Twenty-four-year-old Cindy Hartwich from the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Schneeberg explores the connection between historical form and modern design. Her designs are inspired by the Baroque and Rococo periods, particularly the functional elegance of Polonaise dresses, whose skirts could be gathered to allow for greater freedom of movement. Building on a previous project created in collaboration with W. L. Gore & Associates, she further developed this idea of transformation and adaptability in clothing.
The first look combines a skirt with individual, rollable sections with a minimalist jacket and a collar piece reminiscent of the shape of Baroque necklines. It plays with structure, volume, and mobility, transforming historical aesthetics into a flexible, contemporary silhouette.
In the Makerspace phase, Cindy expanded the concept into a second design centered around a 3D-printed hoop skirt. A pattern inspired by Baroque gardens was printed onto tulle, giving the fabric both transparency and structure. The filament provides the stiffness of a traditional hoop skirt, yet remains visible, transforming what was once hidden beneath layers into a central design element. The look is completed with a leather collar and an organza blouse. The result is a modern ensemble that reflects today’s fascination with transparency and the “naked dress” trend. Cindy’s design process was characterized by a spirit of experimentation—she tested materials, revised patterns, and allowed herself to be guided by unexpected results. In doing so, she learned that design evolves through trial and error, failure, and refinement. The project demonstrates how historical references can be reinterpreted through new techniques, thus creating a connection between the past and the present in a contemporary vision of fashion.
