Moritz Iden discusses Rosalia, the beauty of cyber fashion and his healing.
Worn by Rosalia and inspired by the cyber identity and the 3D interpretation of human emotions, Moritz Iden is a Berlin-based designer, questioning the tangible in the intangible cyberspace, where digitally mapped feelings aid his own healing. In conversation with Perfect, Iden shares the emotional significance of queerness in his work and how Berlin’s exploratory nature has inspired his graduate collection.
Perfect: What themes influence your work most?
Moritz Iden: I am very much inspired by all things intangible and nonphysical: the spiritual, the digital and the emotional, as well as the connections between them. Themes of digitalised fear, desires of being reborn and distorted ways of experiencing the world are huge influences. I like my clothes to feel daunting and overwhelming, replicating the sensation of an emotion that crashes down on you. Without question, queerness will also always be a huge influence in my work. It is so intrinsic to who I am, that there really is no way around it affecting all parts of my life and my work.
Perfect: What is your earliest memory of fashion?
Moritz Iden: My earliest memory of actual fashion, and not just tiny doll’s clothes, must have been when I caught my first glimpse of Project Runway. I must have been about 10, and I was watching TV at my grandma’s house and she had channels we didn't have access to at home. I vividly remember a very badly, German-dubbed season 4 of Project Runway. I was immediately obsessed and couldn’t take my eyes off it. That was when I started drawing clothes upon clothes.
Perfect: From inspiration to construction, what does your creative process look like?
Moritz Iden: I will usually start with a feeling or an emotion. I like to use the infinite possibilities that digital visuals have to my advantage to encrypt and feel through the art. Working on these designs can be very healing due to their personal nature. It is hard to pinpoint the exact process because it is still very different for every garment. In the end, it is just a lot of trial and error until something is ready to be photographed for Instagram or to be produced. Sometimes this journey can take months.
Perfect: How would you describe your brand’s visual identity? What would you consider most identifiable of it?
Moritz Iden: I am still very early on in my career and experimenting a lot. The digital nature of print, textile design and 3D art has always fascinated me in many ways. The endless possibilities they provide somehow brings me joy. Also, I think it is so interesting how we can be drawn to these virtual imitations of ourselves and how we can read their emotion. That way these avatars become a communication medium for me and my work. I hope my work is seen as more than just "cool". I would like it to have an actual artistic and emotional value.
Perfect: What do you enjoy most about being a creative in Berlin?
Moritz Iden: Hands down - it's the queerness and the diversity that the people of this city have to offer. I am incredibly inspired every time I go out and there is so much room for creative exploration and collaboration. The queerness is also not just limited to the nightlife in Berlin. It surpasses safe spaces and it's apparent everywhere. On top of that, Berlin is cheap as hell compared to other major cities! Perfect for creatives!
Perfect: What have been some highlights of your career so far? What do you hope to achieve next?
Moritz Iden: As I said I am still very young, so I am incredibly grateful to have been able to open an online shop and let other people be a part of what I do. Having an audience that loves and supports my art feels like my greatest achievement and seeing people love and bring life into my clothes is honestly what is most fulfilling. It is also incredibly addictive and I am definitely hooked! Right now, I am working on my graduate collection. This is probably the most exciting thing that the future will bring. I cannot wait to share it with everyone and for people to get their hands on it!
