Veddel in Hamburg used to be a place where millions of emigrants waited for their departure into a better life overseas. The character of migration is still present today. In this historical and inspiring part of Hamburg Fashion Designer Sibilla Pavenstedt along with a few colleagues initiated the non-profit organization Made auf Veddel in 2008. The idea was to combine international fashion design and the integration of women with migratory backgrounds. 

The project is not only about providing a chance to take a glance at the world of fashion, it is about changing the quality of life for the particitpating women. In an Atelier they conduct themselves, they sew, crochet and knit the collections designed by Sibilla Pavenstedt. They can choose whether they work at home or at the Atelier. That way the women are able to take care of their families and make a living off of what they love doing. Every piece is handmade and carries a label with the name of the woman who created it. Participate can anyone – the only condition is to be open minded and interested to make this project work.

Made auf Veddel provides long-term career perspectives and enables women to become financially independent. The organization offers German classes to improve language skills in order to encourage the process of integration and provides guidance for administratives barriers. Overall this project is about appreciating the women in Veddel and the work the are doing. Made auf Veddel is an opportunity to overcome social discrimination and being creative at the same time.