GNTM Models Shine in Glamorous Creations
What a vibrant runway it was in episode 12 of “Germany’s Next Topmodel”! The GNTM contestants showcased the extravagant designs of Swiss designer Kévin Germanier. Shimmering pearls, fine glitter threads, and intricate embellishments transformed each piece into haute couture with a distinctive and alluring aesthetic. Even GNTM chief Heidi Klum donned a creation by Germanier: a black, sequin-studded pantsuit adorned with light blue and black ostrich feather ruffles. This smartly bridged the gap between Germanier and fellow designer Esther Perbandt, who was also present. While Germanier embraces a colourful look, Esther Perbandt is renowned as the Queen of Black, with her collections exclusively falling into the all-black category.
Kévin Germanier: The Upcycling Maestro
The Swiss designer works magic with what others discard, creating fresh looks from discarded items. He purchases leftovers, surplus stock, and unusable items from various companies, repurposes and reworks them into new masterpieces. Germanier’s upcycling approach is entirely on trend, even though the idea wasn’t initially about ethics.
Having self-funded his education at Central Saint Martins School in London, he couldn’t afford new materials. “I never buy anything new. The more constrained I am, the more creative I become,” the designer explained in a 2021 interview. This philosophy propelled him to the Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris.
Where to Find Kévin Germanier’s Fashion
What sets Kévin Germanier’s upcycled fashion apart? It’s surprisingly affordable. His online shop offers accessories like earrings, bags, dresses, jackets, shorts, and skirts. Earrings start at €250. Bags range from €360 to €850. Fashion pieces are available from €490 to €1,800.
Fans of extravagant fashion might also be interested in these all-black looks by Esther Perbandt, which models posed in during GNTM 2024. We’ll show you how to style completely dark outfits for everyday wear.
Fashion Show on Garbage Mountains
The importance of upcycling becomes starkly apparent when you see the fast fashion graveyard in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Activists have now organised a fashion show among the rubbish heaps to raise awareness of the issue. The outfits were made from some of the clothing waste found in the desert, creating a striking visual statement.
The Chilean NGO vestido desierto, the activist fashion movement Fashion Revolution Brazil, and the Brazilian advertising agency Artplan collaborated on this project. The outfits represent the four elements—fire, water, earth, and air—and each look conveys a unique message. The event is planned again for 2025.
