netzwerk mode textil - network fashion textile

Promoting and supporting the study of the history and theory of textiles, dress and fashion.

Intelligent Connections was the motto of the first event of netzwerk mode textil in March 2009 and it still guides our activities. Our aim is to develop a network for those interested and engaged in the cultural history and theory of textiles, dress and fashion.

Foundation
The desire for a multi-disciplinary society had existed for many years. In 2008 three academics turned it into practice: Jutta Bender, Elizabeth Hackspiel and Gundula Wolter founded the nextzwerk mode textil. A new approach for the German speaking area, this lively forum offers room for all subjects related to the history and theory of fashion and textiles.

Members
Academics from many disciplines have joined us: the history and theory of art and fashion, cultural theory and anthropology, ethnology, sociology and many more. Curators and textile conservators, costume, textile and fashion designers, as well as artists, textile researchers, fashion journalists and many lecturers and students are members of our network.

Activities
We further the study of the history and theory of textiles, dress and fashion and are keen to link up the projects we are involved in. Our clearly structured and constantly updated website provides a wealth of highly useful information: news about recent publications, current exhibitions and conferences, as well as a large number of links to related sites. Members gain exclusive access to lists of relevant museums, collections, places of learning, films and grant-making bodies, as well as bibliographies covering the cultural history of dress and fashion. We are developing a member-only online forum for information exchange. Once a month our members receive a newsletter outlining current developments relating to netzwerk and updates from the worlds of fashion and textile research. As part of our online series intelligente-verbindungen.de a first issue with conference papers was published and further volumes with transcripts and essays will follow.
netzwerk mode textil supports the personal exchange between members. Once a month, Berlin members hold an informal meeting to support active networking and the discussion of current projects. Members based in the Rhineland, Hamburg and Zürich also meet regularly and collaborate on projects. Our AGM takes place in different locations and is accompanied by an ambitious and varied programme. We are also planning a print publication.

Status
netzwerk mode textil e.V. was registered as an association in Berlin Charlottenburg on 14 July 2008 (VR 27832). Since 1 January 2010 we have been a registered charity. We welcome donations, which can be tax deducted.