Vladimir Karaleev F/W 2012/13 catwalk show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin / 20.01.2012

I felt the buzz around Vladimir Karaleev long before I arrived at the fashion week tent. It’s normal to find a few people mingling around the entrance to the show area before the doors are open, but when I arrived I was confronted by a veritable rugby scrum of people jostling for position to get in. I found myself in a state of apprehension, and boy did the show not disappoint. The draping as always was beautifully handled; jersey and silk dresses hung delicately from the models’ shoulders without ever being over complicated. But what really impressed were the way layers of silk, jersey, wool and leather combined so effortlessly. Tunic tops were worn over brushed wools. Soft armless coats flowed over turtleneck sweaters. If I had to pick a personal favorite: the softly-tailored, off-the-shoulder jackets that would compliment almost any look. I don’t think there was a better show all week.

Text by James Castle
Photos by Jessica Barthel