PAST EVENTS
LA LA-FESTIVAL
The Lala-Festival took place in Ovendorf, near Kiel, from August 1st to 4th, 2024. On Friday and Saturday, people of all ages had the opportunity to dye their very own bandanas using natural dyes. I explained the different steps of the dyeing process and guided participants through each stage. I also shared fascinating facts about the dye materials and discussed the historical background of natural dyes. Both children and adults explored the world of natural dyes under my guidance.
WORKSHOP AT MUSEUM AUGUST KESTNER
During the summer holidays 2024, I had the great opportunity to give my second natural dye workshop at the August Kestner Museum in Hanover as part of the holiday program for children. This time the children and I explored the amazing color range of logwood. We discussed the origin and history of natural dyes and each child dyed their own personal piece of fabric using brushes and stamps.
SOMMER HYGGE
From the 21st to the 23rd of June 2024 the summer festival SOMMER HYGGE took place in the center of Flensburg. Under my guidance participants of all age ranges dyed their own bandana with natural materials like onion skins, flowers and logwood. I explained the natural dye process, showed dye examples and shared exciting facts about dye plants. In two days more than 200 people dyed their own bandana and discovered the world of natural dyes during my workshop.
WORKSHOP AT MUSEUM AUGUST KESTNER
During the Easter holidays of 2024, children participated in the "Farbwunder" workshop at the August Kestner Museum in Hanover as part of an after-school care program. In the workshop, they learned about the natural dye cochineal, explored its history and different color variations, and expressed their creativity by dyeing and designing textiles. Under my guidance as the workshop leader, children between the ages of six and ten had the opportunity to create unique pieces according to their own ideas.
POP UP IN HAMBURG
POP UP event in March 2024 at the varm & friends Store at Hanseviertel in Hamburg. During one exciting weekend, I showcased my natural dye upcycling collection. Beautifully colored blouses, t-shirts, colorful bandanas, and adorable baby bodies were among the products available for purchase. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in conversations with customers and share mutual passion for natural dyes.
FAIR FASHION FORUM RHUR
The Fair Fashion Forum Ruhr 2023 deepened the dialogue on current topics and questions of sustainability in the fashion industry. In 2023, the focus was on the topics of "diversity" and "decolonization". Discussions focused on racism and colonial structures in fashion, clothing and cultural identities, exploitative working conditions and fair alternatives in global fashion production. I was invited to the best practices panel. As an example of best practice, I presented my bachelor's thesis, which I submitted in collaboration with the NGO Ni en more. The panel discussion addressed the questions: What can sustainability seals and labels do for good working conditions and fair wages in the Global South? What chance do fashion labels from the Global South have on the fashion market in Germany?
IPRAC-CONFERENCE
The networking event Global Challenges, Local Solutions & International Cooperation took place in the Design Center of Faculty III of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hanover. The IPRAC conference aims to find solutions for a more sustainable future through international exchange of companies, students and experts from the industry. I was invited to the conference as moderator and discussion leader of the “human rights and communication” station together with employees from Ni en more. With students, entrepreneurs and international partners, we looked at the textile industry in terms of social responsibility, human rights and communication opportunities. The employees of Ni en more and I also shared our experiences about working together, merging political activism and fashion and intercultural and intersectional communication. Learn more about the event in the video here.
USE-LESS TALK
USE-LESS is conducting thorough research on innovative and sustainable design strategies for the fashion design course at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hanover. The engaging talk format consistently brings together individuals to delve into pressing issues, including environmental sustainability, within the fashion industry alongside designers, researchers, and visionary entrepreneurs. Back in January 2023, I was invited to present my cooperation with the Mexican NGO Ni en more as an integral aspect of my bachelor's thesis. The collaboration with Ni en more sparked conversations on political activism, fundamental human rights, cherished traditions, and forward thinking sustainable design strategies within the realm of fashion. Impressions of the talk by Mel Rangel.
