AD

I mean, when we began our startup, we were fortunate to still be in our studies, which gave us the freedom to explore our ideas without financial risks. It was important to us to grow slowly and organically rather than trying to do everything at once. We said we wanted to do that slower and more consciously. We took things step by step, and recently participated in a showroom in Paris which was partly funded by the Berlin Senate and other initiatives supported by the German Fashion Council. This approach of conscious and deliberate growth is something we believe other startups should consider.

 

MH

Before starting your journey with W1P Studios, what are the things you wish you had known?

 

CW

For me, it's the finances. It is starting as a fashion brand, and getting it off the ground takes a lot of money. It's always better to have some personal funds on hand, which is the merrier because costs are often underestimated. There are hidden expenses that aren't taught in university. Additionally, applying for funds is a complicated process. At the start, one of the most significant challenges was dealing with the amount of paperwork involved in building a brand, as well as the administration and organisation required. Kind of finding the balance between the creative part of designing and the administrative work, so you don't spend all of the time just on the latter.

 

AD

It seems like a lot of research and trial and error is required to create a successful product. Sometimes, even after paying for resources, unexpected issues pop up. Unfortunately, our university only offered a summer program for startups to establish a company. However, it was not tailored to the creative industry or sustainability. It's important to understand that not everything can be accomplished at once. Some things require time and patience. Conducting thorough research is crucial, especially when it comes to sustainability. It can take a significant amount of time, but it's worth it to ensure the product meets the desired level of quality. It's important to plan accordingly and allocate a lot of time for the research phase.

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MH

Collaborations have become increasingly important in the fashion industry. Can you share any strategic partnerships or collaborations that have contributed to W1P Studios' growth and commitment to sustainability?

 

CW

The core team consists of three people and has been that way for the past couple of years. We collaborate with around ten individuals from diverse backgrounds, including interns who change from time to time, freelancers who assist us in production and suppliers' end, and a PR agency. They assist us in marketing and raising awareness on our work, which has been very helpful in accessing other groups we wouldn't ordinarily have contact with.

 

AD

Working with photographers, musicians and influencers who share the same vision is crucial. This is because when you decide to support sustainability, you may encounter challenges, but collaborating with people who share the same values and passion is essential. These collaborations are necessary because they push you forward. It is also essential to get visibility from individuals with a public following because they help small brands like us gain a platform. They also know other people who share the same values, making it easier to reach out to them.

 

MH

The concept of 'slow fashion' is gaining momentum, yet it often requires significant investment in materials and production. How has W1P Studios balanced the demand for affordability with the commitment to sustainability, and what strategies have you employed to communicate this value proposition to consumers?

 

CW

I believe that it is important for us to make sustainable fashion more accessible, especially for those who have limited resources. We collaborate with different platforms like WeDress Collective that allow people to rent our pieces for a small amount of money. Additionally, we make sure to include affordable pieces in each collection alongside more expensive ones that require more craftsmanship. However, sustainable fashion comes with certain challenges, such as higher costs of sourcing materials from Europe, where we currently produce everything, particularly in Germany. We try to get better with each collection, find ways to improve our techniques and find suppliers that offer good prices. With each year, we have more patterns and suppliers ready, so it takes less time and becomes more efficient.

 

AD

One of our design focuses is on patchwork, which we used for our Insomnia blazer. We made it with deadstock fabric and smaller pieces that were challenging to make pattern pieces of, but we managed to create a unique shape with organic little patches that are very typical for our brand. We also stick to hand-knitting and experiment with different patterns. Consistency is essential for us, and we aspire to show our brand in Paris and expand to other European markets. Berlin is super amazing for us as the rent is lower, but other cities like Copenhagen have an established passion for sustainable fashion. It's essential to be part of this passion, and we strive to be included.

 

CW

We should encourage people to start their own projects and startups, because it can be a lot of fun and offer a great deal of freedom. Creating your own vision can be very fulfilling. Starting and sustaining a passion is worth pursuing, as it may be the future. Even though it may not be an easy start, the long-term benefits will be worth it. Therefore, we should always try to pursue

our dreams.