BRAND
032c is a renowned bi-annual culture magazine and apparel brand, recognized for its captivating coverage of art, fashion, and politics. Since its establishment in 2000 in Berlin, the publication has achieved cult-like status. It has garnered acclaim for its comprehensive retrospectives on influential designers and artists like Pablo Picasso, Azzedine Alaia, Rei Kawakubo, Raf Simmons, and Nicolas Ghesquiere. Noteworthy editorials have featured prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian & Ye, Angela Merkel, Bella Hadid, and Frank Ocean. The magazine combines thought-provoking journalism with stunning photo shoots captured by A-list photographers. It has also expanded its presence in the fashion industry, offering a range of highly sought-after streetwear merchandise since 2016, including T-shirts, motocross jerseys, and socks, which have been met with tremendous demand. Over time, 032c has evolved into a fully-fledged fashion label, collaborating with notable brands such as adidas, Stüssy, Alyx, Gosha, Dave's NY, Swarovski, and Justin O'Shea's SSS World Corp.The mission of every 032c production is to inform, provoke, and activate the imagination.
HISTORY
Joerg Koch founded the magazine in 2000 in Berlin, a city that was still emerging from its post-wall era at the time. 032c has gained prominence as a catalyst for discovering new talent, an evocative declaration of resistance, and a valuable guide for navigating the challenges of late capitalism. While the magazine had already made a significant cultural impact, its founders made the strategic decision to broaden its reach by introducing an apparel line in 2015. With Maria Koch serving as the head designer, the 032c office operates akin to a dynamic research studio, fostering a constant exchange of ideas between the fashion line and the magazine. "We don't solely define ourselves as a fashion brand," explains Maria, highlighting the diverse avenues available for idea generation and execution. The key lies in maintaining a professional approach and ensuring the quality meets the necessary standards. Maria adds, "If I had pursued training as a car designer, that could have been our direction instead."
DESIGNER
Joerg Koch, the founder and editor-in-chief of 032c, has played a significant role in the success of the German clothing brand. However, much credit is owed to Maria, Joerg's wife and the other half of 032c. Maria, with her background as a womenswear designer for Jil Sander and consultant for Yeezy, along with the expertise of the magazine's fashion director, Mark Goehring, has propelled the brand's achievements. Originally from Göttingen, Maria began her journey as a "small-town girl" and later relocated to Berlin to pursue fashion studies at the University of Arts, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In 2016, Maria assumed the role of creative director at 032c and introduced the Ready To Wear women's fashion label. The inaugural collection, named 'The Cosmic Workshop,' made its debut in London during the autumn of 2018. Maria's designs are not only driven by aesthetics and functionality but are also deeply rooted in sustainable and ethical principles.
