Wu, Wang, Lim, Lam – what would the American fashion world be without these designers of Asian heritage? And what would the German fashion world be without the creative minds whose roots extend deep into other cultures? These are just some of the questions explored in a research project overseen by Olga Blumhardt, head of the Fashion Journalism & Media Communication program at the AMD Berlin, and Professor Antje Drinkuth, Dean of Fashion Design at the AMD. The result of the project is the recently released book, “Traces – Fashion & Migration” [Distanz], 208 smart and inspiring pages illuminating the eponymous subject. Topics range from German fashion photography to international design, explored in academic texts and journalistic formats. Many renowned collaborators contributed to the project, from Christiane Arp, Editor in Chief of German Vogue, to Mario Lombardo, who designed the book, to the Federal Foreign Office, which funded the project. The book was even presented by the Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth, at a release party complete with fashion show. In short: “Traces” is already leaving quite a few traces – and not just in the political arena. The book is at the very top of my reading list. After all, as global citizens in an increasingly connected world, it’s important to be well-dressed, and well-informed. (Text: Nina Trippel / Photos (clockwise from top): Sandra Semburg, Heji Shin, Devan Grimsrud)
