Founder and namesake Esther Perbandt was born in Berlin, toughened up in Moscow, and ultimately honed her skills in Paris. Her childhood and youth during the 70s and 80s were shaped by her parents' open-mindedness. She was involved in feminist movements and demonstrations from an early age and had a desire for greater inclusion. These influences shaped her character and sparked the avant-garde aspirations she would pursue later in life. Growing up without television, but instead with many other useful tools, such as a huge costume box, greatly stimulated her imagination to create different characters from the combinations of outfits. By the age of twelve, she had already found her calling to become a fashion designer. From then on, she did everything necessary, despite the risks, to achieve her desired goal.
She is not only a contemporary fashion designer, but also a visionary, performer, and master of ceremonies. Esther Perbandt describes her fashion as an act of gender-neutral (post-)feminism: personality, autonomy, and individuality are at the heart of her avant-garde style. The non-binary silhouette is deconstructed and redefined with classic details from menswear, while retaining timeless aspects of elegance and style.
Interdisciplinarity is at the heart of Esther Perbandt's work.
Interdisciplinarity is at the heart of Esther Perbandt's work. Countless collaborations on film, music, and theater projects confirm this, including with Rammstein and their lead singer Till Lindemann, photographer Sven Marquardt, composer Sven Helbig, film directors Nicholas Mockridge and Zoran Bihac, choreographer Sasha Waltz, and conductor Theodor Currentzis.
Challenging and overcoming boundaries, among other things, describes the fashion designer's constant ambition and driving force.
Strong personalities like Esther Perbandt bring their perspective and passions to the table, based on years of experience and encounters, and deeply rooted in their values and ideals.
One of Esther Perbandt's long-standing companions is her love of music, especially creating it. Not only has she demonstrated her talent on numerous occasions, but music also remains one of her favorite worlds, where she recharges her batteries, reflects, and connects with life. Music and fashion have always been closely linked to movement, style, and stories. And just as a story needs new content to continue, Esther Perbandt seeks inspiration from the old, the new, and the most likely to come in order to keep her tree of life growing. Esther Perbandt's music, even as a side project, will continue to enrich the experience of her fans and supporters.
In fashion, Esther Perbandt will pursue various avenues, particularly in the creation of haute couture looks for numerous events and in the field of costume design.
They say the future is uncertain, but at least one thing is certain: Esther Perbandt will continue to surprise and delight.
Credits Photography: Birgit Kaulfuss
