Michael Sontag, a Bavarian fashion designer, moved to Berlin in 2009 and founded his fashion label in 2009. His label has grown since Suzy Menkes praised it in the New York Times. Sontag’s earliest fashion memory is his mother’s fashion sense, and he drew a lot when he was younger. He chose to work as a fashion designer to make a difference and appreciate the humanitarian nature of fashion. Sontag’s brand’s aesthetics include drapery work, natural textiles like cotton, wool, and silk, and a focus on inclusivity. He believes in creating products for women, regardless of age or demographic, and aims to create something that is truly personal.
Sontag, a Bavarian native who moved to Berlin fifteen years ago, started his company in 2009. Michael Sontag’s fashion label has continued to grow since Suzy Menkes praised it in the New York Times, and he is now one of Berlin’s most promising fashion innovators.
What earliest fashion memory do you have?
Most likely my mum. Despite not being a fashionista, she showed great taste. When I was little, I remember loved seeing my mother dress. But even before entering kindergarten, I started playing around with clothes at a very young age. The vast group of friends I had while I was growing up in the country used to dress up and play outside. We used things found in the attic to make garments.
Why did you decide to work as a fashion designer?
This is a little clichéd, but I drew a lot when I was younger. My parents supported and encouraged me. It was clear that I enjoyed the arts and wished to pursue a creative profession. But because art is so unconstrained, I was terrified of it. I wanted to make a real difference. The humanitarian nature of fashion is something I admire. I’ve always been fascinated by how clothes, bodies, and actions interact.
What would you say about your fashion label’s aesthetics?
I do a lot of drapery work. I don’t draw. I’m covering the models with cloth. The cuts are often sloppy and different from ordinary cuts. Natural textiles like cotton, wool, and silk are my favorites. For me, the fabric’s feel is really crucial.
Do you have an idealized Michael Sontag woman in mind?
I’ve never met the stereotypical lady, and I’ve always hated the idea that your client’s age and other demographics should be your main concern. I want to make something just for ladies. She doesn’t matter to me if she is 16 or 60 years old. It is a personal choice. I try to be inclusive.
What role do you think a clothes designer plays in society?
I consider my obligations to be serious. On the one hand, you have some control over the surrounding area and how people dress. In the world we live in, it is significant. You may interact with people and exert influence as a designer. You need to be knowledgeable about textiles to know what fabrics to use, where to get them made, etc. You are responsible for a variety of things as a fashion designer.
What do you think women’s bodies and shapes symbolize?
I appreciate how clothes can be worn on the body and how colors, materials, and designs can be used to shape it or not.
As a designer, is it feasible to produce whatever you can imagine?
You must rely on it to survive. People’s willingness to wear certain things is restricted, but you can surely push the limits. I think the only way to achieve it is to walk on the precipice between the impossible and the feasible. I frequently feel as though I am in a dangerous environment. I see my role as a designer in this way.
What aspects of the fashion business do you want to change?
It seems to be going pretty fast. Although there are a lot of other things going on, I could manage without it. Each year, certain manufacturers produce a large number of collections. The number of people who can buy it and wear it is insufficient. I would want to see a small decline in fashion. Everyone in today’s society, in my opinion, thinks they are fashion experts, but they are not. People need to have a thorough understanding of both history and the entire fashion business. For instance, I won’t just make music because I like it. I detest people who spend €10 on an H&M outfit and think they are fashion-savvy.
What goals do you have?
I want to continue to be open and adaptive. In terms of my work, I truly like teaching. Like I did with Trippen, I want to collaborate with other companies. I keep learning about new subjects. I’d want to design furniture, jewelry, or even textiles.
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