&M top with a Zara black sequin skirt, paired with thigh-high Patricia Pepe boots for a touch of drama. A faux fur-trimmed NA-KD coat and a Zara head warmer kept me warm, while my Fendi Hobo bag carried everything I needed for a day on the move.
Tuesday: Celebrating African excellence at Fashion Week
The day started with a much-needed morning workout—nothing resets my energy like a sweat session in my mocha Gymshark set and white New Balance sneakers.
But the true highlight was attending the PALMWINE IceCREAM show; a historic moment as Kusi Kubi became the first African designer to present at Berlin Fashion Week. As a Nigerian woman in fashion, witnessing an African creative redefine boundaries on the stage filled me with pride. It was a moment that proved African fashion isn’t just rising, it’s here to stay.
For the show, I rewore my Zara denim-on-denim look (yes, I love it that much). Outfit repeating isn’t a fashion crime – waste is. I paired it with a customised Roberto Lucci hat, my NA-KD fur-lined coat, and a burgundy shawl, embracing bold yet effortless winter dressing.
Wednesday: The grand finale
To round out Berlin Fashion Week, I attended William Fan’s 10th Anniversary show, a breathtaking event at the Berlin Philharmonic. The collection was a love letter to quiet luxury, with textures that demanded to be touched. The post-show private piano concert in an intimate setting was the perfect crescendo to the evening.
For the occasion, I leaned into timeless tailoring with a white Mango suit, an H&M coat, a Hermès belt, Guess pumps, my Roberto Lucci hat, and Teed official handbag. Later, I changed into a striking blue gown by Nigerian designer Banke Kuku for a final dinner at Hotel Adlon because, in a setting that grand, you dress to match the energy.
Thursday: Reflections and favourite looks
After an unforgettable week, I found myself back home in Köln, wrapped in pyjamas, reliving every moment through my camera roll. Instead of showing you my current look (hint: oversized hoodie and a messy bun), I’ll leave you with two of my favourite outfits from the trip.
First, a luxurious Munthe set, styled with my black thebuckshat fedora, Christian Louboutin pumps, and a red Dior bag—the texture of this set is something you have to feel to believe. The second? A statement piece from Hertunba, one of my favourite Nigerian brands, paired with—you guessed it—a fedora.
Berlin Fashion Week was more than a series of shows for me, it was a celebration of identity, culture, and artistry. From witnessing African designers taking centre stage to experiencing the intimacy of a piano performance in one of Berlin’s most stunning venues, every moment was a reminder of fashion’s power to tell a story. And if there’s one thing I know for sure? A great hat will always be my signature.
Imagery courtesy of Nneka Michel. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
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