Metamorphosis of Workwear

The blue overall is a versatile garment; it can be practical workwear or an extraordinary designer piece. In “Metamorphosis of Workwear,” it becomes an artistic projection surface for industrial culture.

What do Chemnitz, Gabrovo, Łódź, Manchester, Mulhouse, and Tampere have in common? It’s the history of industrial rise – and the structural transformation that continues to shape these cities today. In the Creative-Europe project Metamorphosis of Workwear, these transformations were made visible: through fashion, art, and encounters.

18 artists from these six European 'Manchesters' embarked on a journey through the past, present, and future of their cities – developing artistic reinterpretations of classic workwear: overalls, nylon aprons, and lab coats became statements about identity, change, and social justice.

The artistic director of the project was Dresden-based designer and curator Wiete Sommer. With her interdisciplinary approach, she created spaces for exchange and reflection – on fashion as a social medium, on changing work environments, on gender, sustainability, and belonging.

From January to June 2025, textile artworks were created in six cities, inspired by the industrial heritage and the voices of the local people. In workshops, city visits, and open afternoons with the public, stories condensed into wearable art. The highlight was a performance at the Industrial Museum Chemnitz in September 2025, accompanied by an exhibition that will also be shown in Łódź and Gabrovo in 2026.

Metamorphosis of Workwear is more than just an art project – it’s a European conversation about work, change, and cultural identity. Coordinated by the Industrial Museum Chemnitz as part of the European Capital of Culture 2025 and funded by the EU, the project gives workwear a new voice. And with it, the cities that helped build Europe.

Current insights into the project can be found on Instagram. 

Accompanying publication to the project

Chemnitz, Industrial Heritage and Workwear

Participating artists:

Chemnitz
Marlene Schroeder
Anna Straßer
Wenke Sommer

Gabrovo
Mariela Gemisheva 
Nikolay Bozhilov
Nevena Ekimova

Łódź
Weronika Strojny
Maciej Stańczak
Wiktoria Król

Manchester
Jenny Steele
Jess O'Riley
Kevin Boardman

Mulhouse
Anna Byskov
Dorothee Haller
Elise Ehry

Tampere
Ira Heikkinen
Riika Peltola
Heli Sahanen