indieberlin: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
After graduating with an MA from Central Saint Martins in menswear 2011 I work in Berlin on my eponymous label Sissi Goetze, which I just relaunched under the new label name GOETZE. I create menswear referencing a classic mens wardrobe shifting it slightly by integrating elements of sports and work wear. One element repeats in each collection which is a hybrid sleeve on all tops, from coat to shirt. It is a merge between a raglan and a classical inserted sleeve.
indieberlin: What are your sources for inspiration generally, and/or for your new collection specifically?
Images of East Germany’s Young Pioneers, Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop or even boy’s clothing from the industrial revolution
GOETZE: I usually start from a set of images ranging from my favourite movie characters to archive images of suiting and other clothes which catch my interest. For instance images of East Germany’s Young Pioneers, Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop or even boy’s clothing from the industrial revolution. I mostly analyse the material according to proportion and detailing.
Most of the images remain on my wall for a long period of time. For this winter collection I worked on classics like the military parka, which is an iconic piece of youth culture and still frequently visible on the streets of Berlin. Another main theme was the wool in denim look in which I realised much of the suiting and classic front pleat trousers. This season I also feature more rich and luxurious pieces in heavy black wool fabrics.
indieberlin: Which would you say is the best piece in your current collection?
The heavy and rich material makes it appear like outerwear, very luxurious and interesting
GOETZE: The cropped top shirt George in our black wool rip. The heavy and rich material makes it appear like outerwear, very luxurious and interesting.
indieberlin: Do you work nationally or internationally? And if internationally, what difficulties do you find exist for doing that?
GOETZE: I work internationally, which works best for my company. I would probably face more difficulties if I would not do that. My biggest markets are outside of Germany even though my strongest fan base is here.
indieberlin: How do you find the experience of working as a fashion designer in Berlin – in terms of it being a centre of creativity, in terms of the emerging artists and fashion designers?
GOETZE: I feel that in Berlin it is still an atmosphere of becoming. After the reunification of East and West Berlin, this city which for so long has been isolated from the western world became a global actor in politics and arts.
The notorious underdressing in military and sports wear and the casual formality of cultural entrepreneurs
I have the feeling I meander between old economy, political history and new capital. This scattered identity and how it reveals itself in how people dress is something which interests me and which resonates in my work too – the notorious underdressing in military and sports wear and the casual formality of cultural entrepreneurs.
indieberlin: What advice would you give for fashion lovers?
It matters where clothes are being produced, it matters what materials they are made of and how long you expect to wear them.
GOETZE: Decide wisely, whether you consume or create. It matters where clothes are being produced, it matters what materials they are made of and how long you expect to wear them. Consumers, support your local designers. Creators, find your particular way, there is no template for how to run your business.
indieberlin: What projects do you have planned for the future?
On this new website we will also give more insight into how we work and how the clothes come to life.
GOETZE: We will launch a brand new website very soon, including a webshop. We want to reach customers and fans who haven’t had the chance to purchase GOETZE before. On this new website we will also give more insight into how we work and how the clothes come to life.
indieberlin: How can people find you – online and in the real world?
GOETZE: You can find me online under goetze.xyz and in the real world most likely on Kreuzberg’s Oranienstraße commuting between my home and my studio.
Interview by Gloria De Grossi | Edited by Noel Maurice
Photos by Roman Goebel
