Exhibition Opening: “Fast Fashion and How Can We Do Better?”

Responsible fashion—and plenty of inspiration
Are you interested in sustainable topics like how fashion and costume design can be made fairer and more environmentally friendly? Would you like to know how we share expertise and foster creative engagement in our educational project? Then we cordially invite you to the opening of our exhibition.
What to expect:

  • Insights into the world of fast fashion: Learn about the impact the textile industry has on the environment and society—and why every purchase is a choice.
  • Creative solutions and activities: Discover upcycling ideas that turn old things into something new and engage with the facts in a playful way.
  • Inspiration for everyday life: Learn about sustainable alternatives that are not only good  for the environment but also provide ideas for your own  educational work.
  • Unique exhibits: The clothing installation vividly demonstrates how valuable creations emerge from seemingly worthless materials.

Why this topic matters: The textile industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. But there are alternatives—and you can be part of this change. This exhibition shows how fashion can be not only consumed but also actively shaped.
We look forward to exchanging ideas and having conversations while crafting together!
When: Opening: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 4–8 p.m. | Open: June 4 – July 1, 2026 | Tuesdays + Wednesdays from 4–5 p.m. (possibly a little longer), Thursdays from 6–7 p.m. 
Where: Showroom at the Weinmeisterhaus – Jugendkulturzentrum Mitte, Weinmeisterstr. 15, 10178 Berlin (see map)
A collaboration between Kostümkollektiv e.V. and the Weinmeisterhaus Youth Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Mitte District Office of Berlin, Environmental Department.

Workshop: RETIE – Creative bottle holders made from ties

With Barbara Beit, Fashion Designer
In this workshop, old ties are transformed into practical bottle holders or small bags. The basic ideas of upcycling are conveyed and simple sewing and knotting techniques are used to create individual, unique pieces that are suitable for everyday use. The workshop is designed as an open drop-in format; registration is not necessary. Materials and tools will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own ties to use. Participation is free, though donations are welcome. The workshop takes place as part of the KO-Markt at the Haus der Statistik.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2–5 p.m.
Where: Textile Workshop/KoWerk in OTTO

Workshop: Ironing is underestimated – basic knowledge and tricks

With Agnes Waedt, seamstress and master of home economics
Temperature, humidity, and the right techniques – it’s not rocket science! Clothes often only reveal their character after ironing, and this is the only way to get them into shape. Master of home economics Agnes Waedt shows what is important and teaches the basics and the most important tricks. She will answer individual questions; please bring an example garment with you to receive specific advice. The workshop will be held in German.
When: Friday, May 8, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Headquarters and Stock of Costumes at Kunstquartier Bethanien
Solidarity-based cost sharing according to self-assessment per person: €15 / €20 / €30
Registration by May 6 via email and advance payment: fetzenundflicken@kostuemkollektiv.de

Fast Fashion and How Can We Do Better? – April Special: Free Screen Printing and Shirt Art Workshop for Young People

With Alba Martinez, screen printing expert, and Alexandra Paschmann, fashion designer
Over two consecutive evening sessions, we’ll work together to create custom screen-printed shirts using existing clothing!
Session 1, Monday, April 13:
We’ll select fabrics, cut out the front and back pieces, and come up with our own design (image, text, or message). Then we’ll bring this to life through screen printing. You’ll also plan which garment you’d like to pair with your shirt—so please bring an old piece of clothing (yours, from friends/family, or secondhand) to the next session.
Session 2, Wednesday, April 15:
The printed pieces will be sewn together (by machine or by hand) and then attached to the garment you brought. You can try out different techniques—sewing, pinning, or combining—and let your creativity run wild.
The workshop is free and takes place as part of our project “Fast Fashion and How Can We Do Better?”, funded by the Environmental Education Fund of the Mitte district.
Age: 14–27 years
When: Monday, April 13 + Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 4–7 p.m. each day
Where: Screen printing workshop/Textile Workshop at Weinmeisterhaus – Mitte Youth Cultural Center, Weinmeisterstr. 15, 10178 Berlin (see map).
Registration: by April 8 via email with the subject line “Shirt Art and Screen Printing Workshop”: weinmeisterhaus@wetek.de

Easter Break Workshop at our Textile Workshop – Techniques and Basics for Beginners and Slightly Advanced Sewers of All Ages (3-Day Workshop)

With Hanna Eickhoff, Tailor and Textile Enthusiast
On the first day, Tuesday, April 7, we’ll try out basic hand stitches and how to use them.
On the second day, Wednesday, April 8, we will try out simple straight seams using a sewing machine. We will also make cords from T-shirt yarn for bag straps, belts, or decoration, preparing for the third day.
On the third day, Thursday, April 9, we will combine hand and machine stitching to sew a bag or a pillow.
If you have them, please bring an old pair of pants, a shirt, or bedding that can be cut up to use as base material. The material should be sturdy enough, preferably cotton and woven. If you don’t have anything at home, you can also purchase base material from us. Yarn, trims, ribbons, buttons, zippers, as well as glitter and sequins are plentiful on site and will be made available to you for a small donation. The workshop is wheelchair accessible—please let us know in advance if you have mobility limitations.
Age: 8 and up when accompanied by an adult; 15 and up unaccompanied; no upper age limit.
When: Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 1–3:30 p.m. each day
Where: Textilwerkstatt/KoWerk at OTTO
Fee: €45 per person; €80 for 2 people; €105 for 3 people. Get together and bring your friends!
Registration: by April 3 via email and prepayment with the subject line “Easter 2026 Vacation Workshop”: textilwerkstatt@kostuemkollektiv.de
Note: The workshop is located in a shipping container. Please dress warmly!