New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Project category

Identify the award category for which this project is being submitted
Reconnecting with nature

Email user
mayamay.sk@gmail.com

Basic information
Project title
NATURAL MODE

Full Project Title
Natural Mode - zero waste fashion collection

Please provide a short, catchy description of your project to be used in communication towards the public.
Project Natural Mode offers a sophisticated and unique design that respects all criteria to maintain sustainable fashion and brings a positive social message. The collection embodies nature thanks to carefully chosen natural or deadstock materials. The garment cut is solved with zero-waste, fulfilling a theme of limitation as an opportunity for new content and form. The silhouettes and cuts are unique, feminine, versatile, and functional. Aesthetically such a Bauhaus uniform of the new era.

What was the geographical scope of your project?
Cross-border/international

Where was your project implemented?
Location 1
Austria

Location 2
Czechia

Member State(s), Western Balkans and other countries
{Empty}

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
{Empty}

Does your project address mainly urban or rural issues?
It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your project refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Has your project benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your project won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Is your project fully completed
Yes

Please indicate a date (mm/yy)
2022-11-30

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As an individual
Please provide the contact details for the project promoter (the individual or representative of the organisation authorised to represent the project).
- First name: Maria
  Last name: Štranekova
  Gender: Female
  Nationality: Slovakia
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Hviezdoslavovo nam 20
  Town: Bratislava
  Postal code: 81102
  Country: Slovakia
  Direct Tel: +421 907 683 174
  E-mail: mayamay.sk@gmail.com
  Website: http://www.mayamay.sk
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
- URL: http://www.instagram.com/maria.stranekova_mayamay/
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): stranekova, mayamay
In case my project is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my project in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
New European Bauhaus or European Commission websites

Description of the project
Please provide a summary of your project.
The Natural Mode project is conceptually founded by respected Slovak designer, artist and lecturer Maria Stranekova. The project's theme arises from the designer's previous activities and principles of creating a timeless, sustainable design, which she has been systematically pursuing since 2006 when she won an international prize with a collection called Protection, focused on the recycling theme. Her works exhibit typical minimalism, attention to interesting details and fascination with communication via clothing. The theme of limitation of sources, time and love also touches on her long-term goal of zero waste design, patient and thorough prototyping resulted in an almost universal pattern that uses every bit of the fabric and can be transformed into different garments. Serious research and a well-constructed zero-waste pattern create a beautiful dress with a relaxed, fatally clean and feminine silhouette with discreetly formulated details that are aesthetically and functionally complete. The collection embodies nature through natural materials and a colour palette that evokes a silent autumn country with the addition of the bold primary colours of Bauhaus. Maria Stranekova offers a very sophisticated and unique design that respects zero waste and sustainable criteria. The silhouettes and cuts are unique, feminine, versatile, and functional. Aesthetically such a Bauhaus uniform of the new contemporary era. The core of the collection was designed in Vienna as part of the Artist in residence programme and made in little local Slovak manufactories. Maria also carefully chose the accessories for the collection - a Czech brand from Zlin, KAVE footwear, based on Tomas Bata's ideas from Zlin, to benefit the sustainability of the project. The Natural Mode project won Slovak National Prize for Design in 2021 Award in the Fashion and Lifestyle category.

