Why should I be the one to create garments, to create a clothing brand, or to bring forth any creation into this world? Does the world require my unique offerings, or am I driven by whispers of pride?
The world is an ever-evolving tapestry of pure nature intertwined with chaos, and amidst this entropy, there are those who seek to weave order. While some souls find solace within the constructs of order, I have always been drawn to venture into the untamed wilderness of nature. There is profound pleasure in observing things as they are—the raw manifestations of the natural world that struggle and thrive harmoniously beyond the walls of human-made order.
In nature lies a boundless freedom, both beautiful and unforgiving. Life is fleeting, a mere breath in the vast expanse of time, and I believe it would be an injustice to oneself not to explore all that life offers. Perhaps the very constructs of order we build are themselves manifestations of natural human behavior—a reflection of our innate desire to find meaning within the chaos.
From the moment we are born, we are embraced by structures of order crafted by our parents, schools, and eventually our employers. Some individuals operate efficiently and find happiness within these frameworks, and indeed, such constructs have yielded remarkable achievements. Without order, we might lack the conveniences of clean water, roads, or even the semblance of safety. For these blessings, I am grateful.
Yet, I feel an intrinsic pull to keep my inner child close as I journey through life. At 28 years old, each passing year brings reflections that seem to distance me slightly from that youthful essence. Perhaps it is because I have grown accustomed to the constructs of order in which I live and thrive.
For those who have built a business from nothing but their own hands, they may understand when I say that business resembles nature—entities locked in relentless competition for survival, seeking comfort in abundance to stave off the fear of demise. One of my deepest apprehensions is that people might awaken one day and decide they no longer wish to embrace what my business offers, turning instead to explore the allure of competitors. Nothing prevents this from happening.
Perhaps this is among the reasons I have created Hans & Völk. Maybe we can craft creations that inspire unwavering loyalty, leading people to turn away from synthetic alternatives. That would indeed be a worthy pursuit.
As I have become more intentional and conscious about the items I welcome into my wardrobe, I find myself searching longer before making a purchase. This also means I am willing to invest more in a singular item. Perhaps this is simply a byproduct of physical maturation—my growth has slowed, my measurements remain relatively constant, and thus my needs have become more defined.
Yet, this intentionality has introduced a significant struggle. Why is it so challenging to find items that align with my desires? My criteria are not extravagant: I seek superior quality, natural materials, and a comfortable fit. Naturally, I also wish to feel confident and look good in what I wear.
I have discovered a singular brand that meets these standards to my satisfaction, but I grapple with justifying the prices they command for their garments. Should such attire be reserved solely for the upper echelons of wealth? I do not believe this should be so. In fact, I suspect they set their prices, in part, to cultivate a certain image in the eyes of consumers. After all, if one resides among the financially elite, would one wish to be seen in garments accessible to the average person?
To me, this is a superficial construct devoid of true value—a shallow pursuit. Yet, there lies a conundrum. If this brand is the only one I have found that produces such superior, natural garments, do they not possess the right to set their prices as they see fit? Like in nature, this brand exercises its right to thrive as a dominant force—a champion unchallenged in a battlefield devoid of equals.
However, I have always relished a worthy challenge.
I believe that clothing brands need not be so superficial. If I were to create an equal contender to this shining champion but eschew their superficial practices, would I not gather the support of many? I believe so, and that would indeed be a positive outcome.
Reflecting upon my motivations in creating the world's first modern 100% pure linen hoodie, I recognize that there is a time and place for both premium and affordable garments. Hans & Völk embodies this duality. I intend to craft the premium garments I wish to see in the world (Hans), while also offering more accessible variations (Völk), all the while using only natural materials grown from the earth. A brand such as this would serve both people and the natural world—a harmonious balance.
To my knowledge, a brand like Hans & Völk does not currently exist, though I believe it should. Just as in the evolution of nature, I feel that the emergence of such a brand is a natural progression. Perhaps it is a blessing from a higher power that I both recognize this opportunity and feel compelled to nurture it.
But why clothing? Could not Hans & Völk extend its philosophy to other industries? Surely it could, and perhaps it will in time. Yet, there is no greater opportunity than the present moment within the realm of clothing.
I have the chance to create something unprecedented—something I myself desire to own and share with others. Why not produce it in quantities that allow others to partake? And if the mechanism that brings it into being is more beneficial to people and the planet than existing alternatives, would it not be virtuous to sustain that mechanism, encouraging others to reduce their negative impact?
I believe that a clothing brand like Hans & Völk should exist if it is deemed good in the eyes of the world—and I believe it is. I will leave it to the natural order to determine whether the brand thrives, which is a prospect that fills me with excitement. All I can do now is to nurture Hans & Völk, so that we may continue to create things that are good and true.