Social Capital

The “Status Quo – What is Class?” course at HTW Berlin sparked a design project that puts the significance of social capital at its core. Inspired by conversations with individuals from the fashion industry and social sector, the idea evolved to create a collection entirely based on the use of social capital. This concept goes beyond mere clothing design and critically examines the role of financial resources in the fashion industry. Instead, it highlights the power of networks, relationships, and mutual support. The “Social Capital” collection is thus not just a series of garments, but a living manifesto for the strength of community action and the possibilities that arise through social connections.
 

Threads of Innovation

Weaving Connections into Couture

My “Social Capital” collection, born from the “Status Wo” project in Berlin, showcases the power of community in fashion. Without spending a penny, relying solely on the generosity of my social network, I crafted a collection that challenges traditional notions of status and creativity. From donated fabrics to collaborative design processes, each piece tells a story of cooperation and sustainable innovation. Discover how we’ve collectively redefined the boundaries of fashion and how social capital can shape the future of the industry. Learn more about the “Social Capital” collection and its inspiring journey

Collaborative Innovation

The partnership with Paul Klasmeier to create 3D-printed bracelets for the Second Skin collection embodied the theme of metamorphosis. Our collaborative process mirrored the transformation central to the collection’s concept. We began with an exchange of ideas, where my vision of renewal and Paul’s 3D printing expertise merged like the blending of old and new in molting. Through regular discussions, our designs evolved, much like the stages of a butterfly’s lifecycle. Paul’s technical skills in 3D modeling complemented my fashion background, resulting in accessories that visually represent the collection’s themes of change and adaptation.

Community Palette

The color palette of the collection is characterized by a delicate, transparent white, symbolizing the transparency and openness of the social network. This white represents the purity of intention and the clarity in interpersonal relationships that made the project possible. Accents in red represent the connections and flow of social capital. The red cheeks in the models’ makeup subtly illustrate the often uncomfortable situation of asking others for help and taking up their time and commitment. They simultaneously symbolize the warmth and energy that arise through these interactions. This color choice underscores the idea of transparency and networking that underlies the concept of social capital.

The main material used was a sponsored silk fabric, embodying the lightness and flexibility of social relationships. The use of this material, procured through social connections, directly underlines the concept of social capital. Additionally, fabric remnants and various materials provided by friends and acquaintances were used – another expression of the utilized social network.
 

Key Pieces

Key pieces of the collection include a dress with three transparent circles, highlighting the project’s transparency and the support through social capital. A top with wings represents the possibilities that can arise through social capital. Complementary pieces such as an overskirt and a separate wing pocket for the trouser leg also symbolize the diverse opportunities that open up through social capital. The circle as a recurring element stands for the cycle of giving and taking in social capital.

The circles are not just an aesthetic element, but a conscious decision to emphasize the transparency of the entire creative process. They symbolically show how social capital was present in every phase of creation and provide a behind-the-scenes look at fashion production. In an industry where often only the end product is in the spotlight, this collection sets a precedent for openness and recognition of all involved. The give and take is not only conceptually addressed here, but actively practiced: In return for the support received, the project offers complete transparency about who contributed where and how to the creation process. This is an innovative approach in the fashion industry, where the contributions of many participants usually remain hidden.

Editorial

The collection was photographed in a studio shoot by Teresa Fischer, with Melina Geishirt Eduardo and William Gimenez as models. An additional editorial shoot was conducted by Maren Nordtrop Larsen, showcasing the versatility of the designs in different contexts.

Behind the Scenes

Editorial

Credits

Thank you!

A heartfelt thank you to all the talented individuals who contributed their creativity, skills, and passion to bring this project to life – your dedication has been invaluable.

photograph. Teresa Fischer
retouch. Aurélien Voegelin
MUA. Patrycja Zielinska
assistant. Natalie Jarczyk
& MUA.
model. Melina Geishirt Eduardo
model. William Gimenez
supervisor. Bianca Koczan
supervisor. Cläre Casper
location. HTW Berlin
design. Marlene Raymakers
& creative director.

Experience the Power of Social Capital

Experience the essence of the “Social Capital” collection by co-creating your own bespoke garment. Book a personal appointment with me, Marlene Raymakers, where we’ll collaborate to tailor one of my designs exclusively for you. During our session, you’ll explore the collection’s innovative concepts, select your favourite piece, and work with me to customise it to your style and form. This unique process not only results in a one-of-a-kind garment but also embodies the collection’s core principle: the power of human connections in fashion. Join me in this intimate design journey, where your individual story becomes interwoven with the fabric of social capital.

Book an Appointment

Insights

August 28, 2024

Roll UP Magazine

Social Capital Dress Graces the Cover of Roll Up Magazine I’m thrilled to announce that my “High Expectation” dress has made it to the cover of the latest issue…
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July 28, 2023

Weaving Connections Exhebition

The Power of Social Capital in Fashion In the vibrant heart of Berlin, amidst the creative energy of July 2023, an extraordinary exhibition unfolded at Platte Berlin. As part…
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July 10, 2023

Social Capital in Action

From Concept to Editorial In the world of fashion, collaboration is the key to success. This project, an editorial shoot that captures the essence of social capital, makes this…
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July 10, 2023

Analog Memories

Social Capital Through the Viewfinder of a Vintage Camera As part of our fashion-political design project “Status wo?” at HTW Berlin, we had the unique opportunity to express our…
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