Please indicate the main themes of your project with 5 key words.
slow fashion

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
naturalness

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
zero waste

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
sustainability

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
life care

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of sustainability and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
Maria Stranekova has been a pioneer designer and university lecturer in the area of sustainable fashion in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. That led to a set of various objectives. One of the main objectives was to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing zero-waste design. The author succeeded in doing precisely that - constructing various patterns which use every piece of the fabric while making a garment. The patterns are innovative in the production process while minimising seams and tailoring but also offer natural flexibility and versatility thanks to its bias cut. Thus it is possible to produce the garments locally in small production workshops using traditional craftsman techniques combined with modern technology. The second objective was to approach the design very carefully and locally. That is why the author used only cautiously chosen natural, certified and dead stock materials. Apart from vintage wool, the author also used materials from small local manufacturers, materials with nostalgic value or recycled ones. In addition, emphasis was placed on an interest in Slovak cultural heritage while choosing the fabrics. Finally, as part of the artistic approach, the goal was to create an ambience of nature and wholeness. Thanks to its timeless and high-quality design, the collection is not affected by any global fashion trends and is ideal as part of women's capsule wardrobe.
In conclusion, Maria Stranekova's extensive research in sustainable fashion has led to the creation of a unique zero-waste design that minimises waste but also incorporates traditional techniques with modern technology. The use of carefully chosen, locally sourced materials and a focus on Slovak cultural heritage adds a personal touch to the collection, while the timeless and high-quality design makes it a versatile addition to any woman's wardrobe. The collection showcases the possibilities of creating sustainable fashion while maintaining aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
In terms of aesthetics, the main objective was to create a visually pleasing and functional collection. Therefore, the dresses are not just sustainable but also innovative, still very feminine, mainly highlighting natural female beauty and creating a beautiful and practical uniform to fulfil all the needs of women thanks to a line of creative business wear. It follows the author's patented practice of creating unique and innovative silhouettes, called CBD - Creative Business Dress which is the core of the Natural Mode II collection. Furthermore, the collection brings a community together thanks to its distinguishable details - bold shoulders, pointed ends of the sleeves and raw edging, which has aesthetic but also practical meaning. Despite the aesthetic goals, the feminine silhouette offers other practical features, such as hidden pockets. Bias cut also allows freedom of movement. The collection's colour palette is purposely chosen to connect the garments and their wearer back to nature but is supplemented with the ideas of Bauhaus and its usage of bold colours like red, blue and yellow. In every garment, the author also implements her message - Life Care Instruction tag; instead of offering advice on how to take care of your clothes, she focuses on how to take care of your life, which for her is the essential task of all.
In closing, the Natural Mode collection balances aesthetics and practicality, offering a range of visually pleasing and functional dresses that embody the author's patented "Creative Business Dress" design approach. With a focus on natural beauty and unique silhouettes, the collection also features bold colour accents inspired by the Bauhaus movement. Ultimately, the collection is not just about the clothes but about promoting a holistic approach to life and well-being, with the author's "Life Care Instruction" message as a reminder of this vital message.

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
The author believes in her motto that she can change her surroundings for a better place via her artwork and dresses. Throughout her career, she has been primarily interested in people and humanity, so she makes dresses for all types of people, figures and especially ordinary women, not celebrities. The unique designs are also made financially accessible for everyday life. Maria Stranekova's work has always been keen on cooperating with non-profit and charity organisations. She mainly works with disadvantaged and disabled people in sheltered workshops and small manufactories.
In Natural Mode, there were several groups involved in the production process. Firstly, Stranekova collaborated with beginning local craftsmen and fashion design students. In addition, two international students underwent student practice in her studio - one from Iran and one from the USA, after not being accepted elsewhere because of the language barrier. The author also included a retired woman from a small Slovak village to partake in the production process. The Natural Mode also helps Ukrainian women who were part of the team even before the war in Ukraine began. The project employed Elmira Latypova as a stylist and Maryna Syrovatka from Unboxed photo as a photographer.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the project and civil society have been involved in the project and what has been the impact of this involvement on the project
Research and dissemination: Natural Mode II has been highly inspired by Bauhaus - the colours and ideas have been transformed into collections. Stranekova also educated her students, customers and the public about New European Bauhaus values.
Professional practice: Stranekova would like to theoretically and subsequently practically continue cooperating with university students within the professional practice framework.
Art and Design value: Customers/the public could afford unique and accessible fashion outfits that are practical and bear the social message - Life Care Instruction.
Building the community: The wearer or follower could easily recognise the designer's style and feel part of the slow fashion community.
Slow Fashion: Customers could have beautiful aesthetic clothes made from local natural materials regarding the slow fashion movement.
Connection to nature, traditional values, and locality: Natural Mode project brings a piece of nature to the city.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the project. Please highlight what the added value of their engagement was.
ÚĽUV: The national authority in the field of crafts is the Centre for Folk Art Production in Slovakia, which was established to preserve continuity in the transfer of knowledge and skills and to maintain artistic merit and regional practicalities of folk art production. Stranekova started at ULUV with her projects about wool processing and cultural heritage.
Museums Quartier Vienna: Artist-in-Residence 2020 - Since 2002, international artists have been able to live and work at Q21 as Artists-in-Residence. By now, the objective of this program is to expand the role of the MuseumsQuartier Wien as one of the world's most prominent contemporary cultural complexes over the medium and long term, above all through the active and continuous involvement of international creative artists and to promote international cultural exchange. Opportunity to exhibit Natural Mode at Fashion Show at MQ Fashion Week.
The Slovak Design Center: This institution is a professional, information-documentation and methodical workplace with nationwide scope in the field of design. Main National Design Award in Fashion and Lifestyle category awarded the Natural Mode project.
Creative workshops in Púchov: Regional workshops developed specifically for the collaboration with local craftsmen and artisans, which developed their cooperation and accumulated new knowledge in the field of zero waste production, processing and sewing.
Faculty of Multimedia Communications, TBU Zlin, where Stranekova lectures, is an open and flexible higher education institution developed in accordance with five central values: entrepreneurship, openness, usefulness, creativity and responsibility. Students she works with bring these core values into their designs and project and disseminate and develop the core values of the New European Bauhaus.
MOD'SPE Paris Central Europe: Prestige fashion business school. Selected students will participate via internship and add freshness and perspectives to the project.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your project. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was.
Art
Slovak Cultural Heritage
Design
Production
Fashion Marketing
Philosophy
Craftsmanship
Sociology - Life Care Instruction
Education - dissemination of the sustainable themes
Green and Circular Economy - using dead stock materials
Psychology - the theory of colours and belongings

