Sara Bro-Jorgensen Interview

Many of you may have read that for a university project we had to interview a fashion designer.  Well I chose Sara Bro-Jorgensen, who was lovely in the flesh.  Check out my interview piece below, plus my work laid out for Surface magazine.

(Ignore the top-right image, it doesn't print blurry)

SCOUTS HONOUR

Vauxhall Fashion Scout ‘One’s to Watch’ winner combines a love of culture and digital print in a ‘playful’ womenswear collection. 

“It’s the only place to be in Dalston,” Sara says in her European accent, motioning around Dalston Superstore.  She’s sat at a table in this café by day, bar by night, with it’s retro 70s print wallpaper and ‘Now! That’s What I Call Music’ vinyl records hung above the bar.  The night before lingered in the atmosphere, mixing with the smell of a full English hangover cure, coffee and grease.  Sara searched through her Marc Jacobs clutch for tea money, revealing a small bag full of coins.  “It’s really expensive, funding a brand.”

Denmark-born Sara Bro-Jorgensen never knew that her career path would lead her to fashion design, let alone win one of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s ‘One’s to Watch’ awards.  The 30-year-old designer (dressed in all black and sipping at a cup of English tea) sits reminiscing how she got to this place in her life.  “I started on a photography course in Denmark, but I ended up doing Knitwear at the Royal College of Art in London,” she laughs nervously.  Fashion seemed inevitable for Sara having sewed clothes for her sisters and herself, but photography proved too much of a passion to push aside. 

Jorgensen managed to combine both her loves using the art of trompe l’oeil.  “I find it fascinating” she says.  She becomes even more animated as she begins to talk about her inspirations for the new collection, shown in Paris.  “I was building upon on my S/S 11 collection.  I was inspired by early 20s silent movies, working in prints of tuxedo jackets onto my garments.”  One of her favourite garments from the collection is a Goth black midi dress, with a trench coat graphic printed on both sides of the piece.  It’s a daring look, something that Sara’s woman is.   “She’s someone who is playful and not afraid to wear what she wants.”

Sara is very cultured, having lived in Denmark as a child she moved to India with her parents and sisters when she was a teenager. Once she had finished her A Levels, the designer took time to travel and gain work experience from the likes of Adam Jones, Dior’s knitwear designer.  After six months in Paris she ended up in Berlin, “it’s a great place to live,” she says laughing.  Jorgensen returned to education, earning a BA in Fashion Textiles and a Masters in Knitwear.  On her recent adventure back to Paris, Sara met Emilien Bouglione, owner of Cirque d’Hiver, describing him as a “90 year old man with an amazing sense of style.”  He invited her up to his apartment, where there was champagne and laughter. 

Looking around Dalston Superstore, Sara begins talking about what London fashion is to her. “It’s a lot of things, young designers, very creative and it’s always pushing itself to the edge.  That’s what makes London so special”.  The designer expresses the importance of travelling the world and picking up inspiration from different cultures.  “I also took the American Indians’ way of decorating themselves with beads and used it in my A/W 11 collection.”

Sara is optimistic about the future, although a little nervous even so.  “I’ve started applying for funding for my line, I hope to build the business up that way.  It’s a hard industry but if you have the passion, you’ll thrive.” 

The show must go on.

"Is it possible to hate the sinner but love the clothes?"

This was a quote from earlier in the week from a journalist of the Evening Standard, after the Galliano story unveiled.  Today, Dior were scheduled to show in Paris, and that they did.  CEO, Sidney Toledano gave a touching apology on behalf of "Monsieur Dior", for the disgraceful comments John Galliano had been found guilty of saying.  

The Christian Dior continued with as much grace and class as any other year.  The collection was more daywear than evening wear, something the brand have wanted to work on for a few years now. The collection included hooded cloaks, full pleated skirts and silk bloomers paired with bows.  Here are some of my favourite looks from the show: 

The contrast of colours and fabrics make this ensemble. The olive green silk skirt with pleats give that innocent school girl image as well as catering to Dior's history - New Look 1947.  I love the over-the-knee boots too.  

A monochrome floral dress complimented by aubergine coloured socks and a midnight blue handbag, stop the outfit from being too basic and washed out.  

The autumnal colours in this outfit are gorgeous.  There's also a hint of spots, which I've tipped in my Fashion Forecast to be a big trend next season.  

