15 June 2016
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Stefanie Biggel is a Swiss fashion designer, who is currently based in Athens and London.
For her first Paris presentation, she showed her collection “HOMESOME”, in which she takes a journey back to youth, inspired by Kurt Cobain’s unique look, and teenage boredom in Larry Clark movies. A tomboy grunge look and work wear build the essence of the collection, which blends rough wool with shiny vinyl and fine mohair. Layers also play an important role as patchwork within the garments, as well as florals and animal prints. Stefanie’s patterns and knitwear were developed in collaboration with Milan based textile artist Klaus Schmidt.
The look includes oversized cuts and clever material combinations. Striking patchwork techniques give the collection the finishing touch. Stefanie Biggel’s signature piece “the bomber jacket” is back on the pitch once again, updated in slick black vinyl. Stefanie Biggel’s collections combine various influences. Genderless cuts and high quality materials create a laid back, effortless look.
How relevant is the notion of UTOPIA within your practice, approaches and strategies?
The topic is very important for my work. Especially nowadays. I still try to understand the system in fashion and to go my own way whenever possible. I wish the creative part would become more relevant again. It’s too much about business and strategy right now.
Utopia is defined as the imagination of an ideal system or pattern of a civil organisation. How do you see the role of creative practice within this concept? Or otherwise, can design change society – referring to a common utopian aspiration to create a new society through design?
In fashion this ideal system is something very utopian und we have to fight for it together as creatives. We need to break with certain patterns. That’s what I hope for. To go back to what’s essential like handcraft, consciousness and time.
Are there any other manifestos, publications or thinkers that have influenced your work or mindset?
I always try to follow my instincts. My collections are mostly inspired by my personal experience and story. In “HOMESOME” I tried to capture memories of youth and friendship.
More about Stefanie Biggel here.
