We spoke with AMY ROSE, the designer behind Wellington label 'JULIAN DANGER'...
As a riskier label, 'Julian Danger' test design lines and keep it edgy with a mixture of prints, patterns and textures within their range - covering both menswear and womenswear, all designed by a woman. All I have to say is... grrrl power!
Keeping it simple, yet classically edgy - you can definitely see Amy pulls inspiration from various outlets such as film, art and music, and also names Patti Smith as her hero. Read our full interview with Amy Rose below...
COUP DE MAIN: Can you pinpoint the particular moment in time when you knew you wanted to pursue designing and starting your own label?
AMY ROSE: It has always been something I've wanted to do. After University I was designing for a children’s clothing label in Queenstown, it got to the point where it was too much of a tease and I needed to design for myself. That’s when 'Julian Danger' began.
CDM: What is the background of 'Julian Danger'?
AMY ROSE: I studied Design and Film at University. Both of which now play a huge roll in 'Julian Danger'.
CDM: How did you come up with the name 'Julian Danger'?
AMY ROSE: My twin brother is called Julian, so the ‘Julian’ part obviously came from there and ‘Danger’ just seemed appropriate.
CDM: You've stated in your 'About' (www.juliandanger.com) that music and art influence your design, how do you translate art and music into your design?
AMY ROSE: Music, art and film influence the fabrics, colours and themes, I use in my collections.
CDM: Are there any bands in particular that you look to for inspiration?
AMY ROSE: I get inspired by such a huge range of music... Winter 2012 which I am designing at the moment is leaning towards a slight punk-rock theme.
CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?
AMY ROSE: I start with some themes, concepts and inspirations. Then I decide on colours, fabrics and trims. I then start designing the collection. I usually get fairly carried away and have to cull heaps before I even get to sampling!
CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your up and coming (Spring/Summer '11) collection?
AMY ROSE: ‘Come As You Are’ is inspired by the Nirvana-ridden, 'Thelma & Louise' style rebellion of the 90’s. There is a mix of Americana, grunge, military and floral prints in the collection. It’s a bit of a play on innocence and mischief.
CDM: If you could spend a day with anyone in the world to learn, admire, etc... who would it be and why?
AMY ROSE: Patti Smith. She keeps it real. She rules.
CDM: If you could bring one item back [from the past], what would it be?
AMY ROSE: Scrunchies. I love them.
CDM: What did you want to be when you were ten years old?
AMY ROSE: An astronaut.
CDM: What are your top five clothing/accessory essentials to buy for Spring...
AMY ROSE: 'Julian Danger' bones tee, paper-cut shorts and the utility jacket, 'Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony' boots, and a wee beanie for those Spring mornings.
CDM: What is the best advice you've ever been given?
AMY ROSE: 'Just roll with it'... it helps when things out of your control go wrong.
Quick-fire Five:
1. Worse hair cut? When I cut all my long hair off into a stupid short bob.
2. One wish? Be with my friends and family always.
3. Word that never comes out right? I’m shy, lots of words don’t come out right.
4. Summer vs. Winter? Summer.
5. Late nights? Probably a hangover.
HEART LISTENING: Lucero.
HEART WATCHING: Sofia Coppola’s - 'Somewhere'.
HEART READING: Patti Smith - 'Just Kids’.
HEART OF THE WEEK: Ben.
www.juliandanger.com |
