Barbara Munsel

Graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, Barbara Munsel developed a characteristic sensitive atmosphere.

Next to designing, research is one of the most important aspects for her narrative collections. Her departure point often tackles questions around identity, history, memory, and loss.

After graduating she stepped away from fashion and broadened her interest in interior textiles for almost 3 years. During this period she also designed and produced costumes for modern dance companies.

As a result she developed small contemporary women collections from vintage and abandoned clothing, while earning income by teaching textile workshops and establishing a clientèle for evening and bridal wear.

Since 2009 she launched her own fashion label Barbara Munsel. With the use of natural materials and fabrics she regularly dyes and hand prints those with botanical inks. A technique she is exploring in her approach to sustainable design.

She also incorporates antique and reclaimed fabrics in her collections as well as high-end prêt-á-porter dead stock. Therefore leaving less foot print in stead of ordering and having new fabrics manufactured.

Every piece is locally made by a group of loyal pattern cutters and tailors using the zero-waste method.

After winning the Ethical Fashion Award 2011 while presenting her collection at the Prêt-á-Porter, new collection series can be viewed in Paris since 2011.

In addition to the wearable line every half year, a small artisanal collection based on single pieces which embodies craftsmanship from an avant-garde point of view is presented yearly.

Barbara Munsel would like to offer her customer carefully crafted and storytelling clothes to wear. Just like art fashion can offer an escape through investing and experiencing a new way of dressing that encourage a personality.

The pictures below represents one of my latest projects which is a textile piece made of vintage material symbolizing the past and present in a layered context as well in texture as in meaning.

This one piece of fabric can be worn in many different ways.