WHAT'S THE STORY
I n s pi r i n g P eo p l e
WORK FACILITATES INTEGRATION A shortage of skilled workers has created a massive void in what remains of European textile production. The idea that domestic staff might return to the sewing and knitting machines, or even production lines in general, is so unrealistic that even the most brazen right-wingers shy away from propagating it. It is an undeniable fact that foreigners did not take these jobs away from locals. Domestic workers have no interest in taking them. And this was the case long before the so-called Gen Z appeared on the scene. Even the very first wave of migrant workers was based on demand. The fact that this generation of skilled workers is now fast approaching retirement age presents European textile companies with yet another major challenge. Given that the term “welcoming culture” has been twisted into an insult, businesses are struggling particularly hard to find and retain all-important specialists. Even though statistical data proves that employment is the best form of integration, political agendas do not seem to include the support of companies or the permanent integration of foreign skilled workers. Hats off to those businesses who make an effort anyway.
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style in progress
RITA IN PALMA
“IT HAS TO WORK” Ann-Kathrin Carstensen, with her jewellery label Rita in Palma and her foundation Von Meisterhand e.V., embodies a very special brand of integration endeavour. In deepest Neukölln, she and her team transform finest knotting techniques into couture. Text: Martina Müllner-Seybold. Photos: Rita in Palma
Rita in Palma is not merely another label launched by a young designer. You even received a special award for integration efforts from the German chancellor as part of the Startsocial campaign. How did this come about? After completing my fashion design studies in 2011, it didn’t take me long to figure out that I would like to use Rita in Palma to make craftsmanship, which is an integral part of Turkish culture, visible and valued. I was forced to convince many people of my idea and got deeply involved in Turkish culture before I was able to assemble my first team. I contributed too by taking a Turkish language course, for example. I learned a lot during that time. I had to integrate myself first. Launching a fashion start-up and a charitable association sounds like a lot of work… It was a lot of work, and it still is today. I was a one-woman show for many years before a private donor backed me by financing a part-time employee. I probably didn’t sell as many
