Elisabeth Spörle - Hochschule Pforzheim

Dressed Naturally – Hochschule Pforzheim

With her Bachelor’s thesis Dressed Naturally, Elisabeth Spörle, a graduate of the Fashion Design program at Pforzheim University, explores naturalness as a design principle at the intersection of nature, material, and clothing. The project is rooted in the observation of natural systems. Nature exists and functions without justification, shaped by cycles, transformation, and complex interdependencies. This sense of naturalness forms the conceptual foundation of the work and offers a perspective on design that is driven by openness and development rather than control and perfection. The collection translates principles of natural processes into the design process and questions the role of material within fashion design. Material is not understood as a passive resource but as an active design factor with its own properties, potentials, and limitations. Irregularities, changes, and material-specific characteristics are intentionally embraced and understood as part of the creative process. At the core of the project is a co-creation approach between designer and material/nature. The resulting garments emerge from this dialogue and are not aimed at a fixed final form. Instead, they reveal adaptability, transformation, and process as visible qualities. Dressed Naturally understands fashion as part of larger natural systems. The work advocates for a more conscious approach to materials and design, offering an alternative to design practices centered on constant control, optimization, and predetermined outcomes. In doing so, the collection positions nature not only as a source of inspiration but as a guiding principle within the design process itself.

As a graduate of the Fashion Design program at Pforzheim University, my work explores the relationship between nature, clothing, and function. Natural processes, structures, and patterns of movement serve as starting points for my concepts and designs. Nature is a central source of inspiration in my practice. Engaging with landscapes, movement, and the experience of outdoor environments shapes my interest in clothing that supports activity and strengthens the connection between people and nature. I am particularly interested in how garments can respond to different environments and functional requirements. A key focus of my work is construction and material. I investigate how garments are built and how material choices, manufacturing methods, and design decisions influence function, use, and durability. I see sustainability not as an addition, but as an integral part of the design process. This leads me to work with resource-conscious materials, considered construction methods, and long-lasting solutions. My aim is to combine function, material, and sustainability into holistic clothing concepts that are both aesthetically and practically effective while encouraging a conscious use of resources.

Credits
Fotografin: Lotta Grosse