MARKE
| MARKE | |
|---|---|
| |
| Established | 2022 |
| Years Active | 2022-present |
| Parent Company | Keine Marke GmbH |
| Website | https://marke-brand.com/ |
MARKE is a fashion brand founded in 2022 by Mario Keine. Based in Cologne, Germany, the brand embodies a philosophy centred on embracing the ever-evolving nature of the human spirit and personality.[1]
Background
The brand has established itself as a way of seeing fashion history through the elements of queer history. [2] MARKE's idea is to take an ode to the 19th century when men wore dresses and heels, challenging the masculine norm of modern day society whilst showcasing that the division between femininity and masculinity isn't as obvious a society wants us to believe.[3]
MARKE produces most of its garments in Essen, Germany, to adhere to the brands sustainability policies and values whilst exclusively only using Italian deadstock fabrics. [2][4]
The pattern making is done in Germany too whereas trousers and shirts are produced in Poland[2].
History
During Mario Keine's first year as a fashion student, Vogue Germany had set up a mentorship program. Keine carried his sketches under his arm, and walked into the office of Christiane Arp, the magazine's editor-in-chief at the time.
Arp later explained that no one was as driven as Keine, and that ten years prior, he walked into her office and she fe felt that his approach to design and development was extraordinary. Arp was quoted: “There’s no one as driven and passionate as Mario,” she explained. “Ten years ago, he walked into my office with nothing but a few sketches. The way he approaches design and concept development is extraordinary. He merges his inner world with external references, always merged with an important message at its core.”[3]
When Keine set out to establish his brand, he realised that the world doesn't need more brands nor does it need more clothes but the idea of creating something that leaves the smallest possible ecological footprint, would be the best option forward.[3] Thus the brand was established in 2022.
MARKE was selected as a part of a NEUDEUTSCH exhibition at Pitti Uomo in Florence. [3]
Style
Themes
The brand explores a type of modern day rebellion as society is trying to create a larger divide between what is seen as masculine and feminine. Whereas in reality, the differences aren't as big as portrayed. With several odes to when men wore dresses, heels and make-up.
Motifs
MARKE favours elongated silhouettes and draping fabrics.
Collections
The brand shows during Berlin Fashion Week and also hosts a showroom in Paris. [2]
| Title | Season | Date | Location | Looks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allezeit bei mir | AW24 | The collection is an homage to personal memories and the power of small moments in life. | |||
| SS25 | The collection had multiple references to the 1920s | ||||
| Everything That Stays Is Love | AW25 | The collection moves away from fleeting trends to focus on lasting beauty and deep emotional connections. |
Creative Directors
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Mario Keine | 2022 - Present |
CEOs
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| CEO | 2022 - Present |
References
- ↑ https://oe-magazine.de/backstage-with-marke/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 https://www.keyimagazine.com/2025/01/23/marke-berlin-fashion-week
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 https://www.tributetomagazine.com/mario-keine-walks-the-extra-mile-and-markes-new-collection-shows/
- ↑ https://marke-brand.com/products/baroque-sleeveless-vest