Olivia Ballard
ABOUT THE LABEL
The eponymous label Olivia Ballard was established in 2020. In the past 3 years, 28 year old Olivia Ballard has left a graceful yet strong mark within the German fashion circuit. Through her carefully selected materials she explores the ways in which the body can shape form, life and individuality to each handmade garment. Her designs symbolise a harmonisation of different physicalities and identities, hereby continuously questioning both beauty standards and consumerism. While rooted in Berlin nightlife, Olivia Ballard pieces have gained worldwide attention and are found in stores around Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and London. The company, Olivia Ballard Studio (or “OBS”) is all about the body with a focus on each individual, unique body that inspires the brand while speaking to a broader, all inclusive community. At the core of the OBS design language is the encouragement to adorn ourselves in a way that allows us to move through our days with confidence, subtle strength and feminine grace.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Olivia Ballard's highly sensitive and intimate exploration of the body and identity through fabrics, drapery, and manipulations has already garnered attention during the past Berlin Fashion Weeks. As a winner of Berlin Contemporary and with Fall/Winter 2024/25, the native New Yorker once again impressed, taking her guests on her unique fashion narrative.
“Le Lit”, which translates to “The Bed”, is the newest collection from OLIVIA BALLARD STUDIO called. It explores the allure of the bed and revolves around themes such as longing, sensuality, and solitude. Building on her Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-wear collection titled “At Dusk”, which described the transition from light to dark and into comforting garments, “Le Lit” presents the next phase: when we settle down and drift into a lucid dream in the safe environment of our bed.
“The bed is at the forefront, both as a formal element and a thematic thread. Historically, the bed has been a place of intimacy and vulnerability, which we use as a starting point to create a sacred stage where diverse identities are celebrated. At the same time, we blur the boundary between the private and public space,” explains Olivia Ballard.
The initial looks are explicitly inspired by the bed. For example, the designer showcased duvet-like jackets in sculptural forms. Tops are adorned with details resembling mattress padding, and dresses are draped to resemble crumpled bed sheets. Layered cashmere and silk effortlessly blur the line between casual and couture.
Suddenly, the collection takes a completely different direction, and the lucid dream begins: The focus now shifts to designs that are recycled, reworked, or intricately knotted. All looks now exude not only a certain weightiness and grace but also convey a profound sense of freedom and unapologetic sensuality. Key accessories of the collection: cushions worn in front of the body.
To minimalist live music, Olivia Ballard presented her ready-to-wear collection at the NEWEST Showspace, located in the press café.
All images, brand descriptions and further information are available at the official Berlin Fashion Week
