Clash explores 'A Tailored Odyssey' with head designer Jessy Heuvelink.That fashion editors still deal in seasons is perhaps one of the oddities of the fashion industry. In current rotation across the World Wide Web is coverage of men’s SS16 collections, women’s Resort 16 collections, and numerous notes (features, campaigns, news items) surrounding AW15 still.
It’s all a little bizarre, especially when accompanied by the oft sought argument that whatever season a designer shows, somewhere in the world someone is already enjoying that climate; it’s why coats have filtered into summer looks and vice versa.
In the case of J. Lindeberg – the Swedish lifestyle brand founded in 1997, once fronted (campaign wise) by Alison Mosshart and currently straddling the line between smart and contemporary – the latter season offers Clash a cause for conversation.
Hence then, on his recent visit to the UK we grabbed five minutes with head designer, Jessy Heuvelink. What followed was chat about menswear, necessities and Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’; an exploration of the label’s ‘Visions of Space’ AW15 collection if you will.
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*How did you decide on the mood for AW15?*
Inspiration has the tendency to find me, or rather I stumble upon it when least expected. The inspiration is based on Mars, and a book that I found in one of my favourite bookstores in Amsterdam that is called ‘This is Mars’. It features images from the red planet taken by satellites that have been in orbit of the planet for several years. The images sent back to earth are mind blowing and they blur the boundaries between art and science, reality and fiction. To add more drama to the story I looked at some of my favourite Sci-Fi movies like ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Alien’ and ‘Dune’.
*And was there any specific character in mind?*
Imagine Deckard from ‘Blade Runner’ going shopping at Savile Row, then the J.Lindeberg AW15 collection is what you will end up with.
*How much of yourself would you say you put in each collection? And do you have a personal favourite piece from the AW15 line up? *
Creating a collection is an extremely personal and emotional process and you put your heart and soul into it over and over again. So in that sense I really feel connected with every collection, having said that working for a brand like J.L you have to stay true to the DNA of the company and find ways to incorporate your personal aesthetics within the aesthetics of the company.
My favourite piece/pieces from the collection would be the military inspired double breasted coats and all the leather pieces of course.
*How important actually is a suit in a man’s wardrobe? *
I think a suit is a necessity in every man’s wardrobe. It is the corner stone of style and the foundation of every look.
*Talk to me about the silver boots for AW15. At what point did they enter the equation?*
When space, Mars and ‘Blade Runner’ form the inspiration silver was of course a must have colour in the collection. I am all about the boot and have been for some time now; being tired of black boots I figured why not go all the way and go 60’s space age.
*This collection feels really contemporary. How do you make sure the label stays relevant?*
Never stand still, never stop being curious and follow your instincts.
*Finally, how would you soundtrack J. Lindeberg AW15 in one song? *
David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’.
jlindeberg.com
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