Images / @julierzlens + @photosbynathalie
In a world saturated with fleeting tendencies, some designers possess an innate capacity to transcend the unusual, crafting narratives by material and upcycled kind. Samuel Gärtner is such a visionary, whose newest assortment is a testomony to evolution rooted in self-discovery. Past his distinctive aesthetic, Gärtner can be single-handedly revitalizing the style scene in Frankfurt, from groundbreaking runway reveals on the Senckenberg Naturmuseum (Frankfurt’s pure historical past museum) to the Eiserner Steg (historic iron bridge), and most just lately, remodeling a drive-in right into a catwalk spectacle, establishing the town as a hub for cutting-edge design. We linked with the inventive drive to delve into the inspirations, challenges, and unyielding philosophy that outline his distinctive universe.
What was the central inspiration behind your newest assortment?
This assortment was a real “again to the roots” second! I actually revisited my first three collections, pulling out the daring, outsized collars from my debut, the playful prints and florals from my second, and the colourful colours that outlined my third. The objective was to mash all of them up, reinterpreting these core components to create one thing totally new and recent. It’s like a dialog with my previous self, however with a forward-looking twist.
Have been there particular cultural or musical influences that formed its path?
For me, inspiration is in all places! Structure, artwork, nature, the folks I meet—it’s all a lovely, limitless combine. However music? That’s big for me. I’m a passionate opera and musical lover, and my playlists are wild—from classical to nation, pop to metallic. That unbelievable variety of sound and emotion actually fuels the power and temper I wish to translate into my designs. It’s all about that emotional resonance.
Stroll us by your course of — from sketch to completed garment. Was there one piece that challenged you probably the most?
My course of isn’t linear. Sketches? Actually, they’re uncommon! More often than not, I’ve a imaginative and prescient in my head and simply dive in, very intuitively, virtually freestyle. Essentially the most thrilling issues usually emerge from that hands-on interplay with materials. After all, supplies could be difficult—they don’t at all times behave as you think about! However I’ve realized to embrace that, keep versatile, and let the material lead. On this assortment, fake fur was undoubtedly demanding, requiring plenty of endurance. However general, it was surprisingly easy and a lot enjoyable to convey to life.
Vogue could be each artwork and commerce. How do you stability pure creative imaginative and prescient with wearability?
That stability is fascinating to me! On one hand, trend is artwork—it must be boundary-pushing, unconventional. However, I need folks to really feel good and cozy in my items. So, my work at all times lives in that candy spot between couture and streetwear. This mix ensures my designs are wearable, but my distinctive model and imaginative and prescient shine by. For me, artwork and wearability aren’t at odds; they’re two sides of the identical very fashionable coin.
Collaborations just like the one with Nelly Furtado usually stay on the intersection of trend and popular culture. How did the response land with you?
The Nelly Furtado collaboration was an absolute dream come true, opening doorways I by no means imagined! Nelly is an icon, and dressing her was an enormous honor. What really made me happiest was seeing how comfy and assured she felt within the appears. The response was unbelievable: constructive press, excited followers, wonderful suggestions from my friends. It meant a lot as a result of music and popular culture are big passions of mine—I even have classical vocal coaching and make music as a pastime! So, working at that intersection felt extremely pure. The overwhelming response was unbelievable, however above all, I’m simply grateful it made Nelly comfortable.
Taking a look at your journey thus far, how has your model advanced — and what stays a non-negotiable in your design DNA?
Each my model and I’ve grown a lot! Early on, issues had been extra experimental, plenty of self-testing. Now, I’ve a a lot clearer design language, however I’m at all times evolving. Some components, although, are really non-negotiable: outsized cuts, a love for extravagance, and a powerful connection to streetwear. These are the pillars of my design DNA, the purple thread that runs by every thing. Even when colours or prints change, that essence stays, and it at all times feels authentically me.
The place do you see your model in 5 or ten years? What legacy are you constructing towards?
My imaginative and prescient is to proceed rising and anchoring the model even deeper within the leisure trade. Collaborating with artists like Halle Bailey, Saweetie, and Nelly Furtado has proven me how a lot I thrive on that inventive trade. Within the subsequent 5 to 10 years, I see extra collaborations for performances, music movies, and cultural moments. On the similar time, I wish to reconnect extra with ready-to-wear, so each the creative and on a regular basis worlds can coexist. The legacy I’m constructing is a model that champions creativity, boldness, and self-expression—a platform that empowers folks to be unapologetically themselves.
Lastly, what recommendation would you give to younger designers looking for their voice in such a crowded panorama?
My greatest recommendation is easy: simply do it! Don’t overthink it—strive issues, make errors, and be taught. Be curious, be daring, and put your self on the market. Networking is crucial, however connections solely occur whenever you take that first step—ship that DM, begin that dialog. And when setbacks inevitably come, don’t get discouraged; they’re a part of the method. Most significantly: keep true to your self. Don’t copy others; discover your individual distinctive language. That’s the one technique to keep related and really shine in the long term.
