Lina-Sofie Marschall - Hochschule Niederrhein

Between Roots and Crowns – Hochschule Niederrhein

My graduation collection explores the forest as a vital, complex, and interconnected ecosystem and addresses the growing threats it faces in the context of the climate crisis.The collection is structured around three levels: the tree canopy, the trunk, and the root zone. Each level is first represented by an outfit that embodies a healthy ecological state. These are contrasted with outfits that each address a form of external intervention or disturbance. Forest fires resulting from drought, bark beetle infestations facilitated by monocultures, and tree diseases such as fungal infections are understood and visualized as symptoms of a system that has lost its balance. By juxtaposing stability and instability, the collection highlights the fragility of the forest ecosystem. Fashion serves as a medium to creatively reflect scientific findings on environmental and climate issues while raising awareness of the ecological significance and vulnerability of the forest. 

Even as a child, I enjoyed experimenting with a wide variety of materials and techniques, and I was always particularly fascinated by fashion as a means of expression and communication. After completing my training as a clothing technology assistant, I decided to pursue a degree in Design Engineering (Fashion) to further deepen my technical knowledge and develop my creative strengths. In my designs, I use fashion as a creative medium to make statements about sustainability and, as in this collection, to draw attention to issues such as climate threats. Sustainability also plays a major role in the production process. I use sustainable materials, ensure resource-efficient cutting, and consciously integrate the zero-waste philosophy into my designs, for example by using fabric scraps for fillings. For me, fashion is not only an expression of aesthetics, but also means taking on and demonstrating responsibility toward our society and the environment.