Benjamin Ökmen - Hochschule Pforzheim

Sky is the Limit – Hochschule Pforzheim

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With Sky is the Limit, the golden age of travel is reimagined for the present day. The collection recalls a time when mobility was more than mere transportation—it was a symbol of elegance, style, and cosmopolitan sophistication. Inspired by the aesthetic of “traveling in style,” the collection combines nostalgic glamour with contemporary design, accompanying modern nomads across different destinations, seasons, and lifestyles. At its core lies the interplay between movement and craftsmanship. Precisely constructed skirts xecho the aerodynamic dynamism of flight, creating a defined and confident silhouette. In contrast, flowing silk fabrics bring lightness and fluidity to each look. The designs merge functionality with refinement, adapting effortlessly to varying climates and occasions, from crisp autumn mornings to warm summer evenings in the city. Beyond its aesthetic vision, the collection follows a consistent commitment to sustainability. All materials are sourced from high-quality deadstock fabrics and leathers obtained within Europe. By repurposing existing resources, valuable materials are given a second life while unnecessary production surplus is reduced. Environmental responsibility also extends to logistics and production. To minimize the collection’s ecological footprint, air freight is completely avoided. Transportation is carried out exclusively through resource-efficient alternatives such as rail and other sustainable mobility solutions. Sky is the Limit demonstrates that luxury, innovation, and sustainability do not have to be contradictory. The collection brings together timeless elegance and conscious responsibility, inviting us to view fashion as a thoughtful journey through time, space, and culture.

Born in 1998 in the cultural capital of Vienna, I position my creative practice between tradition and progressive modernity. From an early age, my fashion foundation was shaped by the elegance, clear lines of Vienna’s public transport system, and the timeless aesthetic of Viennese classicism. Today, I translate this historical elegance into an avant-garde design language driven by one essential element: movement. Inspired by my own multifaceted and colorful life journey, I am naturally drawn outward into the world. I prefer to work at the interdisciplinary intersection of fashion and mobility. My entire creative universe unfolds within public transportation. For me, buses, subways, and trams are far more than mere means of transport—they are the most authentic microcosm of our society. Here, within the constant flow of urban space, fashion reveals its full splendor, dynamism, and expressive power. Passengers become participants in a daily performance. A distinctive core element of my designs is the skirt, which serves as a textile signature, creating new silhouettes within the urban landscape. Color plays a central role in my work. For me, it is not a decorative accessory but a vital tool for communicating messages and making individuality visible. Through my work, I create wearable art for the nomads of the modern metropolis, a symbiosis of Viennese roots, textile freedom, and the vibrant energy of life in motion.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jan Kunzmann