I like this outfit although felt it was a little out of place.  I would wear this during the Spring/Summer season as sheer chiffon doesn't offer much warmth.  Maybe this is meant for those first few autumn days where the weather is between seasons?

What's the verdict, love or loathe?  Personally, I think Dior have done it again and they've done if different too.  

Going Gaga for fashion.

Nicola Formichetti wowed the Parisian fashionistas yesterday with his first collection for Thierry Mugler.  In one word, it was fabulous.  The collection was inspired by Nicola's muse, the one and only Lady Gaga, who actually walked the walk herself along with all the other models.  If you didn't see the show you can watch it here, courtesy of TheGiantSheep (not sure why, or even how, sheep are managing to youtube).

Of course, she wasn't there just for Nicola, the track used for the show was a preview of a new song for her new album 'Born This Way'.  She made a statement as always and she looked gorgeous.  Back to the clothes, this has been one of my favourite collections yet.

I'm a sucker for a pronounced shoulder and with a decollete neckline, this is a true 'girl power' statement.  

Sheer chiffon and latex, going for a bondage feel.

Gaga in a leather ensemble.

Cobalt blue dress with chiffon body.  Softer lines on the pronounced shoulders and a high neck. 

One of the more wearable looks from the show, I really love this colour, a soft off yellow.  I'm all for bodycon dresses/skirts so I could see myself in this look.  Plus I LOVE killer heels, look at those bad boys!

It wouldn't be an Autumn/Winter collection without a hint of fur.  Loving the animalistic nature of this outfit.  

Again, this colour is gorgeous and so feminine.  I really love the shoulders, it almost looks to me like armour.

An extremely delicate look from the entire night.  The dress is cut on the bias allowing it to flow gently down the models body.  

Gaga finished the show in a Edwardian inspired hat, corset and maxi skirt. 

I really could show you more as it was a great collection with a terrific amount of potential.  It even made Anna Wintour smile! That hasn't happened since 2004, when McQueen showed his 'They Shoot Horses Don't They' collection.  Nicola Formichetti looks to have a promising future with Mugler.

Oversized carries over to Paris

In one of my earlier Fashion Week blogs, I picked up on the oversized trend coming back and it seems that this will be a big statement with it carrying over to Paris Fashion Week.  

Dries Van Noten showed their Ready-To-Wear collection today, consisting of contrasting prints, fur and some oversized numbers.  Here are some of my favourite looks straight from the catwalk.  Pictures courtesy of our beloved Vogue.com

Monochrome jumper which appears baggy on arms and body, cuffs in at the neck and wrists.  This is quite a warm, wearable look.  The skirt looks to be leather, another trend that seems to be on a lot of catwalks for next season.  

This is more of an understated, oversized look.  The sleeves are fairly baggy against the models arm, perfect for someone who isn't very comfortable with their arms. I love the slight hint of colour here with the camel ankle boots.  

Extremely similar to the first look, except the colours are different.  I also think the styling for this is a lot better, the jumper flows nicely onto the skirt and from there down to the shoes.  Again, another hint of colour brought by the shoes.  

An easy oversized piece would be palazzo pants.  I love the dirty orange colour, it contrasts nicely with the busy print which looks to have a fur lining - brilliant for keeping warm!

So those are the looks I liked, but what do you think of this oversized trend? Like it or loathe it? It's definitely more extreme to the last time we went oversized.  I for one, am looking forward to being able to bundle a few layers on underneath a baggy garment.  

Also, there seems to be an heir of seventies about the catwalks for next season, the extreme prints, the palazzo pants taking over from the flares - what do you guys recon? Should I invest in an afro wig?

Oh Galliano, how the mighty have fallen.

I've grown so used to hearing Galliano's name over the Fashion Week period that I was shocked when I heard his name and the word 'fired' placed together.  After his drunken anti-Semitic remark 'I love Hitler', he has left Dior designer-less and disappointed.  Fashion might well be about making a statement but this was a step to far.  

Galliano's words really were poisonous. 

For us fashion lovers, the last time we'll see Galliano at his best will be on the Parisian catwalk this Friday (4th) for the Christian Dior show, but even then, he wont be showing his face at the end.  

How do you guys feel on this, were Dior right in firing Galliano or not?