The journey of Vanessa Becker
by Cosimo Baldi
It’s never too late to embrace your dreams, to let a latent passion take flight and transform into reality. Vanessa Becker is living proof of this, a shining example of how dedication and commitment can open doors that once seemed destined to stay closed. In a world where we often feel stuck on pre-determined paths, Vanessa teaches us that there is always time to rewrite our story, to follow that inspiration that quietly burns within, waiting for the right moment to burst forth in all its glory.
What is your academic work background?
“I started studying interior design in Germany, but at some point, it wasn’t enough for me anymore. I wanted to do something more creative, so I took the plunge and moved to Italy, where I worked as a nanny for a year. I fell in love with the country and observed firsthand the vast selection of fashion schools available. After much research (and a marriage), I found the Next Fashion School in Bologna, and I knew I had to give it a try.”
How was it for you to find yourself in an academic context different from what you initially chose? Did you face any challenges?
Most of my classmates were nearly ten years younger than me, which was a bit intimidating at first, but over time, it brought me a lot of satisfaction. I even managed to become one of the top students in the class, graduating with honors, which confirmed that I was on the right path.
There is a lot of talk about the “who succeeds first” myth when it comes to young people in university. Stories like yours are crucial from this perspective. Would you like to offer some advice to young people in this field who feel “behind”?
“From my experience, I’ve learned that it’s never too late. Facing these situations at my age allowed me to approach life with more maturity, both in studying and working.”
Your 2022/23 collection earned you the TFP Talents award. What did winning this prize mean to you, and how does it feel to see your work appreciated to this extent?
It’s a satisfaction that’s hard to describe and motivates you to give even more. Thanks to this award, I still receive requests for fashion shows and exhibitions of my collections. It has given me an incredible boost, and seeing my attention to detail appreciated—knowing that I personally created all the fabrics and patterns—has made me doubly proud.
Speaking of prints, what inspired your design choices for these in your collection?
I’ve always been fascinated by prints, especially the idea of mixing and reworking them. Alessandro Michele’s work has been a significant inspiration; I admire him greatly. I designed all the patterns myself and had them printed on recycled fabrics. For the fabric decorations, I cut, sewed, and quilted every detail by hand. For the main theme, I was inspired by the sense of tranquility that nature conveys through aesthetics, while also incorporating an ecological message in the choice of sustainable fabrics.
Which part of the production process do you remember with the most affection?
“Definitely when I started assembling the pieces after creating the patterns. Seeing that the fittings were successful and then finally seeing the finished piece was the most exciting part.”
Do you feel more like a designer or a creative director?
“That’s a tough question. I’d love to create my own brand where I oversee all aspects of the creative process, but I would never want to give up the technical side. I enjoy creating my clothes from start to finish, combining creativity and method.”
With her victory at the 2023 TFP Talents, Vanessa has seen not only her extraordinary creativity recognized but also her determination and courage in following a passion that she decided to explore despite an already established career in a different field. Her transition from interior design to fashion has brought with it a unique fusion of aesthetics and functionality, evident in every piece Vanessa creates.
Despite starting her career in interior design, her passion for fashion is evident. Her skills in interiors, such as meticulous material selection, understanding proportions, and innovative use of colors, are clearly reflected in her collections. This background has allowed her to bring a unique and distinctive approach, combining the structural solidity of interior design with the softness and fluidity required in clothing.
Vanessa’s creations are a tribute to nature and functionality. In every garment, one can see her deep understanding of materials and their potential. Her designs are not just aesthetic; every element is crafted to offer comfort and practicality without compromising style. The images of her collections speak for themselves: padded jackets with geometric patterns reminiscent of nature, jumpsuits combining technical fabrics with embroidery inspired by mountain landscapes, and oversized garments that envelop the body like a warm, protective embrace.
The first look of the collection consists of a white t-shirt with a turquoise corset paired with a skirt of multicolored, multifaceted stripes. Each strip of fabric seems to tell a different story, combining recycled elements with the freshness of new materials, creating a garment that is both innovative and sustainable. The pairing with long beige fabric gloves and white shoes with yellow details showcases Vanessa’s ability to play with contrasts while maintaining the overall harmony of the outfit.
For the second look, Vanessa clearly demonstrates her background in interior design. A padded coat with a floral pattern on a turquoise background, enhanced by a bright yellow faux fur interior, is reminiscent of high-quality upholstery. This piece is not only aesthetically appealing but also incredibly functional, with deep pockets and a front closure that ensures comfort in any weather condition. The oversized sunglasses and boots with yellow details complete a look that is both bold and sophisticated.
Another notable outfit consists of a dress with a geometric print inspired by flowers and edelweiss, paired with a beige wool turtleneck. The use of traditional fabrics combined with modern design is an homage to Vanessa’s roots, who manages to honor tradition without ever sacrificing innovation. The knitted balaclava, an unusual but perfectly fitting element with the look, once again demonstrates her ability to think outside the box.
Vanessa Becker’s success in the TFP Talents competition is not just a personal victory but a strong signal for the entire fashion industry. It proves that talent and passion can lead to extraordinary results, regardless of age or professional background. Vanessa has managed to reinvent herself, bringing her experience and aesthetic sensibility from one field to another, without ever losing sight of the importance of quality and functionality.
With her approach to fashion, which combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, she is destined to become one of the most influential figures in the fashion scene. Her ability to blend tradition and modernity, along with her innate sensitivity for design, will continue to inspire and influence fashion in the years to come.
Vanessa Becker has shown that following your passion, even at an unexpected time in life, can lead to incredible achievements. With an academic career started in a completely different field, Vanessa found the courage to take that decisive step, to transform a dream into a vocation, proving that with determination and passion, any goal is achievable. Her successes and the recognition she has received testify to an extraordinary journey that continues to inspire all those who still have a dream to fulfill.
