Acclaimed Danish designer Jens Laugesen explains the unique energy and creativity of London. ‘London has always been known for its raw creativity’ he told t5m backstage at London Fashion Week 2007. ‘In London, there’s a sheer tradition of art school design; it comes from art schools, and that’s why it’s so creative’.
A self-confessed ‘product’ of Central St Martins himself, Jens is an advocate of the London art school scene. The designer did his second MA there, and now teaches both menswear and womenswear at the prestigious college. ‘It’s an amazing place, the springboard of fashion designers in the world, and without that, you know, London wouldn’t have the same energy.’
This collection for London Fashion Week 07 is a little different form his signature utilitarian, androgynous style. Jens’ designs are renowned for pristine layering and tailoring, and he has a typically Scandinavian approach to detail and form.
‘Well, I’m known for the tailoring but this season I wanted to draw something very personal, like glam rock, into it. When I was a young boy, I liked idols like David Bowie and Iggy Pop; how can you involve that with a more personal and feminine view of the woman’.
London Fashion Week 2007 seems to be all about energy and fun, with many designers straying from their trademark designs. ‘I think that a really good fashion show is first of all, a designer that tries to express what he really likes to do, you know, it has to be fun.’
