We are thrilled to announce our 2024 FASHIONPHILE x FSF Scholar.
Introducing Annika Geissberger, a senior from Marist College and the proud recipient of our second FASHIONPHILE x FSF scholarship. Annika’s journey in the world of fashion began when she got her first sewing machine, and since then, she has harbored a deep love for the industry. Her dream of becoming a fashion designer has always fueled her aspirations.
Annika’s passion for design and product development, coupled with her innate talents, led her to create a noteworthy case study called “Second Life” using Cult Gaia. This project reflects her commitment to sustainability through recycling, sampling, and print to order, aligning with her belief in a more environmentally friendly fashion industry. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive fashion world. Annika hopes to inspire others to adopt ethical and innovative practices that benefit not only the fashion industry but also the world at large.
Who is Annika Geissberger?
Annika Geissberger is a senior fashion student attending Marist College. For as long as she can remember, she always had a passion for fashion design. For Annika, she is fascinated by the artistry and the innovation that the fashion industry fosters. With a bright future ahead, she is enthusiastic about contributing to the industry’s continuous growth and improvement. To take her there, she submitted a fascinating case study that exemplifies just how important it is to her that fashion design embraces more ethical production and sustainable practices.
Her Case Study: The Second Life Collection for Cult Gaia
Annika’s case study combines her love for sustainable fashion with a commitment to protecting our planet. According to Annika, sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. As part of her case study, in her Second Life Collection for Cult Gaia, she introduces a solution to fashion waste and overproduction.
Choosing Cult Gaia, a brand known for blending fashion and art, Annika explores the potential of single-use products often discarded as trash. Take the simple water bottle, for instance. Usually used and tossed aside without much thought, Annika sees it differently. She envisions repurposing it through a combination of technology and creative recycling. The outcome? A stunning collection of 3D handbags made from filaments derived from recycled plastic water bottles.
This not only showcases the future potential of such single-use products but also brings attention to the problems of waste in the fashion industry, particularly from sampling and overproduction. Annika argues that purchasing a handbag from the Second Life Collection means participating in a higher form of creative recycling. It’s not just a bag; it’s a conscious choice towards a more sustainable and accountable fashion industry.
Her Future Goals
Throughout her fashion career, having worked closely with Olympia, J.Crew’s creative director and head of design, Annika’s aspiration is to become one too for a fashion lifestyle brand someday. As someone who loves being a part of the process from start to finish, Annika has a strong desire to work towards a more sustainable fashion world in whatever she does, whether that be through design, marketing, or research. Her ultimate goal is to drive positive change – and her case study proves how important it is to her to embrace sustainable practices that are both ethical and innovative.
We are thrilled to announce Annika Geissberger, a senior from Marist College majoring in Fashion Design, as the recipient of the 2024 FASHIONPHILE x FSF Scholarship. Annika’s goal is to drive positive change and inspire others to embrace more ethical and innovative practices in the fashion industry, making her the ideal candidate for the FASHIONPHILE x FSF Scholarship.