Please give information on the results, outcomes and impacts achieved by your project in relation to the category you apply for. This includes also benefits from the project for direct and indirect beneficiaries
During the project, Stranekova had a chance to spread ideas and the concept of sustainability. It has intrigued representatives in the field, secondary school and university students, the public and various organisations. She presented the project at the conference by Slovak Fashion Council and was part of the exhibition The Sustainable Fashion at United Nations Vienna International Centre. In 2021 the Department for International Trade in Bratislava and Slovakia Fashion Revolution held a British-Slovak discussion on sustainable fashion. Current trends and challenges in sustainable fashion in the UK and Slovakia, the UN climate change conference 2021 (COP26), the UN global campaign "Race to Zero" and the "Clean Growth Campaign", an ambitious plan for Britain's low-carbon future was not be missing from the discussion.

Please provide documents showing the results, outcomes and impacts of your project
Both
PDF
- pdf-1-9208.pdf
- pdf-1-9208_0.pdf
Web link
- https://youtu.be/ZGDIjPs6D5k
- https://scd.sk/dielo-ncd/natural-mode-2/
Please highlight the innovative character of the project, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the project
1. The collection is the opposite of fast fashion, bringing a slow positive attitude to the wearer and trying to reconnect them back with nature.
2. The development of innovative garment patterns resulted in the creation of a zero-waste pattern that uses every inch of the fabric.
3. The collection is modern and aligned with the Bauhaus philosophy, but the dress acknowledges Slovak heritage and crafts and is not subject to trends.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your project.
The project's concept is founded on the principles of sustainable and timeless design, with a focus on zero-waste design. Stranekova conducted thorough research and carefully crafted a universal pattern that maximizes fabric usage and can be transformed into different garments. The importance is placed on minimalism and interesting details, as well as communication through clothing. Stranekova took a more philosophical approach to clothing, not only connecting its wearer back to nature but by a hidden message in every garment with instructions to better life care.

Please describe which elements of your project could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and context. This may involve for example aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings etc.
Each element of the Natural Mode project could be replicated or slightly transformed to other places, e.g. small designer brands and other localities. The most transferable aspect is the idea of making genuinely sustainable designs, not greenwashing, that is modern with fast fashion brands. The goal is to provide my methodology to a bigger brand with a more significant consumer reach and to start dealing with environmental issues. The main product that can be replicated is the zero-waste pattern. Lastly, one of the most precious things is that the processes can be taught at the universities Stranekova is operating at (Tomas Bata University, MOD'SPE Paris Central Europe).

Please explain what kind of global challenges the project addresses by providing local solutions
There are many possibilities in the region of Slovakia, but the potential often remains untapped, whether it is the skill of people or the sourcing of materials. We have long-standing traditions, but unfortunately, we are bombarded by cheap and unethically produced goods from Asia. The Natural Mode project aims to try to defeat fast fashion and the globalization of fashion. That is why the collection was created locally concerning nature and local traditions and people. The main goal is to handle the problem in the Czechoslovakian region and apply it to the whole of Europe.
Please attach at least 6 high resolution images (or other types of visual representations, if images are not possible) to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below
- natural mode moodboard .pdf
- NATURAL MODE NEB.pdf
By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed project has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the project and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary.
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their projects, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted project, is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes