Exploring Sustainability and Creativity with Angelika Kammann of Société Angelique

Angelika Kammann, the creative mind behind Société Angelique, brings a wealth of experience from the world of high-end Ready-to-Wear. Known for her commitment to sustainability and innovative approaches in fashion, she has cultivated a distinctive design philosophy. In this interview, we’ll explore her vision, inspirations, and the unique elements that define her latest collection.

Angelika, you have a rich background in high-end Ready-to-Wear, having started your career at STRENESSE with Gabriele Strehle. How did those early experiences influence your vision and design approach with Société Angelique?

Gabriele Strehle was the best mentor I could have asked for! I was truly inspired by the early fashion shows she created alongside stylist Prana Wolf, which epitomized 'Ready to Wear' for me. Having always been passionate about Pret-a-Porter, working closely with Mrs. Strehle early in my career deepened my appreciation for well-thought-out fashion and avant-garde design. Mrs. Strehle taught me that each garment can always be improved, that satisfaction with the outcome should always drive us to pursue an ‚unattainable‘ perfection.

With Société Angelique, you emphasize sustainability and transparency, even incorporating QR codes to trace each garment's footprint. Can you share your perspective on the current state of sustainability in fashion, and what true sustainability means to you?

At the heart of Société Angelique's mission is a strong dedication to sustainability and ethical fashion consumption. Unlike conventional luxury brands that often favor opulence over responsibility, Société Angelique prioritizes sustainability as its core value. While the fashion industry has shown growing appreciation and dialogue around sustainability, true change is visible only in a handful of brands, often smaller ones. My vision for sustainability in fashion includes not only these emerging names but also the industry leaders, with change initiated at every level. To me, this means addressing all aspects of the industry—from overproduction and delivery practices to materials and production methods—embracing the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic - soon to be mandatory for the industry.

Your brand, Société Angelique, is described as a balance of timeless creativity and comfort. What elements do you prioritize when designing for both artistic expression and customer appreciation?

Art is the driving inspiration behind each collection, guiding my designs and shaping the essence of each piece. At the heart of Société Angelique is a deep reverence for craftsmanship, tailoring, and form. Every garment reflects the skill and artistry of our patternmakers and artisans, who transform the brand's vision into reality. With meticulous attention to detail, precise tailoring, and inventive silhouettes, Société Angelique offers customers timeless aesthetics and a unique sense of comfort.

Your career has taken you from Milan to New York, and now back to Europe. How has this international experience shaped your approach to fashion, and what distinct influences from these cities can we see in Société Angelique?

One of the most influential cities that continues to shape my imagination and creative process is New York. The dynamic interplay between New York’s vibrant, multicultural energy and my German background fuels my inspiration and continually influences my work. America’s unique approach to design, distinct from Europe’s, made my move to New York a pivotal step in my career as a designer. In the United States, design often takes a broader, more sales-driven perspective—another balance of contrasts between America and Europe that has profoundly shaped my creativity. Though Paris always remain my beloved city, where I feel at home, immensely inspired, just walking through the streets.

As you prepare for your second show with NEUDEUTSCH at CIFF Copenhagen and Berlin Fashion Week, what is the key message or inspiration behind your upcoming collection, “LOVER’S LANE”?

My latest collection was a denim capsule inspired by Immanuel Kant's philosophy and his exploration of open questions. During the Enlightenment, reason was seen as the guiding force toward modernity, contrasting sharply with the Middle Ages, a period often associated with dark superstition. These ideas are just as relevant today as they were in the 18th century. In fashion, we need the clarity and transparency of reason to lead us toward modernity and a renewed commitment to sustainability—a concept I intend to keep exploring.

Lover's Lane, a famous club in the late '70s and '80s owned by German footballer Günther Netzer, will inspire my next collection, where Kant meets Netzer. This collection will introduce more knitwear alongside Société Angelique's signature pieces. The name 'Lover's Lane' captivates me, and it will influence both the styling of the photoshoot and the creation of genderless designs.

You’ve worked with prestigious fashion houses like ESCADA and WUNDERKIND, where you collaborated with iconic designers such as Wolfgang Joop. What key lessons from those collaborations do you carry into your own label today?

Working with Wolfgang Joop was both a dream come true and a wake-up call. The experience of establishing Société Angelique would not have been possible without my time with Wolfgang. Discovering that our shared creative vision was genuine, and feeling the constraints I’d faced in previous roles lift, taught me so much about my own creativity. Creativity became my freedom, and for that, I am deeply grateful to Wolfgang Joop! ;)

The expansion of Société Angelique into new showrooms in the DACH region and beyond reflects the brand's growing reach. What is your vision for Société Angelique’s future on the global stage, and what unique qualities do you believe it brings to an international audience?

STYLE. HONEST SUSTAINABILITY. CHANGE.
I envision Société Angelique reaching select stores across the DACH region and internationally, aiming to grow our global audience. Building on the 'cult' status we've achieved in past seasons, my dream for Société Angelique is to expand our customer base of versatile, independent women and men who confidently follow their own path. Our customers are driven by curiosity, exploring diverse aesthetics and values. Sustainability and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship guide their fashion choices. They embrace versatility, surprising others daily with their effortlessly chic, fashion-forward yet timeless style.

If you could design a knitwear piece for any historical figure or fictional character, who would it be and what would you create?

Initially, I thought of loving to design knitwear pieces that Brad Pitt could have worn in Legends of the Fall—a movie I watched at least 11 times as a teenager! ;)

In reality, my aspiration is to create an effortless, comfortable, and versatile knitwear piece for NASA or space exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. A big dream!