When Fabric Tells Stories
In the new product line “Getzner Bogolan”, exquisite damask meets traditional West African craftsmanship. How does an idea become a finished textile? A visit to the design department of Getzner Textil – in celebration of World Design Day on April 27.
The inspiration comes from Mali, where traditional Bogolan patterns are a part of everyday life. “The challenge was to translate the original artisanal technique into the language of damask,” explains Tobias König, Head of the Business Unit Africa. Together with the Malian advertising agency Forotoni, he initiated the project. The patterns are based on symbols traditionally printed onto cotton strips using colors made from clay and leaves – now, they have found their place on exquisite damask.
Patterns, Forms, and Symbolism
“Many of the motifs may appear abstract at first glance – but they follow a clear symbolic language and carry meaning within them,” explains Birgitta Kleinheinz, Head of the Design Department. “The snail shell, for instance, represents the place where wealth is kept. You’ll also find fish bones or animal hoofprints, reduced to simple arrows or triangles.”
To preserve the cultural context, the first drafts were sent to Mali for review. The feedback: harmonious, respectful, expressive – and surprisingly well-suited for international clients.
Design Connects Cultures
In December, the first fabrics were woven, finished, and sent to Mali. There, they were transformed into unique outfits – styled with local models and captured in professional photo shoots. “At first, we followed the traditional color palette, but now we interpret it more freely. The pattern is alive – and we grow along with it,” says Birgitta Kleinheinz. With ‘Getzner Bogolan’, traditional craftsmanship is brought into a new creative context, merging local knowledge with textile expertise.
