Experience matters. Everyone always tells new design graduates that it's best to work for someone else while you find your feet. But at what point do you know that you are ready to strike out on your own?

While on the surface this conversation with emerging German fashion designer Essie Kramer seems to be about the joys of sourcing old ecclesiastical textiles and turning them into provocative new ensembles, or how digital printing is democratising object-making, I think it's really about confidence and finding your flow. When you know, you know! Essie is one to watch.

I'm always excited to meet next gen fashion talent. Featuring young designers has been a pillar of Wardrobe Crisis from the start.

I've been lucky enough to be a judge on many new gen competitions over the years, including Redress in Hong Kong, the Circular Design Challenge in India and Australia's National Designer Award. I got to write a bit for Sara Maino's Vogue Italia Talents project, and covered the BFC's New Gen for years.

Every series, we've run at least one (sometimes more) Episodes focused on new designers around the world.

Got recommendations? Hit us up!

And please share these podcasts.

Then re-listen to these treasures from our archives:

Ep 61 Vogue Talents, featuring HUEMN and Sindiso Khumalo

Ep 65 with Ruchika from Bodice Studio

Ep 70 featuring Bethany Williams, Matthew Needham and Patrick McDowell

Ep 110 with upcyclers Helen Kirkum and Duran Lantink

Ep 139 with Icelandic knitter Ýr Jóhannsdóttir

Ep 146 with Joao Maraschin

Ep 204 Michaela Stark

Happy listening!

Clare x

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