Berlin-based cult magazine 032c has made its inaugural runway appearance at Paris Fashion Week, showcasing its Fall/Winter 2024 collection to a global audience of press. The media brand’s foray into luxury fashion was a deliberate move, as Joerg and Maria Koch expressed, “Nobody asked us to do a show at Paris Fashion Week. And nobody asked us to transform a media brand into a luxury fashion brand. Yet here we are.”
Originally conceived as a merch line for its magazine, the debut runway collection for the 032c ready-to-wear label has evolved into a growing line set to make seasonal appearances on the fashion calendar. Maria Koch, the creative force behind the brand’s RTW collection, remained faithful to versatile staples reflective of the Berlin uniform. The predominantly dark ensembles featured leather and denim outerwear, marking a bold departure in today’s fashion landscape. 032c reintroduced body-hugging silhouettes with skinny jeans and skin-tight trousers.
While the collection maintained a dark and mysterious theme, it fell short in terms of creative tailoring and unique cuts. 032c’s debut at PFW played it safe, indicating a continued search for its voice on the runway. Despite Koch’s rejection of timelessness, the collection undeniably comprises a range of wardrobe staples.