Does clothing influence our attitudes and actions? Can clothing promote democratic action? Together with interested individuals, costume director Markus Maas, Prof. Ilona Kötter (Fashion), and Dr. Klaus Harnack (Psychology) are conducting a participatory design and experiential format that explores and illustrates how clothing influences actions and attitudes.
Starting with an introductory impulse on the idea of a democratic garment, participants will go through shared experiential and experimental phases to explore the impact of clothing. In the subsequent synthesis phase, the insights gained will be consolidated, and the cornerstones for developing a democratic garment will be formalized in a contract. The results will be incorporated into initial designs and concepts for the “Frankfurt Jacket.”
The goal is to develop practical approaches that break down barriers to participation, promote empathy and a change of perspective, make positions visible, and support constructive interaction. This ongoing process aims not only to make democracy more tangible but also to create a “Frankfurt Jacket” through collective, free design. A perfect project at the intersection of design, psychology, and political stance.
The workshop will be held in German. Free entry.
More information at: WDC 2026
