What was your first project?
My first project was created for the Sympatex Award 2010. I designed a snowboarding uniform using fabrics from Sympatex and won second prize. It was very interesting, but also something new for me to work with these special fabrics and create sportswear.
The creative process: do you work instinctively or plan every single step? Where do your ideas come from?
An important element of VOLGGER Studios is our long-term mindset and the concept of constantly reinventing ourselves without chasing the latest fashion trends. Being timeless and innovative, carefully selecting and integrating elements of the contemporary zeitgeist, is one of our core ambitions. In a creative process, you cannot plan every single step. For my creative sessions, I like to work on my projects in a quiet place close to nature, and some ideas emerge precisely during this process. My inspirations come from art, architecture, or simply experimenting—that’s how VOLGGER Studio was born.
What did you think when Berto contacted you?
VOLGGER Studio places great emphasis on the quality and longevity of its products. Quality starts with the design process and pattern development, which are carried out in-house or in collaboration with experts. We present the finest materials—cotton, linen, leather, cashmere—exclusively from Europe, which have been processed organically or not treated at all. Even for accessories such as thread and zippers, we aim for high durability. VOLGGER Studio’s quality standards apply not only to the individual components of the products, but also to the careful, meticulous workmanship overall, to provide consumers with a high-quality experience. Thus, VOLGGER Studio guarantees a combination of high-quality design and long-lasting products. That’s why we chose to work with Berto: they provide high-quality, innovative, certified materials, and we love working with their team, which is truly knowledgeable.
Which Berto fabrics have you worked with for your project and collections?
Inspired by various genres and by intense engagement and exchange with other people, I created the CORE collection. At the heart of our objectives is the idea of ceasing to think of different genders as static stereotypes. Our creativity is grounded in our unwavering commitment to gender equality. This unisex mindset applies to every garment made by VOLGGER Studio. We used Nevada Blue denim and carbon Rockabilly, which is one of our favorite fabrics in the collection. We used them primarily for jeans, but also for our coats and denim jackets.
What do you consider the most significant aspect of Berto for Talents? What goals have you been able to achieve through this program?
This project with Berto is a great opportunity to connect with open-minded people who have a sense of fashion and more—people interested in materials and the provenance of products. Through this program, we have gained more publicity and support.
“Less but better” can be read as an endorsement of a certain degree of purity in design as well as in fashion design. It can also be understood as an environmental message about reduction and sustainability. What do you think?
VOLGGER Studio enables people to increase awareness of social responsibility and sustainability. To meet our aspirations, we focus on high-quality design and long-lasting products. One of VOLGGER Studios’ principles is sustainability. Our brand’s understanding of sustainability stems from its approach to ecological and social justice, as well as fair corporate management. VOLGGER Studio is committed to taking a stand against abusive conditions at every stage of garment production—from fabric manufacturing to accessory production, from pattern development to garment assembly. All VOLGGER Studio materials are produced in Europe in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In addition to production conditions, quality and handfeel are also decisive elements. However, VOLGGER Studio’s understanding goes beyond the certification of materials and products. Every production partner is chosen and maintained through a direct, personal relationship and extensive exchange. VOLGGER Studio also evaluates the working conditions under which the different materials are produced and, naturally, the principle the brand promotes in addressing its partners directly is the same. In order to deliver products to our customers that embody these considerations, every single step is monitored internally and thoroughly assessed. Our goal is to change the popular (fast) approach to fashion and the way fashion is “consumed.” We believe it is very important for people to reflect more on the background of the fashion they wear. The situation has improved somewhat in recent years, but there is still potential, particularly with younger customers.
Is there something you’ve never done that you’d like to accomplish?
There is still so much in this world we would like to do—places we haven’t yet seen, people we haven’t yet met. We want to remain curious and open. As for the fashion world, we would of course love to showcase our collection in the major fashion capitals, such as Paris, London, and New York.
