Catwalk Fashion: The Kamer/Ruf Collection. Fashion from the 18th to the 20th century

In 2003, thanks to the support of the Kulturstiftung der Länder, the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) was able to purchase the fashion collection of Martin Kamer and Wolfgang Ruf. One of the most important private collections in the world, it comprises nearly 700 items of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as over 800 accessories, from the 18th through to the 20th century. Hence, it complements the Museum of Decorative Arts’ existing collection perfectly. With its extraordinarily rich holdings of historic textiles, international fashion and accessories, the Kunstgewerbemuseum not only creates a new focus within its own collection, but also within the context of all Berlin museums, where fashion has played only a minor role so far. 

Between 5 November 2005 and 5 February 2006, the Kunstgewerbemuseum allows a first insight into the Kamer/Ruf fashion collection. 40 selected costumes present a cross-section of international fashion from the 18th century to the Haute Couture of the 20th century.