Rebekka Ruétz | Where Sustainability Meets Avant-Garde Elegance

Your latest collection at Berlin Fashion Week 2025 was a true statement. What was the central inspiration behind it?

My new collection is an ode to transformation—a delicate yet powerful dance between light and darkness, between the old and the new. Inspired by metamorphosis, it unveils an ethereal, galactic, and unstoppable being emerging from the shadows, shedding its old skin to give birth to a curious, fearless new existence.

Berlin is known for its avant-garde and progressive fashion scene. How does showing at Berlin Fashion Week influence your creative process?

Berlin’s avant-garde energy is undeniable, yet my creative process thrives in quiet solitude and nature’s embrace. While many draw inspiration from the city’s pulse, I find clarity in the stillness of expansive landscapes and mountaintop vistas, where the seeds of transformation are truly sown.

For the first time you were not part of the Collective Four. Why did you take the decision of showing independently?

After years of collaborating with established platforms —from my 2011 debut with Mercedes-Benz to my time with Collective Four—it felt like the perfect moment to forge my own path. Embracing independence has unlocked a liberating creative freedom that I’m thrilled to explore with this collection.

Sustainability has always been a core pillar of your brand. How does this collection push the boundaries of sustainable fashion?

Sustainability is at the very heart of my work, and this collection elevates it to new heights. By integrating innovative, eco-friendly materials, upcycling techniques, and conscious production methods, every piece becomes a living testament to ethical design. It’s a celebration of change where beauty and responsibility converge in every stitch.

You’ve worked extensively with innovative materials. Can you share some insights into the fabrics and techniques you used this season?

This season, I’ve once again partnered with Cotonea to harness sustainable organic fabrics that are as gentle on the skin as they are on the planet. These natural fibers, processed without harmful chemicals, ensure both durability and elegance. Moreover, I’ve incorporated upcycled elements—detachable vegan hair pieces that double as hair inserts and sneaker bags crafted from revitalized sample shoes—underscoring my commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

Diversity is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry. How did you approach inclusivity in your collection, both in design and casting?

Inclusivity is woven into every stage of my creative process. From the initial design and pattern creation to the final runway presentation, I envision a collection that celebrates diversity. Collaborating with a beautifully varied group of models ensures that each garment resonates with a broad spectrum of identities, embracing the richness of our differences.

As the industry shifts towards conscious consumerism, what message do you hope your collection conveys about mindful fashion?

At its core, my message is simple: “Less is more.” I want this collection to inspire a deeper connection with one’s wardrobe—encouraging everyone to fall in love with their clothes and wear them until they naturally evolve. True fashion is meant to be cherished and lived in, not merely replaced.

Sustainability is often about longevity. How do you design pieces that are both trend-forward and timeless?

I believe in creating designs that transcend fleeting trends. By fusing innovative aesthetics with timeless silhouettes and sustainable practices, each piece is crafted to remain both current and enduring. This balance ensures that my garments gracefully age in style and spirit—a true testament to the longevity of conscious fashion.

Many brands claim sustainability, but few truly embody it. What challenges have you faced in staying authentic to your ethical and environmental values?

Remaining authentic to ethical and environmental values is a continuous journey filled with challenges. From sourcing truly sustainable materials to ensuring complete transparency in production, every step demands constant diligence. Yet, these challenges only reinforce my commitment to genuine sustainability and push me to innovate further for the benefit of both the planet and its people.

Looking ahead, how do you see the future of fashion evolving, and what role do you want your brand to play in that transformation?

I see the future of fashion as a harmonious blend of creativity and consciousness—a world where inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation lead the way. My brand aspires to be at the forefront of this transformation, continually challenging norms, fostering mindful consumption, and crafting pieces that tell compelling stories of change, resilience, and the ever-evolving beauty of our world.