The ArtEZ Business Centre congratulates Anna Gahlenbeck on receiving a starter voucher!
- Fashion
Anna Gahlenbeck, a fourth-year Fashion Design student, is launching her own fashion label focused on functional luxury clothing for working women in various stages of life. Inspired by her family heritage, she aims to create a fashion brand after graduation that honors her family's legacy in Jewish tailoring and Peruvian and Spanish textile production. She will use the €2,500 starter voucher to further professionalize her business.
With her fashion label, Anna combines traditional craftsmanship techniques with modern tailoring. She aims to design ethically produced clothing for the high-end market that reflects values, history, and craftsmanship, while also supporting artisans in countries like Spain and Peru.
These countries not only reflect her personal heritage but also have a rich history in textile production. Peru, for example, is known for luxurious fabrics like alpaca and Pima cotton and has a long tradition of knitting and silversmithing. Spain, in turn, is renowned for its craftsmanship in bags and leather and is a key production hub for many luxury brands.
Anna plans to use only vintage and deadstock fabrics made from natural materials like wool, leather, fur, and cotton during the production process. What makes her brand even more unique is that she draws inspiration from traditional Jewish clothing and customs, something that she feels is rarely highlighted in fashion, partly due to the relatively small Jewish community.
Starter voucher
Her graduation collection serves as the introduction to her brand and will be presented on June 6th. The €2,500 voucher will enable her to produce samples of the garments showcased, ensuring everything is ready for the launch of her brand. Additionally, she intends to use the funds to develop a business website and invest in PR and advertising, focusing on social media and creating campaigns.
The starters voucher is an initiative by the ArtEZ Business Centre (ABC). Participants receive free guidance during the subsidy application process and often first complete the ABC's free Starter Program.
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