Publication „Fashion For Democracy: Design for Better Lives – Positions and Provocations“
A ‘colorful white paper’ on the current fashion democratizers.
This digital publication synthesizes two years of research and community dialogue on how fashion can become more democratic. We propose ‘alternative fashion’ as the fair, sustainable future of clothing, and look for divestment strategies from the dominant, unsustainable fashion system. The publication features perspectives from scholars and practitioners in our Fashion For Democracy community, and debuts the project’s signature framework, “8 Proposed Principles of Fashion For Democracy.”
Fashion For Democracy: Design for Better Lives is an official part of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. It is initiated by Beneficial Design e.V., Hessen Design e.V., and Fehrenbach. Holistic Sustain. Our first Agora, which is featured in the publication, was funded by Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt. Our launch event was hosted at PLATTE.Berlin.
Our Purpose
- To conduct and promote research and development of future-proof and regenerative systems and processes in the field of design, fashion, textiles, and culture in a global context.
- To promote education through seminars, workshops, courses and quality training with children, young people, students and adults.
- To promote art and culture through the conception and implementation of exhibitions, readings, workshops, cultural events and publications. The association aims to contribute to the artistic and cultural development of a new concept of regenerative sustainability in society and in environmental movements.
Project Highlight
Fashion for Democracy: Design for Better Lives
Fashion For Democracy takes this creative, critical approach to positive change in fashion and culture through experimental, multi-disciplinary projects and collaborations. We bring together regional and global perspectives, to find common terms with which we may discuss a democratic future. The aim is to drive positive social, cultural, and environmental impacts by promoting sustainability and equity in fashion, from public access to fashion knowledge to practice, craft, and production. FFD is committed to measurable democratization, to ensure equal voting power and inclusive representation.
FFD involves international artists, designers, academics, and activists to reimagine creation and participation systems. The project team will bring together diverse stakeholders, conduct research, and design an action plan in new regional and multicultural alliances.
In collaboration with Hessen Design e.V. and Fehrenbach. Holistic Sustain.
Part of the World Design Capital® 2026.
Fashion For Democracy: Design for Better Lives – AGORA & Gathering 12.12.2025
The Fashion For Democracy team hosted our first AGORA event on 12 December, 2025 at the historic Designhaus in Darmstadt, funded by Wissenschaftstadt Darmstadt. With project partner Hessen Design e.V., we welcomed two dozen international guests in a hybrid discussion and workshop, addressing core questions on fashion’s potential as an agent of democracy.
Board
CHAIRWOMEN
Prof. Friederike von Wedel Parlow
Friederike Schwalbe
TREASURER
Theda von Wedel-Schunk