Up on the 16th floor of Berlin’s John Jahr Haus, there was something distinctly heavenly about Naomi Tarazi’s SS27 Berlin Fashion Week presentation.
The clouds seemed to part as I ascended in the elevator into the natural light-filled space. Inside, the audience could observe an oscillating display of colours and swirls. Ethereal music played as models wandered around a Rococo-style table with a lazy regality, occasionally stopping to slowly fan themselves or take a languid sip from a chalice.
The eight models were each dressed in a different colour, creating a world that felt somewhere between Marie Antoinette and a garden fairy.
SS27 confidently builds on Naomi’s unmistakable design language. She is known for structural, spiralling accents that adorn figure-hugging silhouettes. Her garments span a spectrum of saturated and pastel colours, alongside her iconic black-and-white striped “illusion” pattern.
Naomi’s designs are a celebration of joy and whimsy, from twirling gowns and matching sets to even socks. At the same time, she follows a sustainability-first, made-to-order approach that helps reduce unnecessary production and waste.
Her SS27 collection is no exception. Rose, mint, crimson and pure white appear across pieces that share a clear design DNA. The collection is fabulously feminine and flouncy, yet carries a distinct cool-girl edge.
Amid the wonderland she had created, I caught up with Naomi to discuss the inspiration behind the collection, her distinctly colourful vision of Berlin fashion, and why craftsmanship and sustainability remain central to her work.
Inside Naomi Tarazi’s Wonderland
AS: First of all, how are you feeling?
NT: I’m really happy. The work is still going on, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see everything come together. When you’ve had something forming in your mind for so long — the set, the collection, the whole atmosphere — and then you finally see it all realised, it’s such a great feeling.
AS: Tell me about the concept. I can see the models look stunning moving around this beautiful set. Where did that idea come from?
NT: I wanted to create a wonderland because the clothes are very botanical and organic. I had this vision inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but interpreted in a Naomi way — a Mad Hatter’s brunch table.
I wanted to have fun with colours and shapes to create a happy place. We created this very opulent table for the set design, and each model had their own colour story. I wanted to create something colourful and joyful that felt like a celebration. Together, I think this created a vivid, joyful moment.
AS: I love how the models are so in character and look so regal. How did you direct them to embody those roles?
NT: I worked with movement director Mayila Khodadin, and we wanted the models to feel completely immersed in their own little world.
We imagined them being transported into their own wonderland, interacting elegantly with one another around the table and playing into the set design — eating, sipping wine, reading books and using fans.
The feeling was almost like stepping into another, past era. We wanted them to stay in character throughout, with Marie Antoinette as one of the key mood references.
Colour, Silhouettes and Naomi’s Design Language
AS: Let’s talk about the collection itself. You’re well known for your signature rounded, curling shapes. Can you tell me about the colours and silhouettes this season?
NT: I think it’s important to have a recognisable design language, which I wanted to develop further with this collection.
This season, I experimented with new shapes and materials, especially mesh, which gives everything a lighter feeling than I’ve used before.
Colour-wise, I wanted a mix of soft pastel shades alongside bold colours like yellow and red. I wanted the collection to feel like a botanical garden, where every flower is beautiful individually, but together they create something even more special.
Bringing Colour to Berlin Fashion
AS: You’re a native Berliner. How do you think that comes across in your designs and your brand language?
NT: Actually, interestingly, I don’t think it really does! Berlin is generally associated with darker colours and a more grunge aesthetic, which really comes across in a lot of Berlin fashion design.
I’ve always loved playing with colour and sculptural shapes, so I think my work is quite different from what’s traditionally associated with Berlin fashion.
Even the people I work with often have influences from Asia or the US. Overall, I think my work is unusual for Berlin because it’s so floral and colourful.
AS: I was thinking exactly that. It feels very different from the other shows I’ve seen this week. Along that line, which other Berlin-based designers do you have your eyes on?
NT: Always Madomorpho. I absolutely love what they’re doing. Their work is so interesting and also quite unusual for Berlin.
I also really like Clara Colette Miramon. She’s amazing. In general, I think there are so many exciting emerging designers shaping Berlin right now.
Berlin Fashion Week has become so much stronger than it used to be, and it’s exciting to see all these new voices gaining recognition.
Sustainability and Slow Fashion
AS: Sustainability is a fundamental part of your brand philosophy. How do you incorporate that into your production process?
NT: We produce everything made-to-order, so we only make pieces once they’ve been purchased. That means we don’t create unnecessary stock or waste.
We also use leftover fabrics to create special samples for editorials or performances. We’re very conscious of minimising waste and avoiding deadstock wherever possible.
From Berlin to Tyla
AS: You’ve had the opportunity to work with and dress a number of well-known people. Do you have a favourite collaboration?
NT: It has to be Tyla. Seeing her wear one of my designs in the FIFA music video, dressed as a referee, was a huge moment for me. I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time, so it felt incredibly special.
Naomi Tarazi’s work is distinctive and instantly recognisable. Her colourful SS27 presentation also reflects a wider wave of emerging designers who are placing craftsmanship, creativity and slow fashion at the centre of their work.
From botanical shapes and vivid colours to made-to-order production, Naomi is building a world that feels unmistakably her own — even within Berlin’s traditionally darker fashion landscape.
Check out Naomi Tarazi’s whimsical collections on her website
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