ODEEH / NEUBAU – INTRODUCING OUR NEW JOINT COLLECTION
Collaboration in fashion and design is a fragile but compelling art that makes it possible to explore new ways of thinking by bringing together projects with like-minded visionaries and creatives. The way we see the world can be captivated and moved in new directions to create something more beautiful and powerful than we were initially able to imagine. We at NEUBAU EYEWEAR love to inspire and be inspired by ateliers that bring back the fine art of hand craftsmanship - which lead us to team up with German fashion label ODEEH - to launch our first joint collection manifesting in an ode to appreciation of materials, fashion and functionality
ODEEH and NEUBAU are consented with a collective understanding of high-quality materials, exhibiting in the minimalist yet striking designs of the creations, which incorporate the latest technology and functional features. The color concept of the five models also conveys a contemporary approach to sophisticated design with shades that not only make a statement but are also understated at the same time. This was the aim of the design process, both at the atelier of designer duo Otto Drögsler and Jörg Ehrlich and at the local NEUBAU EYEWEAR production facility in Austria.
We talked to the designer duo about the collection, sustainability and craftsmanship.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NEUBAU AS YOUR PARTNER?
Very simple: because we like the staff and the human energy behind NEUBAU products. All meetings, from the first contact to the design sessions we had, as well as our days in Linz and in Berlin with the core team - everything was easy and about a straight talk, uncomplicated and very much dedicated to the idea of creating a great product together.
WHAT WAS MOST SURPRISING TO YOU VISITING THE NEUBAU PRODUCTION IN LINZ?
We totally realized the complexity of building great eyewear items. It is incredible how many steps are needed in order to get to the final eyewear pieces. The specialists in Linz are fascinating. We found them to be great personalities and everybody is full of passion and knowledge. They all carry a simple aim: how can we do it even better?
ODEEH / NEUBAU IS YOUR FIRST EYEWEAR COLLECTION?
Diving into this special experience is unique. And we were curious enough to say: we want to at least dip into this field and create our spectrum of shades together with NEUBAU specialists and designers.
WHAT WAS IMPORTANT TO YOU IN THE COLOR CONCEPT?
Selecting colors for eyewear is a totally different field in comparison to clothing colors. You need to find and define colors that fit the faces and are versatile enough in terms of different skin types and face proportions in general.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE COLOR SCHEME OF YOUR SS 21 AND THE MATCHING EYEWEAR COLLECTION?
ODEEH is always about a certain coincidence. Never too matching, always a bit unexpected. This is our mantra, so to say. And as well in terms of the eyewear colors - we wanted colors to fit and feel good, rather than nuances that feel flashy or just new.
HOW DOES ODEEH INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY AND SLOW FASHION INTO ITS BRAND ETHOS?
We try to act responsible in every field we are working on, creating and producing.Short distances and as much local activity as possible are important to us, organic and sustainable aspects are key. We try to get better season by season knowing at the same time that fashion never will be 100% sustainable. But we are significantly stepping into the future collections with all this in mind.
HOW DOES THE ELEMENT OF CRAFTSMANSHIP COMBINE WITH YOUR PRODUCTION IN GIEBELSTADT?
Giebelstadt (near Würzburg) is our think tank, atelier and heart of ODEEH. The ex-supermarket building we are in allows us to grow, reflect about ideas for tomorrow and work closely with our teams on new ideas and products. We live nearby and have all the machines steady you need to sew. Because of the fact that we have this in-house developing department we are able to realize new aspects in a very flexible and awake surrounding.
WHAT ARE ODEEH’S VALUES AND GOALS IN TERMS OF SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY?
We are trying to get better every season! This may sound very simple, but that’s our core idea to this aspect. We are trying to make significant steps and learn from them day to day.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CREATIVE BLOCKADES?
We are lucky being a team of two. Each one of us knows and feels if the partner is having a weaker moment and is able to deliver a certain support if needed. ODEEH is always about teamwork, about struggling, communicating, telling each other new ideas and thoughts and discussing them. Not to forget: our small ODEEH family behind and with us. Being a small team allows us to stay in contact with each one of our colleagues. There is a lot of positive energy in everybody.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR CREATIVE LOW POINTS TO REGAIN ENERGY? (KEYWORD CORONA-BLUES)
Our tip would be: don’t let yourself be dominated by negativity. This may sound flat and simple but in the end this is key. Surround yourself with people you like! Everything else is not helpful. A toxic energy in companies is the beginning of a problem.
WHICH PEOPLE HAVE INFLUENCED YOU MOST IN YOUR WORK?
We are very much influenced by former founders and companies we were able to learn from: Wolfgang and Margaretha Ley from ESCADA; Karl Lagerfeld (the ex professor from OTTO, at Hochschule für angewandte Kunst in Wien), our experiences at RENÉ LEZARD and CHLOÉ, RENA LANGE etc. It’s always those great and fearless personalities you can learn from. Braveness, positivity and a calculated dimension of creativity - mixes of these aspects always were and always will be influential for us.
Find out more about ODEEH on their website: www.odeeh.com
