Jena Theo’s AW12 show was all about a powerful, amazonian woman – which was perfectly in sync with a lot of what I have seen so far at LFW. It would seem that, at least in London, the sophisticated, ultra feminine neutral silhouette has gone and been replaced by something tougher, edgier, but still very feminine.
We’re good. Dimitris is currently over in Greece sampling the collection, while I am handknitting and making the bespoke items in our London studio.
Could you tell me a little about yourself?
We were founded in Feb 2009 – and after winning Fashion Fringe in 2009, we’ve been establishing our brand in London, as well as exhibiting during Paris Fashion Week. This collection will be our 3rd season on the schedule at LFW, and we’re looking forward to making a statement about our label at a new venue with ON/OFF in Covent Garden.
We’ve also been working with UPS – our AW11 sponsor, which has been really fantastic and we’ve been working on all sorts of exciting things that will be revealed during Fashion Week!
What’s the inspiration behind the collection?
The collection is inspired by eighties fantasy movies, looking from the past into the future. Highly stylised- fantastically dated – and classic.
Conan the Barbarian has been the main muse for us, along with Tina Turner in her Mad Max loin dress days…
It’s been fun combining something fantastical with our modern aesthetic.
What do you like best about showing at LFW?
The way we can put our signature, and what we believe in out there for people to see.
… And showing – combining music and fashion, creating atmosphere and theatre for the audience.
The tension and buzz of a show is like nothing else.
What do you like the least?
The late nights!
What’s your favourite look for the season?
We are into patchwork and quilting for AW11. Texture is key and makes a garment look new as well as having a great seasonal feel.
Designers you look up to?
Vivienne Westwood, Hussein Chalayan, and the Japanese pioneers like Commes des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto.