What constitutes great design, and from what essence is it crafted?
Ask this of different souls in varied moments, and you'll be met with a tapestry of answers. For me, these questions are profoundly stirring, deserving of a thoughtful and complete response. In unraveling them for Hans & Völk, we set the trajectory for the brand's future—a matter of immense importance should it thrive and grow.
Traditionally, design is loosely defined as the blueprint, sketches, or arrangement culminating in a finished creation. Modern interpretations, however, cast a wider net, embracing the very concept or proposition of a thing or system. This contemporary view resonates more deeply with our purpose. Design seems to bifurcate into two paths: one concerning the meticulous crafting of a specific entity, and the other embodying a method of approach—a philosophy.
Yet, this latter path remains somewhat nebulous, an answer that eludes full satisfaction, for methods morph with each new endeavor. For a brand like Hans & Völk, our design philosophy must serve as a steadfast compass, guiding us regardless of what we undertake. It must be all-encompassing, or at least pertinent to most facets, including our decisions.
We must ponder the far-reaching consequences of defining our design philosophy. If we deem great design as that which is affordable to most, we must delineate who "most" encompasses and to what extent. If we declare great design to be inspiring, we must ask: whom does it inspire, and in what manner? Such reflections may delve deeper than necessity demands, yet they are the undercurrents of my contemplation.
Believing that no singular design philosophy holds absolute supremacy, I feel that Hans & Völk's ethos should be authentically unique—a mirror of my own aspirations for a clothing brand. After all, this was the very impetus for Hans & Völk's inception.
Perhaps, then, great design is clarity and distinction, unshackled by external judgments. Maybe it is adherence to one's own design principles. Or perhaps great design simply fulfills its raison d'être with utmost excellence. Through life's journey, I have found that balance begets true contentment; thus, great design must be an equilibrium of these facets.
With these reflections, I present the design philosophy crafted for Hans & Völk:
- Great design is pure, honest, and inherently practical.
- Great design is thoughtful, intentional, and original.
- Great design is mindful and considerate of its keeper.
- Great design surpasses its substitutes, standing superior.
- Great design adapts to its purpose, refining itself over time.
- Great design proudly embodies the intentions of its creator.
Having established these tenets, we must articulate the creator's intentions. While I am the originator, I am acutely aware that a day may come when I am no longer the steward, yet the brand endures. Thus, these shall be the enduring intentions of Hans & Völk:
- To inspire life, peace, comfort, and conversation.
- To reconnect people with the Earth's natural and renewable materials.
- To operate sustainably and efficiently in all our responsibilities.
- To encourage mindful deliberation behind every purchase.
These intentions and our definition of great design are intertwined, applicable across all endeavors. This philosophy shall be the bedrock upon which every decision at Hans & Völk is founded.
I harbor a concern that future custodians—or even I myself—might appoint individuals whose choices stray from these foundational intentions. To guard against this, I commit to documenting my reflections in this digital journal and sharing candid narratives of my intentions openly on social media. While our shared content will be polished, it will remain earnest and transparent in every dimension.
Beyond this, I will institute internal policies that steadfastly uphold my intentions and design philosophy, fortifying the brand's longevity and integrity in decision-making. Recognizing that Hans & Völk thrives as a collective, I have prepared comprehensive materials to share with every team member, ensuring our philosophy remains a living, guiding force. All documentation will be preserved both physically and digitally, accessible to all within and allied to Hans & Völk. This deliberate openness invites everyone involved to be faithful stewards of the brand. Moreover, it is our policy to encourage questioning any alterations to our design principles and philosophies.
Though such measures may appear stringent, they stem from a fervent desire to see Hans & Völk breathe and flourish in alignment with its original spirit.
Should the time arrive when these intentions can no longer be upheld, or if those at the helm veer away from our declared values, then the brand, in its essence, should cease—for it would no longer reflect its founding vision. In such a circumstance, I would urge patrons to seek their needs elsewhere. This stance epitomizes my unwavering commitment to these foundational principles. This very declaration embodies the design principles of Hans & Völk in their entirety.
If ever my own actions diverge from these ideals—whether through deception faced or a lapse in my own remembrance of purpose—I implore our customers to bring such deviations to my attention and that of the brand, affording us the chance to realign.
And I earnestly hope for such opportunities to amend any missteps, for perfection eludes every person, every brand, and every philosophy. It is in the striving and steadfast adherence to our convictions that we find true artistry and meaning.