Every piece of clothing carries a history — of the hands that made it, of the bodies that wore it, of the stories that linger in its fabric. For the MS Bazaar in Munich, these histories transform into something larger: a community effort to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Photographer and volunteer Verena Vötter spent time behind the scenes — capturing stunning Lina styled in finds from the Bazaar, and speaking with Margot Kraft, 2nd Deputy Chair of the German MS Society and Head of the Bazaar, about resilience, change, and the power of collective care.
At the Bazaar, clothes are more than objects. They become bridges — between generations, between people with different abilities, between past and present. And they remind us that style, at its best, is not just about how we look, but how we care.
Verena Vötter: How did you first get involved with the MS Bazaar?
Margot Kraft: It really started because of my own MS diagnosis. About 20 years ago I found out about the Bazaar and back then I donated some of my son’s belongings when he moved out for university. It was good stuff, and I thought they could use it. But that was all at first.
And when did you personally begin volunteering?
That was after I had to stop working. I’d had a severe relapse, and the doctor in the clinic told me: “You won’t recover from this. We’ll apply for disability pension now, it’s better.” Eight weeks later I was officially retired on full disability. Strangely enough, around that time I started walking again.
So I sat at home thinking: “What now?” … Eventually the MS Bazaar came back to mind. Walking in there was like a revelation. It was a Thursday, everyone was bustling around, and I thought: “This is it!” I asked right away if they needed help. Three weeks later, I got an email from the manager at the time saying they urgently needed someone in the men’s department. Did I want to? Oh, I certainly did! I jumped in the car, drove straight over — and that was 15 years ago.
Could you tell us more about MS in general?
Actually, there are no “typical” patterns. When I was diagnosed at 41, it began with tingling all over my body. One morning I woke up and couldn’t walk. … MS really is the “disease of a thousand faces.” Every case is different. I’ve had it for 32 years now. Walking is harder, I use two canes now, and a wheelchair for longer distances — but my mind is still sharp, and I’m blessed with a wonderful family and supportive environment.
Let’s go back to the Bazaar. Since when has it existed, and how has it changed?
It started in 1973. A group of friends had a neighbor with MS and wanted to help, so they began collecting. A few years later, it grew too big, and they joined forces with the DMSG.
How much time do you personally spend on the Bazaar each week?
A lot. I’m there every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. I can’t do heavy physical work anymore, but I still spend two to three hours every day at home on organization — PR, staff coordination, sponsorships, contacts, even things like finding large shopping bags when we run out. Altogether, at least 20 hours a week.
How has the Bazaar grown since its beginning?
It started in 1973. A group of friends had a neighbor with MS and wanted to help, so they began collecting. A few years later it grew too big, and they joined forces with the DMSG.
How do the proceeds help people with MS?
Patients apply and show financial need. Then we fund what they require — last year, for example, we bought a refrigerator for someone, or paid for a companion on a rehab trip. We’ve financed ramps, or even car modifications for wheelchair users.
How big is the team right now?
23 women and one man (we had two, but one retired recently).
And all are volunteers?
Yes, nobody gets paid. We all do this voluntarily, every Thursday.
“Walking into the MS Bazaar was like a revelation. It was a Thursday, everyone was bustling around, and I thought: ‘This is it!’”
What has been a highlight for you at the Bazaar?
Recently we received a huge clothing donation from the startup Standard Project. I thought they said 11 cartons — it turned out to be 11 pallets! A truck pulled up with all of it. My team just said: “No problem, we’ll handle it.” That’s when I realized again how fantastic my team is.
And if someone doesn’t live nearby — how can they still support the Bazaar?
Donations are always welcome, even 10 euros. We also accept clothing, household goods, toys, furniture. At the moment we especially need mannequins and large mirrors for display. About 70% of what we sell is secondhand, but we also get high-quality or even new items — for example from boutiques in Haidhausen.
And what happens to unsold items?
We donate them—to men’s shelters, St. Boniface, or social department stores. We try to throw away as little as possible, only what’s truly broken. My husband helps me distribute everything, and we’re always welcomed warmly.
Finally, the book section—it must be enormous?
Yes, people still love to read. I always say: my home without my books would feel soulless. (Shows the donated pallets) These T-shirts, for example, cost €145 in stores, brand new. We’ll sell them for €25 at the next Bazaar. So it’s especially important that young men come by—we’ll have a lot of great new menswear.
If you’d like to support the MS Bazaar, donations can be made here:
ms-bazar.de/spenden-erloese
The next Bazaar takes place on September 19–20.
Photographer Verena Vötter – www.verenavoetter.com – @verenavoetter
Model: Lina Instagram: @linaa.mne – TikTok: @Lina.mne
MS Basar www.instagram.com/_ms_bazar_
