PALMWINE IceCREAM Redefines Luxury Through Groundbreaking Tie-Dye Techniques On Leather
At Berlin Fashion Week, PALMWINE IceCREAM unveiled “Life Moodboard”, a collection that defied conventions and celebrated the fluidity of time, identity, and heritage. The visionary designer behind the brand masterfully wove together urban edge and artisanal craftsmanship, creating silhouettes that speak to both nostalgia and the future. From groundbreaking tie-dye techniques on leather to an unwavering commitment to sustainability —think upcycled materials, raffia wigs, and sandals crafted from recycled tires—, this collection redefines luxury with a purpose. Read Luxiders’ exclusive interview to step inside the mind of the creative force behind PALMWINE IceCREAM.
As the first African brand to be awarded as one of the winners of the BFW concept competition in the BerlinContemporary category, PALMWINE IceCREAM presents with this collection a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, intricately woven to reflect the many stages that have shaped the designer’s life and artistry. It celebrates pivotal moments, personal milestones, and creative expression: a moodboard of life itself.
Your latest collection at Berlin Fashion Week has generated a lot of buzz. What was the central inspiration behind this collection?
Thank you! It’s been amazing to see the response to the collection. “Life Moodboard” was inspired by time: how we experience it, who we share it with, and the significance of every fleeting moment. This collection is deeply personal, reflecting my own creative and personal journey while also making space for individual stories to unfold. I wanted each piece to feel timeless yet full of life , like a visual diary of emotions, memories, and transformations. Through a fusion of textures, silhouettes, and craftsmanship techniques, the collection weaves a narrative that honors individuality, nostalgia, and the beauty of evolution.
The silhouettes in your collection beautifully blend urban chic with rural roots. How did you achieve this balance, and what does it represent for you?
It’s about merging worlds : urban energy with the richness of craftsmanship. I achieved this by blending structured, contemporary silhouettes with raw, organic textures and traditional techniques. There’s a tension between precision and imperfection, which I love, it mirrors real life, where cultures, identities, and histories constantly intersect. For me, this balance represents my own journey. Accra’s vibrancy and Berlin’s edge meet in my work, alongside influences from my heritage and personal experiences. It’s about honoring where we come from while pushing forward, creating something that feels both familiar and unexpected. It’s storytelling through design.
You introduced a unique dye-tie technique applied to leather in this collection. Can you explain the process and what inspired you to experiment with this method?
The process involved working closely with skilled artisans who specialize in traditional dyeing techniques which is not usually used for clothing. Instead of conventional leather treatments, we applied a resist-dye method, which means carefully folding, binding, and immersing the leather in natural dyes, allowing the patterns to emerge organically. Each piece came out with its own unique markings, making every garment one of a kind.
How challenging was it to implement the new dye-tie technique on leather, and what were some of the technical hurdles you faced?
Implementing the dye-tie technique on leather was definitely a challenge, but that’s what made it so rewarding. Leather is far less absorbent than fabric, so achieving rich, organic patterns required a lot of experimentation. Unlike traditional textiles, leather doesn’t react uniformly to dye, meaning every piece had to be handled with precision and care. One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right balance between saturation and durability. Too much dye, and the leather would become stiff; too little, and the patterns wouldn’t hold. We also had to adjust drying methods to ensure the colors remained vibrant while keeping the leather soft.
By collaborating with skilled artisans and applying a resist-dye method typically unseen in fashion, PALMWINE IceCREAM transforms leather into one-of-a-kind masterpieces—each piece bearing organic, unrepeatable patterns that redefine craftsmanship.
Showing at Berlin Fashion Week was a huge milestone, not only for visibility but as a space to tell stories and push the brand forward. The moment I knew we’d be presenting AW25 at BFW, I felt a deep responsibility to bring my best work to date. Having a platform is a privilege, but in fashion, it’s also about how the press and industry interpret your work. It’s a whole cycle: crafting a vision, presenting it, and hoping it resonates enough to carve out real recognition. After our AW25 show at Halle am Berghain (still obsessed with that space!), I feel even more inspired. New ideas are brewing, more energy is building. I can already see the next collection taking shape, and I can’t wait to bring it to life on the runway!
Cultural heritage is at the heart of my design process. My work is deeply influenced by traditions, craftsmanship, and the stories passed down through generations. Whether through fabric choices, artisanal techniques, or the narratives behind each collection, I always strive to honor and celebrate where I come from.With this foundation, I blend heritage with contemporary influences to create designs that feel modern yet carry a subtle, timeless connection to the past.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans for PALMWINE IceCREAM, and how do you envision the brand evolving in the coming years?
