Bright and bold, the color orange prompts strong reactions. In the case of the Marcell Von Berlin Spring/Summer 22 fashion show, it laid the foundation for an exciting, enticing collection. At the James Goldstein Residence in Benedict Canyon, an orange carpet sprawled across the backyard with the twinkling L.A. skyline as a backdrop.
But before anyone hit the runway, guests filed in at golden hour. The last rays of daylight glowed through the property's plentiful towering palm trees as guests were transported to the residence’s lower, outdoor level where a bar, heating lamps and red— er, orange— carpet awaited. Here it was made clear the level of celebrity Marcell Von Berlin attracts with arrivals from Niecy Nash, Jessica Betts, Angelica Ross, Cassie, Evan Ross, Sofia Reyes, Tamar Braxton, Toni Braxton, Luke Cook, Yung Miami and, of course, James Goldstein himself. As the crowd bubbled, the sun finished setting before guests were invited beyond the wall of trees for the show.
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Ahead of the main event, Modern Luxury had a quick chat with Marcell Pustul, the brand’s visionary designer. Between racks of clothes and models bustling around to get ready, Pustul’s anticipation for the show emitted more so as exhilaration than nervousness.
“I’m just very, very excited because it’s my first fashion show I have done,” he said. “I really want people to see that I celebrate fashion and I want to have fun with the people that are here tonight.”
Pustul’s work has been popular with the likes of Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Maluma, but for his new SS22 collection, it was all about the star power of the ‘80s. He felt particularly inspired by the individuality of Madonna and David Bowie, two icons of the decade committed to celebrating fashion.
“This collection is all about being free as an artist,” Pustul added.
Marcell Von Berlin SS22 presents a color palette that combines pastel hues with bright tones, such as the night’s striking orange theme. It includes new jean styles, such as high-rise boyfriend and wide-leg jeans. Also influenced by the increase of women entering the corporate workforce in the '80s, the collection features sharp silhouettes all thanks to shoulder pads and flouncy and puffy sleeves. Ultimately, SS22 is all about power and self confidence— a reaction to the cozy, casual style so prominent throughout the pandemic.
Though the label is based in Berlin, Pustul explained the choice to introduce SS22 in Los Angeles was intentional. In addition to the “‘80s vibes” of the James Goldstein residence, the estate lets guests fully take in the city.
“I feel like [for your] first fashion show, you need to have done something [so] people will say, ‘Oh my god, wow.’ And I think this view and this collection will be a good mix,” he said.
Just after 8 p.m., Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis began the show with a two-song performance that prompted a few mouth-drop reactions from Niecy Nash, who sat front row. Her exit prompted a flooding of light and the return of pulsing dance music from the DJ nestled into the small hill above the guests atop orange sitting blocks.
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Pustul bookended the show with his two favorite looks: a strapless, orange jumpsuit with triangular torso cutouts and a black zipper down the bust and a sparkling, black strapless gown with a leg slit and bountiful, puffy sleeves. See more of the bold collection below.
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Visit Marcell Von Berlin in Los Angeles at 8619 Melrose Ave.
Photography by: Courtesy BFA
