The show of the collection by Empowerment Studio on the second-to-last day of VIENNA FASHION WEEK.26 shows, through unique and contemporary designs, what social sustainability can look like.
Before the looks of the collection, a compilation of videos from Zambia was shown. Short sequences show places, colours and symbols that can be found again in the collection. The video is important because the influence of Zambia on the collection is clear from the very beginning.
Empowerment Studio develops and produces the fashion in one place, entirely in the spirit of community and trust. The focus of the brand is on the creation of the products and the positive impact that socially sustainable production can have on the world.
The looks show a warm and harmonious colour palette. Neutral tones are complemented by prints, and elegant cuts are combined with unusual details such as fringes made from plastic elements. Each look appears very precisely coordinated, and the individual pieces are presented in a stylish way. A print design can be seen repeatedly on the fabrics. The “Chitenge Print” was inspired by elements from the everyday lives of women in Zambia and carries the colours of the landscape from the place where it is created. Contrasts and different stylistic elements create very strong, feminine looks.
SHAPED BY THE PROCESS, MATERIAL AND PLACE
The centre of Empowerment Studio is located in the Waya Compound in Zambia. Austrian designer Pia Marietta Hintz founded Empowerment Studio in 2020 as part of the NGO Life Trust, where, from the very beginning, a deliberate decision was made not to separate the creation process in design and production. The collection is produced by a women’s collective that is trained and employed by Empowerment Studio.
In addition, Empowerment Studio focuses on a very mindful and sustainable production of the individual products. The material is used and produced sparingly, as far as possible according to a zero-waste approach, and to support the local economy. As Empowerment Studio has a strict non-profit structure, the income from sales flows into the further development of the studio and the women’s collective. Since 2023, there have been an increasing number of flagship stores in Zambia, and the products have been introduced to the international market, allowing the label to take a targeted stand against the systematic exclusion of the Global South.
