SKIN STORY 2021! A bachelor thesis by Constanze Schiessl

KALTBLUT presents SKIN STORY 2021! A bachelor thesis by Constanze Schiessl. Video by Chris Tacasz. Models are Franziska and Grzegorz. Music by Ivy Lab. Constanze Schiessl, a young designer and artist from southern Germany, hides under the alias CS Design. Her work carries a distinctly feminine, romantic and definitely also dark, thoughtful side. Elaborate surface finishes, high-quality materials and attention to detail are her trademarks. She focuses on fashion and costume design, which are created mainly from her sources of inspiration in music, film and literature.

“At a time when one had to deal with oneself more intensively than ever before, more or less forced, it was difficult for me to focus my attention on anything other than myself.

When I started studying fashion design four years ago, I had great illusions about what my final project should look like. The models, the shoot, the clothes and the overall package – everything had to be as glamorous, elaborate and space-consuming as possible. Superficial themes were in the conversation for me to form the concept of a collection.

Now, four years later, in the midst of a pandemic, these themes had long been thrown overboard. None of it interested me any more. I realised there was something else that was really important: me.

I realised, not only in myself but far around me, how many people had lost touch with themselves over the years and how they really saw the Lockdown and Corona as a chance to become aware of themselves again.

So I began extensive research into personality formation and development, diving deep into personality psychology. I developed a collection to show my own development from birth to the present day. I dealt with general topics such as origin, genetics, gender roles, dreams for the future and also topics that unfortunately are not heard enough today: mental and physical illnesses.

Right now it is more important than ever before to listen to yourself and to confide in people when you realise that you need help. It is time to make space for mental health in society and stop hiding it as a shameful topic.

A big “thank you” goes to my extraordinary and talented team who gave more than one hundred per cent despite these hard times and gave this collection a face and expression.”