The fourth runway collection, “ASHES,” by the Belgo-German design duo was presented on July 4 during Berlin Fashion Week SS27.
The show’s atmosphere was further enhanced by a live soundtrack performed by Belgian musician and composer Innerwoud. His ethereal double bass compositions filled the space, reinforcing the contemplative and romantically dark mood of the collection.
The title explores the end of a marriage, following the emotions of hope, fertility, and the feeling of rising from the ashes after such a painful event.
The colours were also carefully chosen to reflect the title. Shades of grey in silk and wool, black, brown, ashy mauves and, of course, red, symbolising the phosphoric tip of a matchstick.
Milk of Lime combines romance with the darker realities of love, inviting the viewer to look deeper and uncover different layers of emotion.
The collection blended draped menswear, workwear-inspired tailoring and lightweight fabrics with bold graphic prints and textured details. Silk, feather-like embellishments and crinkled finishes softened the structured silhouettes, creating a balance between strength and lightness. Leather accessories, oversized handbags and customised Prime Boots footwear completed the looks. Handcrafted jewellery featuring smoky quartz, black tourmaline and charred palo santo echoed the collection’s dark, ritual-inspired mood.
The design language of Milk of Lime stays true to its Belgian roots in Antwerp, where founders Julia Ballardt and Nico Verhaegen first met.
Since 2022, Milk of Lime has existed as a Germany-based fashion label, with retailers in Tokyo and Düsseldorf. Located in southwest Germany, the studio draws inspiration from its surroundings while staying true to the brand’s values of craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.
Finally, ASHES SS27 presents a poetic yet dark vision for the upcoming Spring/Summer season.
Rather than an ordinary collection, ASHES mourns loss and grief while bringing a reflection on resilience, proving that even after our darkest moments, we can always rise from the ashes again.
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