Explorating new modes of creativity via Zoom
Project by photographer Vincent Wechselberger and stylist Francesca Martin Kane
Whilst “image-making" might be considered “non-essential business” - it hasn’t deterred creatives from working from home. In the face of social distancing measures in Berlin, we have explored new modes of creativity via Zoom.
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Photographer Vincent Wechselberger and stylist Francesca Martin Kane reached out to five young Berlin-based fashion designers who model their own designs, shot through Zoom. Social distancing doesn’t stop creativity, as shared by the designers when they were asked how they've been staying creative and what they have achieved during these uncertain times:
How are you staying creative in Quarantine?
Even before the lockdown, I had a lot of ideas on my “creative to-do list” that I had always postponed until then. Fortunately, I am well equipped and it was very liberating to finally make these ideas out of my mind a reality.
What have you achieved in lockdown that you’re most proud of?
I have returned to a more relaxed mindset. By stopping running around and meeting people all the time, I rediscovered the joy it gives me to spend a whole day just doing my work and creating things. Do not let yourself be determined by the “Fear of missing out”.
What “life lesson” have you learnt during this period?
Think twice about your priorities.
How are you staying creative in Quarantine?
During Quarantine, I worked on my upcoming collection. I had enough time to focus on the creative and technical aspect.
What will you wear to the first party/event post-lockdown?
I’ll probably wear pieces from my collection PREMIÈRE. They are very elegant and I always love to feel the silk on my skin.
What have you achieved in lockdown that you’re most proud of?
I’m very proud of the upcoming collection I’m currently working on. Some pieces took me more than 20 hours of work. I’m excited to present it this summer.
What “life lesson” have you learnt during this period?
I’ve learnt that taking my time with the creative process is OK. I sometimes leave a piece in construction for a few days and then come back to it with a fresh eye. Consistency is important but allowing a work to mature and evolve is the key.
How are you staying creative in Quarantine?
I feel like I’ve been more creative since the pandemic - at least much more outside of the normal university context. I have tried a lot of new things because I was given more time for myself and started working on new and old ideas.
What will you wear to the first party/event post-lockdown?
I will definitely wear the chest rig that I designed. It’s made for running but the intention was always to wear it as a useful but cool accessory for a night out too. I’m making more garments for myself at the moment as well. I can imagine making myself a new outfit for the big party.
What have you achieved in lockdown that you’re most proud of?
I’ve achieved a healthy routine of working out and meditation. Also I started my own brand which includes sportswear. It’s all on a small scale but I’ve seen how much I can do myself and it’s been very good to see how I’ve grown as a person and a designer.
What “life lesson” have you learnt during this period?
I’ve learnt that when you only respond to external pressures, you’re constantly trying to catch up with things which are often not even important to you. It’s good to stop and breathe, and think for a while because you’ll find new ways to see things and new opportunities that you might have missed otherwise.
How are you staying creative in Quarantine?
In one way, quarantine has made me even more creative in the sense that i have so much more time to explore ideas that I didn’t have time to explore previously. We were stuck in our house with no resources except what we had and I think that this has pushed my creative boundaries to work with what was in front of me. I’m seeing my style and pieces developing which inspires me even more.
What will you wear to the first party/event post-lockdown?
I think no matter what I wear I will feel great just because I’ll be back out again, but I’m thinking church-chick cowboy from a 70’s farm!
What have you achieved in lockdown that you’re most proud of?
Small things actually, like calling mum, writing to my grandparents and taking a German course.
What “life lesson” have you learnt during this period?
A life lesson right now is that I will never be “done” or “fully evolved” I want to continue learning, listening to ever be open to change.
How are you staying creative in Quarantine?
For me, staying creative was almost a way to stay sane at the beginning. We are really lucky to have a studio in our home which has helped me to build a routine in this new way of life. I've really enjoyed this time since there was no pressure coming from anywhere and I’ve just created new pieces for myself. Having things to do everyday has kept me focused and helped bring structure into life.
What will you wear to the first party/event post-lockdown?
I am constantly thinking about this, maybe the white ruffle dress I made or one of my corsets and definitely fun hat.
What have you achieved in lockdown that you’re most proud of?
Probably better health - physically and mentally. Also I feel like it’s brought me even closer to my friends; it’s been so good to see how we have all uplifted each other constantly.
What “life lesson” have you learnt during this period?
Definitely to live more day by day. There’s been no other option than to try and stress less about things we’re unable to control and be more in the present.
CREDITS
Designers & Models
Hong Pham - @nothongry
Loic Gros - @loicgrosdotcom
Miri Mengershausen - @mirivme
Saga Peterson - @sagsa
Naomi Tarazi - @naomi.tarazi
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Stylist
Francesca Martin Kane - @francesca_martin_kane
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Photographer
Vincent Wechselberger - @vincenttiberius