Are you ready to get lost in the world of HĒDONĒ? The Viennese designer and artist, Dorothea Tomsits, has fulfilled her long-cherished dream of creating fashion that fuses the energy of club culture with the glamour of haute couture through her unique label.
Bridging the gap between seemingly opposite worlds, HĒDONĒ is a brand that reflects the edgy urban vibes of Berlin’s subculture landscape with a fierce authenticity. But Dorothea’s vision goes beyond aesthetics, as she places a strong emphasis on functionality and sustainability. Every piece in the 300-plus collection is handmade, ensuring a one-of-a-kind quality.
And get this: over 90% of the fabrics and materials used are vintage, promoting a conscious use of resources. Not to mention, Dorothea’s signature approach also breathes new life into discarded garments and inspires us to question our own consumer habits. Let’s talk about the clothes themselves! Muted tones meet bold colours and striking accessories to create a stunning collection of skirts, tops, and more. Classic tartan patterns get a modern twist with clever wrapping and clip fastening techniques, showcasing the perfect balance between vintage charm and contemporary cool.
But the pièce de résistance has to be the silk scarves, printed with mesmerizing photo motifs from the former children’s hospital Buch. These stunning accessories are created exclusively by Dorothea’s partner, adding an extra layer of artistry and personal touch to the already all-inclusive brand.
Join the HĒDONĒ movement today, where fashion meets sustainability and innovation meets authenticity!
KALTBLUT: Tell me how you first became interested in fashion; and why you decided to become a fashion designer.
Growing up in an Opera House in Vienna, where both of my parents were constantly on stage singing and rehearsing, I found myself surrounded by costumes.
They were an integral part of my life and a source of endless inspiration. From a young age, my dream was to have a sewing machine of my own to alter my clothes, making them in a way that they were more interesting, or more fitting to my own aesthetics.
In the end, my plan was never to become a fashion designer, but I wanted to master professional sewing. From there I discovered the fashion world and since then I work in both worlds basically.
I love costume design and styling just as much as being a fashion designer.
KALTBLUT: Tell me a little bit about your journey that led to you releasing your new collection.
After gaining valuable experience in the industry, working on different projects and collaborating with different designers, I found myself ready for a new direction in 2021. I had grown weary of pouring my energy into the vision of others. So, when I inherited a bunch of vintage fabrics from my grandma’s best friend, who used to be a seamstress, I couldn´t resist, and I knew then that there was no other option but to try. This marked the beginning of my brand vision, and ultimately, my first collection.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your style and fashion?
I would say my style as well as my fashion are a fusion of glam and techno wear.
I love to combine these two seemingly opposite elements to create a unique style that is consistent in the nightlife and during my usual day.
KALTBLUT: Are there any fashion icons who inspire your design?
For sure! I love Alessandro Michele, when I first read an interview with him, I felt so connected to him and his sense of aesthetics. I really love what he did for GUCCI and was sad to hear, that left them. I also really admire Heliot Emil. The fusion of interesting /futuristic designs and classic elements is just great!
Another designer that I just admire and always follow is Jean Paul Gaultier. Especially his collections from the 90s are great!
KALTBLUT: What would you say makes your design stand out against other brands?
I think that my designs are special because they are not just about aesthetics, but also about comfort. Also, they are designed to be worn in a club, so they have little perks that make them perfect for a hot and sweaty night out. For example, most of the designs are adjustable, which means you can perfectly fit them to your body and if needed after a long night, make them a bit tighter in the end.
Also, I make every piece myself, which means that when you order a piece, I will make it, especially for you. So, I can easily customize any product and this way I don´t overproduce either. My fabrics are also very limited, since as I mentioned before, they are mostly dead stock fabrics and I also intend to keep using deadstock fabrics in my future collections as well.
KALTBLUT: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?
I find this question especially hard to answer because it’s hard to say where I find inspiration. It’s more accurate to say that inspiration finds me. And it can strike at any moment. I just love observing people on the streets, paying attention to see what they wear and how they wear it. That can inspire me. Of course, I also love to check costume design books, books about fashion in the past and collections of fellow designers. It is ever-evolving.
KALTBLUT: What advice would you give to people who want to experiment more with the clothes they wear?
Anything is possible, just try and error!
And before you buy something new, because you are bored with your closet, maybe just cropping a top can make a big difference in how you perceive that item!
KALTBLUT: What are your favourite pieces from your collection?
Uh, that is a tough one. I don´t like to decide really. I guess that is also why my collection became quite big.
They are all my babies, and I love them equally.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe the local fashion scene/industry in your hometown/country?
I would say that there is almost no industry, to be honest, there are only a few independent designers, but no big brands or productions.
The scene is a mix of Parisienne style and Berlin style, with a few years of delay.
KALTBLUT: What does being an independent designer mean to you?
It means that I can decide how I want to work. Being an independent designer affords me the autonomy to define my own work ethos. I’ve experienced exploitation, and I am determined not to do that to other people. Instead, I have the freedom to realize my designs and visions without needing approval from a superior. It is liberating.
It also means, that I want to communicate with the world, what is wrong with the fashion industry and why slow fashion should be appreciated and advocated. It’s my way of encouraging appreciation and support for sustainable practices in the world of fashion.
KALTBLUT: If your brand was ice cream, what flavours would it be?
Definitely pistachio. Not everyone tastes it but never goes out of style.
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened to?
Ross from Friends – the Daisy
KALTBLUT: Finally, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
There will be a new release soon!
It´s not really my second collection but actually the second chapter of my first collection.
Also, there will be some upcoming collaborations with different photographers.
So, there is definitely some exciting stuff coming up soon!