London-based fashion designer Miriam Johanna shines a spotlight on one of the world's most precious resources: water. This creative gesture takes the form of a collection of unique hats.
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOURSELF?
My name is Miriam Johanna. I have a diverse background: I am of German descent on my father's side and of African descent from Togo on my mother's side. I was born in Bavaria, Germany, and spent my twenties in Berlin, where I earned a degree in fashion design. In 2022, I moved to London to pursue my Master's degree (MA) in Fashion Artefact at the London College of Fashion, specializing in Headwear Design.
Why did you choose to explore the world of design? What is your first memory related to this discipline?
Throughout my teenage years, I was always captivated by fashion. My mother is a trained seamstress, and my aunt worked for Dior, which undoubtedly influenced my interests. I can't pinpoint a single memory that sparked my passion for design, but it has always been a part of my life.
ALSO, DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR OR DESIGNER WHOSE WORK MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A DESIGNER?
There are many designers I admire, but I would like to mention John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Martin Margiela, and Vivienne Westwood. Their unique approaches to fashion and storytelling inspire me immensely. On a more personal note, my tutors during my master's studies, Georgina Goodman and Naomi Filmer, played a pivotal role in shaping my design language. Their talent and guidance were invaluable!
WHAT IS THE COMMON THREAD IN YOUR CAREER PATH AND YOUR WORK?
Having just graduated, I'm at the very beginning of my career and there's still so much to discover. My goal is to continue exploring fashionable headwear while staying true to my design language.
HOW DID YOU COME TO DESIGN THIS VERY UNIQUE HAT COLLECTION?
I developed the "Daughters of Rain" collection during my studies at the London College of Fashion. This project responds, through the language of fashion, to our current environmental water crisis and draws attention to the importance of rainwater as a sustainable freshwater resource that we can harness. For this project, I imagined a future where freshwater is so scarce that rain becomes a precious symbol of its scarcity. In this world, rain is so precious that every time it falls, we rush outside, eager to capture every drop by any means possible, even through what we wear. The aim of my work is to provoke thought, raise awareness, and spark conversations about our relationship with water and the environment.
“DAUGHTERS OF RAIN” IS ALSO A STORY…
Daughters of Rain is a visionary company born out of the escalating water crisis predicted for 2085. This company is committed to environmental stewardship and advocates for a sustainable relationship between humanity and water, focusing on rainwater harvesting. The aesthetic of Daughters of Rain is inspired by lay sisters and their dedication, heroism, and solidarity during times of crisis. These sisters exemplify the mission of a global order, uniting women across the centuries in a shared creative purpose. Like conversi sisters, the Daughters of Rain serve their communities by collecting, managing, and distributing rainwater. I crafted my pieces from waxed cotton sourced from Barbour. My work is primarily a speculative and conceptual fashion project, creating imaginative yet thought-provoking accessories. It is important to clarify that I do not offer a solution. My work aims more to raise awareness of this problem, by encouraging reflection and dialogue.
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PHOTOGRAPHER: CASSIA AGYEMAN @CASSIAAGY
MODEL: STELLA YAN Q @STELLA_YAN_Q
