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BERLIN—Now in its third year, Berlin Fashion Week launched with classic evening gowns with a nod to the 1920s by Guida Maria Kretschmer. But opening night undoubtedly belonged to the world of Calvin Klein. The stark setting of the show, inhabited by nude and near naked models, also included the fully clothed Zoe Saldana and Kellan Lutz, both of whom turned up for the after-show celebration. Yet designer Patrick Mohr's parade of bald heads and whiskered faces left the greatest visual imprint on the week.

Custo Barcelona, this season one of the few non-Germany based companies showing during fashion week, showcased day wear (Custo Everyday) and evening wear (Custo Let's Party). Traditionally known for its high-end boundary-defying streetwear with graphic-driven prints and innovative flourishes, this spanish label has incorporated their signature style into modern party wear.

Designer and Creative Director, Dalmau Custo admits that he actually studied architecture and not fashion and an inspirational 'round-the-world trip helped him and his brother David create their distinctive style. "We started this project almost 30 years ago in Barcelona because we like graphic design," explains Custo. " In the late '70s, I went to California. And I liked a lot [about] this surfing community. And I saw these colorful prints with graphics and then in Barcelona, we started a project."

The label's steady and ever-growing success has enabled the brother to venture beyond clothes and fully embrace accessories. "We started 7 years ago with handbags. Now we do watches, sunglasses, sneakers, shoes...and more handbags."

Over the past decade, Custo has rapidly expanded in the U.S., opening new stores and launching an endless array of accessories. "We have stores across America. We're in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Honolulu, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, and Puerto Rico." In the U.S. the label can be found in free standing Custo Barcelona stores as well as high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and various locations throughout southern California, including the Beverly Center.

In the retail world the Spanish labels Zara and Mango are lovingly referred to as the Spanish Armada, which in Spanish is Grande y Felicisima Armada, meaning the great and most fortunate navy. Perhaps Custo Barcelona will be the third ship to join this growing fleet.

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