Pictures / @julierzlens + @photosbynathalie
In a world saturated with fleeting traits, some designers possess an innate potential to transcend the peculiar, crafting narratives via 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 also 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 not too long ago, remodeling a drive-in right into a catwalk spectacle, establishing the town as a hub for cutting-edge design. We related with the artistic pressure 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 aim was to mash all of them up, reinterpreting these core components to create one thing fully new and recent. It’s like a dialog with my previous self, however with a forward-looking twist.
Had been there particular cultural or musical influences that formed its route?
For me, inspiration is all over the place! Structure, artwork, nature, the individuals I meet—it’s all a lovely, infinite combine. However music? That’s enormous for me. I’m a passionate opera and musical lover, and my playlists are wild—from classical to nation, pop to metallic. That unimaginable range of sound and emotion actually fuels the vitality and temper I need to translate into my designs. It’s all about that emotional resonance.
Stroll us via your course of — from sketch to completed garment. Was there one piece that challenged you essentially the most?
My course of is never linear. Sketches? Truthfully, they’re uncommon! More often than not, I’ve a imaginative and prescient in my head and simply dive in, very intuitively, nearly freestyle. Essentially the most thrilling issues typically emerge from that hands-on interplay with materials. In fact, supplies will be tough—they don’t all the time 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 lots of persistence. However total, it was surprisingly easy and a lot enjoyable to carry to life.
Style will 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 ought to be boundary-pushing, unconventional. Then again, I would like individuals to really feel good and comfy in my items. So, my work all the time 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 via. For me, artwork and wearability aren’t at odds; they’re two sides of the identical very trendy coin.
Collaborations just like the one with Nelly Furtado typically reside 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 actually made me happiest was seeing how snug and assured she felt within the seems. The response was unimaginable: constructive press, excited followers, superb suggestions from my friends. It meant a lot as a result of music and popular culture are enormous passions of mine—I even have classical vocal coaching and make music as a passion! So, working at that intersection felt extremely pure. The overwhelming response was improbable, however above all, I’m simply grateful it made Nelly glad.
your journey thus far, how has your model developed — 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, lots of self-testing. Now, I’ve a a lot clearer design language, however I’m all the time evolving. Some components, although, are actually non-negotiable: outsized cuts, a love for extravagance, and a robust connection to streetwear. These are the pillars of my design DNA, the pink thread that runs via every part. Even when colours or prints change, that essence stays, and it all the time 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 artistic alternate. Within the subsequent 5 to 10 years, I see extra collaborations for performances, music movies, and cultural moments. On the identical time, I need 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 individuals 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 straightforward: 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 once 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 strategy to keep related and actually shine in the long term.
