Six Düsseldorf fashion labels for good vibes only
Fashion & lifestyle with sustainable concepts
Fashion labels that are sustainable? Okay, fashion and sustainability are not a match. However, complete abstinence from consumption belongs in the realm of lofty resolutions. After all, fashion and lifestyle are fun, enable self-expression and can create identity. There is a solution in the golden mean: fashion labels that produce small, high-quality editions rather than mass-produced goods, taking sustainable aspects into account. As part of the Düsseldorf Fashion Days, the first edition of "Sustain!" took place in the Bilker Bunker on January 27, 2024. Initiated by the Düsseldorf Economic Development Agency and curated by The Dorf, 14 Düsseldorf brands presented their products. We have picked out six fashion labels for you that you should keep in mind.
Next Level Knit - Pure Pop
Fresh from the start-up factory is the Düsseldorf fashion label Next Level Knit, or NLK for short. Julia Furtmann is co-founder of the Open Studio agency and initially realized her knitting fantasies as a freelance project. In doing so, Julia has increasingly focused on consumption, recycling, upcycling and value creation. NLK's styles are a hybrid of vintage and knitwear. The fashionable tension lies in the (fast-fashion) second-hand piece, from which the sleeves are removed and replaced with (slow-fashion) hand-knitted ones. The message is clear. The look is pure pop. The feeling: must-have!
Strehlow - Exquisit
Marion Strehlow and her fashion brand are an integral part of Düsseldorf. Her studio fashion is an integral part of the local design scene. Purist, with an unmistakable design language, her collections are of the finest quality. It is interesting to note that the designer primarily makes things for herself. This explains the charming authenticity that her collections convey. From sweaters with graphic patterns to sculptural blouses, there is a piece of Marion Strehlow in every item that you make your own every time you wear it. She now not only designs fashion, but has also been designing the costumes for Maura Morales' dance company for several years.
Etuk - Up to date
Genderless fashion is the key theme of the Düsseldorf fashion brand. Twin brothers Kurt and Ben Etuk launched their label in 2022, with Kurt taking on the creative side and Ben running the business. The design is an invitation to feel comfortable and therefore beautiful. The "Bien Denim Skirt" sums up Etuk's basic ideas. Composed of vintage denim and virgin wool tartan, the skirt is unisex and its design language is a reference to Vivienne Westwood - kilt at the front, denim at the back. The "2Face Hoodie Jacket" can be worn on both sides and emphasizes the genderless aspect with its oversized look. The collections are well organized and there is no overproduction. A Düsseldorf brand to keep an eye on.
Untold - Classy Style
Vintage, second-hand, pre-loved ... No matter what we call it, it is one of the top topics in the context of sustainable fashion. Untold has quickly secured a firm place among fashion lovers and since September 2023, you can not only shop in the online store, but also browse in the showroom by appointment or at the monthly Open Doors events. The founders Sarah Righetti and Lea Rohe have a keen eye for selection and their range is carefully put together. Not mass, but class. In addition to vintage, Untold also offers accessories and lifestyle products by artists from Düsseldorf.
Sharokina - Eyecatcher
Leather goods are a complicated matter when it comes to sustainability. Small, fine labels are therefore highly recommended because they generally have a better overview of their supply chains. Sharokina is a good example. The bags and accessories are designed and manufactured in Düsseldorf. This works because Sharokina Golpashin, designer and owner of the brand, produces small editions and limited editions. She was awarded the Red Dot Award for her work in 2020 and 2021 and also received the Manufactum State Prize NRW in 2021. The leather used for the bags and accessories comes from Germany, Belgium and Italy and is all vegetable-tanned. The design of the bags and leather goods is purist. Their signature looks include braiding techniques and, above all, clasps made from metal rods with ball studs that are reminiscent of piercing balls.
Studio Rosa - Re-use
Maria Hübsch's label is still very young - what an enchanting name. For Studio Rosa, she produces exclusively with vintage materials and fabric remnants. These are used to make scrunchies, hair bands, silk scarves, aromatherapy cushions and shawls, which are sometimes sewn from grandmother's discarded bed linen. There are also second-hand silk blouses. Maria Hübsch is also experimenting with plant dyeing techniques, which are particularly environmentally friendly. In this way, unique items are created through individual production processes on various levels.
Further information at bilkerbunker.de.
Text: Cynthia Blasberg
Lead photo: Bilker Bunker
