Isabella Matic - Fachhochschule Bielefeld

Schwester – Fachhochschule Bielefeld

Nursing is a central pillar of our healthcare system, yet it is often not given the recognition it deserves. Over 78% of nurses worldwide are women who work under high physical and psychological pressure. Factors such as staff shortages, long working hours, and emotional strain frequently lead to burnout—which is usually invisible to society. My work is inspired by the experiences of my mother, who has been passionately working as a nurse for over 30 years. She motivated me to highlight the significance and history of nursing, as well as its aesthetic dimensions. The focus is on designs that combine historical nursing attire—particularly the traditional nurse’s uniform—with the aesthetics of the grunge subculture. The contrast between norm and nonconformity opens up new perspectives on care, responsibility, and social pressure. Particular attention is paid to drapings that evoke the iconic veils of nuns and are transposed into a contemporary context.

For me, fashion is a way of exploring identity, social structures, and the roles we adopt or are assigned. My interest in design is closely connected to my personal background and shaped by my observations of how clothing can simultaneously individualise and homogenise people.

I recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design at Hochschule Bielefeld (HSBI), where I developed a strong foundation in conceptual development, draping, pattern construction, and textile experimentation. My work explores themes such as femininity, labour, cultural identity, and uniforms, both literal and symbolic.

Growing up between German and Croatian cultures has shaped my perspective on belonging and identity, giving me a dual cultural lens through which I approach my work. Through my practice, I examine systems of conformity and explore fashion as both a personal expression and a reflection of social structures.