Designers need to discover who they are

- Communication is a big part of my workshops. Even something as simple as finding a title for your work can become a very complex task. Therefore talking about and discussing your work as well as giving and receiving feedback is essential to grow as a designer. The process is just as important as the final result.

These are the words of Fashion Designer Michael Kampe. He is the Head of Creative Management Denim at Hugo Boss in Metzingen and teaches at several international schools, including Design School Kolding. Recently, he was in charge of an intense course about “creative deconstruction” with a handful of fashion students. In four days the students had to create a new look based on an existing jacket and present their results to the class.

- The students came up with great ideas and I was very impressed by their drive; also for sustainability and concepts, in which I see a true strength for Kolding, says Michael Kampe. To Michael Kampe it is essential that design students dare to challenge the norm and experiment with their talent.

- It is most important that they feel free to break down boundaries as long as they can. During their studies they can fail with no or just little financial impact and can just try out things that ideally at one point can define their personal style, Michael Kampe says, and ends:

- The biggest part of the work they have to realize themselves.