Donata Wenders, the wife of filmmaker Wim Wenders, made a striking fashion statement at the opening of the Berlinale film festival on Thursday, appearing in a dress constructed from vintage VHS cassette tapes. The tapes featured films directed by her husband, including “Paris, Texas,” “Wings of Desire” (“Der Himmel über Berlin”), and “Tokyo-Ga,” according to a statement released by the dress’s designer.
“To wear a dress made of Wim’s films – what could be more fitting for a film festival? And it’s so comfortable to wear,” Donata Wenders said in the statement. Designer Mira von der Osten, of the Berlin-based label Cruba, explained that the VHS material carries history, emotion, and a piece of culture within it.
Wim Wenders presides over the jury for this year’s Berlinale, tasked with selecting the film to receive the Golden Bear award. The festival’s opening ceremony also honored Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, recognizing her lifetime achievements in cinema.
This is not the first time Donata Wenders has worn a garment made from video tapes to a major film event. She previously wore a dress constructed from videocassettes to the Oscars two years ago.
The Berlinale’s opening ceremony took place against a backdrop of industry attention, as Wenders’ latest film, “Perfect Days,” is nominated for an Academy Award. Wenders recently clarified that the film is “not about toilets,” responding to interpretations focusing on the protagonist’s profession.
