Interview: Trine Lindegaard Jensen

Trine Lindegaard Jensen is within good company. The Danish-born designer graduated this year from an MA at The Royal College of Art where previous students include James Long, Carolyn Massey and Katie Eary. As Jensen joins them in the ranks of Britain's greatest emerging menswear design talents, she reflects on her final collection which wowed the industry crowd at this year's graduate show and delves into the future of her eponymous new label launching S/S 11.

What was it like growing up in Denmark?

I grew up in a Danish town called Odense, it is the third biggest city in Denmark, but really it is just a small town. There isn’t a lot happening there, everyone moves away by the time they turn 18. Growing up in Odense was very safe, and I was given a lot of freedom and trust from my parents. Denmark is such a comfortable and easy country to live in, the system supports you from the day you are born, the taxes are very high but people don’t really moan about it as you always get something back. I could never have experienced what I have if it wasn’t for the support from the Danish Government. We get the tuition fees paid for and even get money to live for while studying, which is fantastic. It really scares me here, how expensive it is to go to university, and it is only getting worse...

Was it anything in particular that led you towards fashion design as a profession?

It kind of just happened. I did not know what else to do and I really enjoyed making clothes. We had this programme in Denmark called ”the free youth education” back then, where you could get support from the government to do any course anywhere in the world. I spend a couple of years trying out different things. I went to cooking school and art schools before I went to Milan at the age of 18 to study fashion. I did not learn that much when it came to fashion but I really grew up that year.

Which iconic designers past or present inspire you?

I went to see 30 Years of Japanese Fashion at the Barbican the other day, which was so inspirering. There was a film of Issey Miyake’s shows from the mid 90’s and all the models just wandered around on the catwalk in bold colourful clothes with a massive smile on their face. It was so refreshing to see, and I couldn't believe I hadn’t come across this before. When did fashion shows become so serious?



What was it like studying at the RCA? Do you feel like the RCA has a particular trait that makes it and its students stand out from art/fashion universities of the same calibre?

The RCA is the only university with a separate menswear course, and it is tiny, there were only eight of us, all with a different approach to fashion, which was really being pushed and challenged through out the course. The facilities and support you get from the tutors there is amazing.

Your final collection for RCA was inspired by your "interest for passionate people with unusual hobbies and obsessive collectors". Who were these people and how much did they influence your collection?

I started out approaching people I had known when I was I child back in Odense. One a car magazine collector who lived in the flat upstairs, he had the whole loft full of all these glossy magazines with sports cars, and then he had an old Skoda parked on the street. Another one was my friend’s dad who was obsessed with books. I remember being fascinated by them when I was a child and it was so nice to go back and see them again and discover that they were both still as passionate as ever. The only difference was that the car magazine collector now had a Volvo.


Do you yourself have any unusual hobbies?

No, and that is probably why other peoples passionate hobbies interests me so much. It all started with me being a bit bored of fashion from spending a year at the RCA doing quick projects for one company after another, and by the end of the first year I felt drained and slightly lacking inspiration and motivation. So I decided to go on a journey to rediscover my passion for fashion. This is how I got the idea of looking at people with passions and hobbies that had become these people’s obsessions and lives. I decided to focus and work in a similar matter, which resulted in painfully time consuming work, by for instance hand knitting tiny gold rings into a jumper which probably took me about 300 hours to make. But I really enjoyed every minute of it, I just sat there in front of the fireplace dreaming away with a set knitting needles in my hands...

You also incorporated a lot of "found" items from your journeys into the collection. Can you tell me a little more about these pieces and how they added to the collection?

I went to se these eccentric people at a model train fair in Enfield and everyone was so proud to show of their recreations of real world train tracks. I really wanted to bring some of their universe into my collection and that is how the little men and cars came about and appeared as playful patterns on white shirts.

I also started a collection on my own, and collected gold bits through out the year. One of the jumpers has got hundreds of different gold items all found from different places they wouldn’t mean anything to anyone but I remember where I got every button from and the jumper is full of personal stories and memories.


Do you feel embellishment has become a signature characteristic of your designs overall?

To some extence yes. But I don’t want that to take over. I also love clean and simple shapes and silhouettes, I think this is what makes my garments work. I love embellishment, patterns and textures and will keep on challenging that in the future.

What are you currently working on?

I was really lucky after graduating and received so many nice requests and interest in my work and I quickly decided to start my own label. I have reworked a couple of the pieces from my RCA collection into a small range of coats (three styles, three colours), which will be on sale from early Spring 2011.

It is important for me to be producing my clothes within the UK but at the same time to keep my prices affordable and the coats have been a good test for me to research manufacturing possibilities and get the whole identity of the brand right.

And now I am full of energy and really excited to start working on something new...

For more, Click Here.

Louis Vuitton & Scott Campbell S/S11

For S/S 11, Louis Vuitton has teamed up with infamous Brooklyn based tattoo artist, Scott Campbell. Perhaps best known for works such as his laser cut money wads with tattoo style subjects, Campbell was approached by Louis Vuitton having felt his unique and youthful creativity best reflects a new era for the luxury French label. For the new season, Campbell has worked with the house on an extensive mix of scarves, ready-to-wear pieces, shirts and a limited edition "laser etched" weekender bag.

In conjunction with this collaboration, Louis Vuitton has released this short viral film. Here, viewers are invited into the creative universe of Campbell as he embarks on his daily pursuits. From taking his daily jog, to delving into his artwork, to speeding across the streets of New York; viewers are left wondering what his next destination will be as he packs up his sleek Louis Vuitton luggage and hails a taxi. Never fear, all shall be revealed in the next installment...

Barbour Celebrates 75th Anniversary International Jacket

No wardrobe would be complete without British style staple- The Barbour Jacket. Luxurious and classically cool, The Barbour Jacket has been the outwear of choice not only for celebrities but style advocates world-over.

