Where nature and innovation merge
Marlene Raymakers
Fashion, to me, means connection – with yourself, with others, with nature. When a piece of clothing comes to life that carries joy into the world, I know: I am doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
Hello, I’m Marlene Raymakers – designer and founder of my label.
My name translates to “maker of rays,” and that’s exactly my mission: to create fashion that lets you shine.
My greatest inspiration is nature. I’m especially fascinated by mycelium – invisible, interconnected, and essential to life. I translate this principle of uniqueness and connection into my designs. Just as no leaf is like another, each garment is made individually for you. I want to create fashion that adapts to you – not the other way around.
My designs are made for women who want to feel elegant, free, and confident.
I combine sustainable awareness with clear lines and a touch of extravagance to create timeless pieces that embody joy and lightness. Welcome to my world.
Marlene Raymakers
Founder & Designer
I want to create fashion that adapts to you – not the other way around.
Realizing a dream
My creative journey
I have always wanted to create fashion that adapts to people – not the other way around. What began with my first attempts at sewing developed over the years into a clear vision.
1999 - 2014
The Beginnings
At the age of ten, I discovered my fascination for fashion at a fashion show. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to draw and express myself creatively – and in that moment, I knew: This is it. I want to create designs and bring them to life.
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2014 - 2019
Foundation of the Journey
My first experiences at HTL Dornbirn in Austria in the field of Fashion and Production Technology marked the beginning of my creative journey – shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and fascination.
2019 - 2020
Vienna: School of Precision
In Vienna, I deepened my craft with passion – refined through internships with master tailor Ingeborg Köberl and designer Eva Poleschinski. Here, I perfected traditional techniques.
2020 - 2024
Berlin: Room for Experiments
The move to Berlin and my B.A. in Fashion Design at HTW Berlin under Prof. Hussein Chalayan broadened my creative horizon. I gained valuable practical experience at Esther Perbandt and through my first collaboration with the University of Vienna in the research of mushroom-based materials.
2024
Mycelium Interwoven
Graduation with the Bachelor's collection "Mycelium Interwoven," which combines luxury fashion with biomaterial research. In it, I explore mycelium on textile substrates and natural mushroom dyes. This milestone laid the foundation for my label, Marlene Raymakers – handcrafted, made-to-order designs and innovation.
2024 - now
Founding Marlene Raymakers
I founded my label with my very first order – even before my official launch. Today, my first exclusive collection is being created based on the concept of made-to-order, tailored to your measurements, and without overproduction. I craft each piece locally in my studio and am deepening my material research – with a focus on innovative alternatives for the fashion industry.
Where Research Shapes My Designs
Material Lab
The future of materials is biological, innovative, and sustainable. The fusion of science and design creates new textures and surfaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically groundbreaking.
Mycelium on Textiles
I cultivate mycelium, the root network of the mushroom, directly onto fabrics. This process creates flexible surfaces with a natural texture, which I test in prototypes and limited pieces.
Leather-like Mushroom Material
Using mushroom-based, leather-like surfaces, I examine their durability, flexibility, and seam performance. The material challenges traditional techniques – and opens up possibilities for new silhouettes
Bioplastic
Bio-based, partly biodegradable compounds create 'second-skin' effects and standalone surfaces. Used selectively where aesthetics and responsibility meet.
Natural Color Palette
Dyeing with Mushrooms
Natural pigments from mushrooms lend my fabrics depth and nuance. Each dyeing reacts with the fabric, making every piece one-of-a-kind.
Sulphur Tuft
My experiments with mushroom-based dyes have revealed a breathtaking palette of natural colors.
Bloodred Webcap
From earthy yellows to soft or vibrant shades of pink, each dye batch is a unique creation.
Partners & Research
From Mushroom to Silhouette
I develop materials in dialogue with science—and test them until they stand up to everyday life.
01
Material Development (University of Vienna)
A leather-like textile is created from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms – gently cooked, filtered, pressed, and plant-dyed. Goal: a bio-based, ultimately compostable alternative.
02
Material Development (University of Vienna)
A leather-like textile is created from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms – gently cooked, filtered, pressed, and plant-dyed. Goal: a bio-based, ultimately compostable alternative.
03
Vision & Application (Fashion)
As the first designer, I created a corsage from the Viennese material. This is how research becomes wearable. The finished design proves the material's potential: a sustainable alternative to leather, ready for the future of fashion with its completely new aesthetic.
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