Making the hour-long journey to MaHalla Berlin in Schöneweide where Olivia Ballard presented her first show for her namesake Berlin-based label, already felt like a pilgrimage. Then guests found themselves in big empty halls often used as ashrams. However, these halls soon felt airtight, as the space filled by the minute with Berlin’s fashion crowd.

ACHTUNG chief photographer Gregor Hohenberg came along for the trek to capture this sensational debut collection called “At Dusk” from light to dark and back. His photos capture the energy of a young group of friends trying to make something happen in industrial fashion Berlin.

The spider-like catwalk spanned over 76 meters and viewers were at a notably lower level to the models walking the stage, which created an interesting spectator-model dynamic. Saint Precious opening the show with an electro meets contemporary soul performance really set the tone for the collection, which was all about blending, transitioning and intersecting going from barely there, skin-baring looks to fully fashioned gowns.

The 27-year-old native New Yorker Olivia Ballard has spent the last three years preparing for this moment. Her garments are handcrafted, and her fabrics are cherry-picked. Being so hands-on in the process of creation allows her to explore the interaction of fabric and body more closely. Ultimately leaving the viewer to question standards of beauty, gender and identity which is a mantra in Berlin and has left her already with a loyal subculture of followers and fans. Olivia’s mom Lorraine closing the show in a total black pleather Victorian gown underlined this personal approach to fashion which feels fresh for Berlin.

Olivia Ballard with her mom Lorraine after the show