ABOUT OPAAK
AN INTERVIEW WITH
AGATHE D. MUFFERT
– FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
WHAT DOES THE NAME OPAAK STAND FOR?
The name is inspired by the German word ´opak’, a word
that means the opposite of transparent. To the outside
it may give a sensation but nothing else, so it keeps a
secret which I feel is precious and powerful. The word is
a gentle reminder to be confident from the inner, to be
aware about one’s intuition and beauty.
WHO IS THE OPAAK WOMAN?
The Opaak woman likes her luxury understated. I design
for her who looks for comfort, but never at the sacrifice
of style.
The main inspiration for all collections comes from
female personalities I meet and who catch my attention.
I am inspired by sophistication and a strong sense
of self. When I design I imagine how these women
would combine Opaak by integrating it into their own
individual style. The Opaak woman plays with what she
knows. She can not be described in a stereotype and
there is no need to put one’s finger on a specific age.
WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN SIGNATURE?
For the design I allow myself a creative freedom with a
good dash of audacity. Our bodywear breaks with classic
lingerie parameters and we often refer to Ready-to-Wear
inspired silhouettes. Opaak is reduced in colour and
embellishment, with focus on structures and smart
textiles. I want to highlight a technical brand aesthetic
with intelligent sensuality, always in consciousness of
the female form. The architectural designs are ranging
from Avant Guard to daily lingerie, carefully dissected to
enhance comfort and movement.
WHAT MAKES OPAAK A CONSCIOUS BRAND?
We are committed to operate and grow a social and
sustainable business. With our product offering we
introduce durable and smart design in slow season
manner with a steady focus on daily functionality.
In our work we give women an empowering stage,
centering their many facets as inspiration in our
visuals. Surrounded by abundance we want to create
thoughtfully and with transformation in mind. We
believe high quality clothing will still have an important
place in a sustainable world. With Opaak we want to be a
catalyst for this mindful kind of transformation.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?
Opaak is paying special care to operate ethically and
with sustainable supply chains. All materials are
sourced from certified European partners mainly from
Italy, Germany and France. Ranging from regenerative
and recycled materials to GOTS-certified organic cotton,
Opaak continually researches innovations within a
toxic-free, eco-friendly material industry to strike a
balance for a sustainable and vegan product offering
with uncompromised design and quality.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE PRODUCTION?
We work with a luxury manufacturer in the North of
Romania known on the market as a local specialist
and supplier of highly-qualified services in the field of
lingerie, corsetry, swimsuits and light garments. The
company was founded in 1996, operating on 5000 sqm
and having 150 employees. It is present on the BSCI
platform (Business Social Compliance Initiative) that
analyses social issues related to product, work quality
and safety. Up to today it has been one of the top 3
companies in this field. The factory is following EU
legislation regarding ethical, social and environmental
standards.
Our small creative team is working from the Cologne
based studio in a very close collaboration with this
manufacturer and their in-house experienced pattern
department. This is including visits in the factory, fitting
appointments, prototyping and regular quality control.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LINGERIE?
A good fit and perfect suitability, experiencing how
a product truly hugs your body and chooses you as a
wearer, is a very enjoyable feeling. I am convinced that
the choice of our lingerie affects our well-being. It is also
about entering an inspiring universe around a brand by
choosing its name for your personal wardrobe.
I enjoy the recent underwear as outerwear movement.
It is about combining bodywear with your outfit and
literally expressing your personality from top till toe and
throughout all layers. I like how lingerie can navigate the
direction of an outfit statement. Receiving a compliment
on underwear is incomparable, it is intimate, attracting
and mysterious. We love to transport all those feelings
with Opaak.
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