A collection based on the belief that clothing is only ever a catalyst for the character attributes that are already present in the wearer. Clothing itself cannot imitate or replace these attributes and attempts to do so usually result in a costume that is inauthentic and easy to unmask. Clothing therefore does not stand above the wearer, but merely compliments their nature and expression.
At the same time, the designer is obliged in his role to recognise this nature in the wearer, to filter it down to it's most striking attributes and to enhance and accentuate them.
I construct my clothes with this premise in mind.
DATA is a permanent collection that will be released in drops across the designer's career with the first drop being presented in 2026.
In collaboration with Olivia Kalinowski, PhD student at the Charité Psychiatric University Clinic at St. Hedwig Hospital, the designer conceptualised a study for the DATA collection that puts a subjectively chosen group of people from his surrounding through a qualitative study based on the concept of grounded theory.
The goal of the study is a deeper understanding of a group of people who got the designer interested in their persona based on character traits, behavior or shared experiences.
The data collected will ultimately serve as a reference for the designer to realise a collection that appeals to all those who identify with the participant's characteristics and values or feel attracted to them - in short: the target group.
Next to a series of personality tests an interview is being conducted. The framework of six questions serves as a guideline for these interviews, while the designer follows the subject's answers intuitively to create a dialogue.
In the context of the DATA collection, I used medical imaging techniques as a metaphor for scanning the human body and mind. Drawing from clinical research methods, I translated this analytical process into fabric textures—material expressions of physical insight of the human body. The visual logic of diagnostic imaging becomes a framework for weaving identity into textile.
With this premise in mind I developed two different jacquard weaves: The MRI Scan-Weave consisting of collected MRI scans from people from my surrounding and further the checked Heartrate Weave pattern developed from heartrates measured from the same people under the supervision of doctors at the Charité Berlin.
The woven fabrics were produced in collaboration with the family owned business EE (Engelen & Evers) Exclusives 1900 in Heeze, Netherlands.
A variety of prints developed throughout the years that were developed from different sets of motion.
A selection of private client orders done in accordance to the designer's guidelines of getting to know and analysing the persona who he is envisioning an outfit for.
