moclue
Behind every creative vision lies a personal story – a journey shaped by experiences, insights, and decisions. In this interview, I want to take the opportunity to introduce not only my work, but also the person behind the website.
The starting point was a lack of genuine exchange and appreciation within the fashion industry. Out of this need, I initiated the Designer Stammtisch – a platform that offers creatives space for connection, inspiration, and shared growth.
This interview is meant to give you a personal insight into my story, the motivation behind my projects, and my vision for the future. I’m excited to take you along and make the person behind the platform more visible!
Who are you and where do you come from?
My name is Sarah Felipa Martins, and I bring with me a diverse cultural background: I'm half Portuguese, German, and a little bit Swedish. In 2009, I graduated in fashion design from the JAK Academy in Hamburg. After that, I spent several years abroad – living in Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Bavaria ;-) – before returning to Hamburg in 2017.
Professionally, I’ve specialized in ski and outdoor apparel, and more recently in knitwear design, as I’ve always found these areas to be particularly innovative and exciting.
I love anything related to craftsmanship – whether it's knitting, weaving, pottery, or sewing. I travel to Brittany at least once a year, and my bookshelf is full of fashion tomes.
Why did you start the “moclue” platform, and what do you want to achieve with it?
Moclue was born out of a personal need: As a designer, I’ve long wished for a platform where you can find all kinds of useful information and contacts – whether it's new suppliers and manufacturers, job opportunities, training options, or industry events.
It was important to me that the exchange didn’t happen only in the digital space, but that real-life encounters were also possible – opportunities to meet people from the industry face-to-face and build meaningful connections.
The goal of moclue is to offer designers a space where all these needs come together – both online and offline.
You started the moclue networking event. How did it come about, and why?
The idea for the Stammtisch also came from a personal need. After returning from Bavaria, I felt poorly connected within the fashion scene in Hamburg. I thought a regular meet-up would be a great way to change that.
Since I couldn’t find an existing fashion networking event for fashion designers in Hamburg, I decided to create one myself. I consciously chose to invite only women because I believe that women often network less effectively than men. With the networking event, I want to strengthen solidarity among women in the industry.
You’ve worked in several different countries. What did you take away from your time in Sweden (House of Dagmar), Switzerland (Snowlife), and Austria (Sportalm and Marithé & François Girbaud)?
It has always been important to me to get to know other countries and cultures. I took something valuable – both positive and challenging – from every stage, and I wouldn’t want to miss any of them.
In Switzerland, for example, I learned that accuracy and thoroughness are valued much more highly than speed – something that was unfamiliar to me at first, since I had always taken pride in working quickly.
In Sweden, the atmosphere was very relaxed and cheerful, and the creative process felt much more open and experimental than in most German companies.
In Austria, I gained valuable expertise in ski apparel, as we had in-house pattern cutting, a sample sewing department, and a production setup that included laser cutting, bonding, and more.
Winter sports apparel is a highly specialized field. What were the biggest challenges in this area?
As someone who loves skiing and snowboarding, I’ve always been fascinated by winter sportswear. But my real passion was sparked in Kitzbühel while working at Sportalm.
There, I learned a tremendous amount about processing techniques, fabric development, and advanced pattern construction – and I discovered a new, deeper love for my profession.
Skiwear is, above all, about function – not just design – and it was amazing to see how different materials and construction methods could create functional solutions tailored to specific sports and body zones.
What was it like working at the knitting mill Senbert in Bavaria? What did you learn there about knitting that still influences you today?
My time at the knitting mill Senbert was formative and unforgettable. I learned an incredible amount about knitting there – from programming to processing a wide range of products such as garments, shoes, and bags.
Senbert offers a vast spectrum of technical expertise. Years ago, they developed the first knitted sneaker for Adidas – a true innovation.
Knitting is incredibly versatile and used in many industries: from automotive to fashion, sports, medicine, and even metalworking. This diversity significantly deepened my passion for knitting, and that enthusiasm remains strong to this day.
What can we expect from you in the future?
The moclue fashion networking event will continue to take place every two months as usual. New interviews in the “The Story of...” series will also be published regularly.
Beyond that, I have a few ideas I’d like to develop further...
What motivates you right now?
My vision for the platform – to create a world that empowers fashion professionals to unlock their full potential and become more successful – is a huge motivation for me.
What I find especially enriching and inspiring are the interviews I get to conduct with impressive women. I hope these insights will inspire other women to boldly explore new paths as well.
How do you view today’s fashion industry, especially for women?
Unfortunately, women in the fashion industry are still paid less and are less likely to take the leap into self-employment compared to men. I find that deeply regrettable, and I want my platform to contribute to supporting women – whether employed or self-employed – more effectively.
From my own network, I’ve heard many stories of women who face major professional setbacks and challenges after having children – “just because they had a child.”
I also believe that women tend to be much more critical of themselves – and of other women – than men are. I wish that would change.
How has the fashion industry changed?
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and it has changed significantly since I finished my studies in 2009. In my view, it has become less creative and is now heavily driven by numbers and time pressure.
Truly new designs are rare these days, as much of the industry operates behind the scenes with a focus on speed, profit, and market share. Clothing is increasingly seen as disposable, and platforms like Temu and Shein only amplify this trend – despite the fact that we are more informed than ever.
I find this development troubling, because making a single garment requires valuable raw materials, a great deal of manual work, and a lot of technical expertise. I hope that clothing will once again be treated with more appreciation in the future.
What advice would you give to young fashion designers just starting out in the industry?
Only pursue this path if you’re truly passionate about it!
Being a fashion designer is a diverse and rewarding profession – you’re involved in the entire process from the initial idea to the final product. Of course, like in any industry, there are external factors that can be frustrating. But the job itself is wonderful.
It does require persistence, a strong network, flexibility in terms of location, and often financial compromises – at least in the beginning.
Also, the job is not just about being creative – it involves a lot more administrative work than many people expect. But if you still love it despite all that, it can become a truly fulfilling calling.
What are your impressions and experiences from over two years of hosting the moclue networking event?
Hosting the moclue networking event in Hambourg has brought me so much joy. It’s truly wonderful to meet so many impressive women and to keep welcoming new faces.
I find it fascinating every time to hear about the professional skills, experiences, and accomplishments these women bring with them – I’m constantly inspired and amazed.
At the same time, I’m often surprised by how modest and reserved many of them are when talking about their abilities and achievements.
And finally: If you could have one superpower, what would it be – and why?
I’d love to be able to pause time every now and then, just to savor beautiful moments a little longer.
I became a mother last year, and it feels like time is flying by way too fast – my child is growing up so quickly.