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Germany’s hidden fashion and design spots
The new “Staatliche Textil- und Industriemuseum (tim)” (State Museum of Textiles and Textile Industry) in Augsburg brings the history of the Bavarian textile industry back to life. Historical weaving looms clatter here alongside high-tech machines and produce for example the “Fugger-Barchent” (barracan) which is closely linked to Augsburg’s Fugger-dynasty. The tim offers an exciting journey through the history of fashion and costumes of the past 200 years. In 2011, Lady Gaga was so intrigued by the “Pepita” fabric that she appeared on the US talk show “The View” fully clothed in the print. Not only was she wearing the print all over, from her shoes to her sunglasses and hat, but the grand piano she was playing was entirely covered with the fabric, too! That Pepita print was first created in Bramsche – a quaint town famed for its traditional clothmaking, just to the north of Osnabrück! There’s the “Tuchmachermuseum” where travelers are able to see first-hand age-old machines at work while learning about all of the 18 steps involved in the clothmaking process.
Blue printing has a tradition that goes back 300 years. In Thuringia and in Erfurt, this old Thuringian craft has experienced a revival. Ms. Weiss, a master indigo printer and craftswoman, is one of the last in Central Europe to print her own designs traditionally by hand (using blocks) and to dye with indigo. The products made by Ms. Weiss (table cloths and scarves) are on sale in the indigo printing workshop.
Fashion design is one of the most popular courses of study in Germany’s oldest city, Trier. For lovers of creative fashion, the Neustrasse – with its many studios and stores by young fashion designers – is the ideal starting point for a stroll. Shakira wears it. Kim Wilde and Madonna wear it. The jewelry by Miranda Konstantinidou now has famous fans. In 1986, the fashion designer from Trier founded a company in a small workshop which ever since produces handmade fashion jewelry and fashion accessoires under the name “Konplott”. By now, Miranda Konstantinidou employs around 1.200 people. The jewelry is sold in more than 900 stores worldwide, a visit to the store in Trier’s Konstantinstrasse is definitely worth it though.
It is THE temporary presentation and sales platform for young, creative people in Germany: The multi-day “Stijl” fairs in Mainz and Freiburg attract every year around 100 young designers and producers from all over the country. The product range includes t-shirts, street fashion and design products but also unique handmade pieces. “Especially in university tow like Mainz and Freiburg there are many active people who are committed to interesting projects. The “Stijl“ fairs bring this development to the surface and offer the young, creative minds a platform”, says organizer Bastian Steinbeck.