Grand Export Debuts at Berlin Fashion Week
The brand's spring 2027 collection features upcycled materials and bold designs.
Berlin's vibrant fashion scene has given birth to a new label that is turning heads: Grand Export. The brainchild of designers Paulina Munzing and Gent Berbatovci, this emerging brand showcased its spring 2027 collection during the recent Berlin Fashion Week in an opulent 19th century apartment in Charlottenburg.
The duo's unique aesthetic revolves around upcycling discarded materials into stunning garments. They transform primary-bright shell tracksuits into graphic dresses that make a bold statement, while silvery-gray sculpted skirts crafted from deadstock leather exude sophistication and elegance. Classic white athletic tanks are reimagined with inner wiring that gives them an unexpected twist.
The city of Berlin itself has played a significant role in shaping the identity of Grand Export. The label's name is inspired by the area's import and export shops, which line the streets and sell everything from clothing to car tires. Munzing explains the influence behind their choice, There's a street, Kaiser-Friedrich-Straße, full of these import and export shops... We like that Grand Export feels unidentifiable, that our brand has the same character as those shops in a way.
At the heart of Grand Export's design philosophy lies the concept of post-heritage luxury. Munzing and Berbatovci seek to elevate discarded materials, imbuing them with new life while preserving their history. The patina of age is not just a desirable feature but an essential element that adds depth and character to their creations.
The grand unveiling of Grand Export's complete collection, dubbed Trophies, was a highlight of Paris Fashion Week. The showcase featured an array of statement pieces that defied traditional fashion norms. Chunky red wool zip-neck sweaters were showcased with the option to wear them upside down, revealing a fitted waistline when turned that way.
This innovative approach to design was evident throughout the collection, which included short black leather dresses with a touch of sensuality courtesy of peeking-out silky bras. Repurposed 1970s-era brown shearling coats were transformed into curvaceous jackets that shared the same cropped, whittled waistline as the knitwear.
The setting for this fashion spectacle was an airy, pale-toned 19th-century apartment in Paris's 9eme arrondissement. The venue's proximity to Rose Bakery added a touch of understated elegance to the already sophisticated atmosphere. This carefully curated space served as the perfect backdrop for Grand Export's bold and eclectic designs.
Grand Export's label is deeply rooted in Berlin, a city renowned for its experimental approach to fashion. Unlike popular misconceptions about Berlin's dark and gothic aesthetic, the city's fashion scene is characterized by diversity, a sense of purpose, and environmental awareness.
The duo behind Grand Export, Munzing and Berbatovci, have successfully combined their diverse design backgrounds to create a unique philosophy in fashion.
Munzing's experience at London College of Fashion, followed by stints in Paris and Milan, has been merged with Berbatovci's background as a product designer from Pristina, Kosovo. This fusion allows Grand Export to transcend its local roots and speak to a global audience.
The couple met in London in 2010 and began working together on their shared passion for creating lasting pieces that blur the lines between fashion and product design.
Their approach is centered around producing timeless, high-quality items rather than fast-fashion products with limited shelf lives.
Grand Export's production process is centered on producing high-quality items that transcend seasonal trends.
The brand has already made it clear that they will not be following the fast-fashion model, instead opting for limited runs of up to 30 pieces in certain categories. This approach allows Grand Export to focus on creating timeless pieces rather than churning out mass-produced items with short lifespans.
Their resourcefulness and creativity are evident in how they source materials, as seen in their use of repurposed tracksuits turned into dresses, vintage bras transformed into leather baby doll dresses, and shearling coats sourced from eBay sellers.
Facts based on reporting originally published by Vogue.
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