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BERLIN—Beautiful, bizarre and classic looks were on display at Berlin fashion week Friday, as German designers continued to show their styles at the biannual event.
The day started with fun, flirty and feminine creations from Schumacher, the Mannheim-based label by Dorothee Schumacher. Ms. Schumacher's designs ranged from fitted to soft and flowing, and used lots sequins and ribbons. Delicate pinks were thrown in with silver. Some short dresses were given long, sheer trains, adding a feminine elegance.
Sheer shirts were paired with edgy, short, three-quarters-length sleeved leather jackets. A short, pink silk dress featured a couple of inches of grey tulle peeking out at the bottom. Ms. Schumacher also imprinted leather and other materials with small holes, creating a see-through pattern for shirts and skirts.
"I love Schumacher," said German actress Alexandra Neldel, best known for playing the lead role in "Verliebt in Berlin," Germany's version of the U.S. television show "Ugly Betty." "It fits me so well, this mix of leather, sequins, chiffon."
Supermodel Milla Jovovich, who was photographed for the Berlin fashion week campaign image, also attended the show.
Patrick Mohr touched on the bizarre. The designer dressed his models, both male and female, as androgynous bald men with fine beards to showcase his collection, which ranged from thermal, red hooded knits to jeans. Loose, shear, ragged linen covered some of the models, who sported layered creations. The finale: A female and male model were sent out wearing only boxer shorts patterned with a sketched head.
Germany's answer to "Project Runway" took place Friday afternoon with the "Designers for Tomorrow" finale, which selected a winner among a group of eight aspiring designers. With 90 degree heat and an ill-functioning air conditioning system, hand fans were passed out -- and most of the audience used them.
The show was broadcast live over the Internet. It was a mix of the peculiar, pretty and edgy. Each candidate showed five looks to a jury of fashion designers, buyers, journalists and teachers.
"Do you prefer chocolate or chips?" asked contestant Irene Luft during her introduction. Her high-necked dresses looked like they could've come straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Contestant Magdalena Stark's models wore brightly colored outfits with big shoulders. A black skirt was covered in sparkling, multi-colored orbs, and another skirt was made out of red plastic. A soft, feminine pink and grey collection from contstant Anna Zwick felt wintry, with knits, layers and leggings.
Copenhagen pop star Aura Dione sang an acoustic version of her song "Song for Sophie" while the jury deliberated.
And the winner was... Parsival Cserer, who drew his design inspiration from Michelle Obama, who he finds "fascinating," and the United States. His collection, entitled "Good Morning Miss Obama," featured short, knit dresses with low backs and geometric flair.
Cora Isabel David won the online fans' choice vote with her more classic collection, which featured, among other pieces, a short-sleeved, green suede jacket and a shimmery purple dress with a layered rope necklace.
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