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the International Jacket, Barbour have launched this week a limited-edition jacket based on the original design which was created for the 1936 International Six Day Trials- hence the name. Worn by the likes of iconic movie star Steve McQueen, as well as legions of competitive motorcyclists through to the 1970's- this is one serious heritage jacket.

The jacket, which is perhaps more of a collectable than a fashion item, is available in two finishes- box-fresh and distressed- and will be available to purchase from Barbour's Heritage Stores, Liberty and Key Independents across the UK.

7th Man Loves: The Hermes 3000

Not to be confused with a designer scarf gone into over-drive, the Hermes 3000 isn't this season's accessory of the moment, but perhaps the perfect company should you find yourself snowed in this week. May we suggest lighting an open-fire and brewing yourself a cup of coffee before using this little beauty to type out that novel you always wanted to write. Ah, festive bliss.

Counting Down To A Hostem Christmas

SHOWstudio isn't the only fashion affair counting down the days to Christmas with an intriguing festive stunt. Hostem, the epicentre of men's fashion in Shoreditch has introduced an innovative take on an old-school Christmas tradition with their brand new Hostem Advent Calendar.

Of course, a cacophony of confectionery or commercial frivolity is not to be expected with this particular advent calender. Far from it in fact. In order to toast the December countdown, Hostem have enlisted Shoreditch's underground bar Lounge Bohemia as a collaborator to supply exquisite, artisan trinkets as part of the gifts on offer. What's more, in-store featured designers have also contributed to the cause, supplying ultra-covetable one-of-a-kind pieces.

For one month, the windows of the Hostem boutique will play host to twenty-four bespoke wooden boxes, each of them housing a unique gift. Passers-by on Redchurch Street will be able to glimpse the treasures within, with one side of the box exposed to display the riches within and the other side under lock and key.

The gifts on offer are an eclectic mix ranging from the luxurious to the louche with the likes of conceptual designer and queen of gothic cool Ann Demeulemeester supplying a one-off necklace erupting in feathers juxtaposed with LA based designer and cult collaborator Dr. Romanelli providing a collectable bronze figurine from the Dr. Goodfellow set- the spoils of a collaboration with ultra-lux sunglasses brand, Oliver Peoples.

Other offerings include a bespoke pair of reversible leather high-tops in rich, oxblood leather by Italian footwear label MA+, a ritualistic silver goblet- a Greek Rhyton- by emerging London accessories label Curiouser + Curiouser as well as a sterling silver bracelet dotted with clusters of diamonds by one of Karl Lagerfeld's favourite jewelery brands, Chrome Hearts.

To view these treasures by night, you're in for a treat as small candles are placed in each box, illuminating the wonders within. If you would like to purchase the limited edition gifts on each one's designated day, you will then be able to collect them on Christmas Eve.

Just another Yuletide pleasure to look forward to this Christmas.

For more, Click Here.

Prepare Yourself For Next Season With Mr. Hare

With the snow inciting a particularly festive spirit around the country, we are well and truly in the midst of A/W 10. While sporting this season's threads is exciting in itself, we can't help but look forward to designers' S/S 11 offerings with heightened anticipation. The latest Lookbook to have us itching to ditching our heavy winter boots in favour of something more sophisticatedly neat, comes in the form of Mr. Hare's quirky showcase of the label's brand new collection:

Featuring a dapper selection of men's brogues, loafers and the classic Oxford shoe, the collection possess utilises a neutral palette and fine materials to create a range of shoes, one of which would be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit next season.

Mr. Hare was founded in 2008 as "One Man's Selfish Pursuit of Great Shoes". With a collection like this, mission accomplished:

For more, Click Here.

Dressing Realistically For The Cold Weather

D&G A/W 10

Picking the right outfit for work or any other engagement in this peculiar weather can prove to be a difficult and tricky thing for many of us to achieve. You want to look good, feel warm and be in an appropriate outfit that would fit the occasion. But how do you get all of these in one outfit? Well, taking inspiration from the D&G A/W 2010 show, as savvy as it sounds, it’s definitely not a route you want to take unless it leads to a chateau in the Swiss Alps.

7th Man however, has handpicked four looks from the winter shows that should give you an idea of how to fight the cold weather and yet look more dapper than ever.

Burberry Prorsum A/W 10

A shearling jacket can work wonders for you this winter. Gone are the days of unflattering shapeless wool coats. Though do trade up, as investing in a solid leather aviator shearling jacket can get you out of a lot of morning bickering.

Buckler A/W 10

Giving a new lease of life to a wool suit can be quite daunting, but switching up your custom white shirt for a chunky woolen or cashmere polo neck jumper can add flawless retro style to your outfit. Pair it up with knitted gloves and a knit cap in the same or a parallel colour to complete your look.

J.W Anderson A/W 10

Try pairing up a long cashmere cardigan with a denim jacket and finishing off with a different style jacket or military coat on top. Layering can work wonders for us in this extremely cold weather and the stylized hiking boots will definitely worth it when walking around in the snow.

Rag & Bone A/W 10

For more style tips and secrets on how to create the perfect look keep checking in on 7th

Man Digital.

Words By Andreas Menelaou

On The Second Day Of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me...

Not two turtle doves. Yes, the traditional Christmas Carol has been given a contemporary update thanks to Nick Knight's innovative SHOWstudio. To mark the Christmas period, SHOWstudio and SHOWstudio Shop has launched its own Twelve Days of Christmas over the first two weeks of December 2010.

Highlighting twelve must-have pieces featured in the SHOWstudio Shop over the last twelve months, the numerous desirable pieces vary from extravagant one-off artworks to photographic prints as well as limited edition t-shirts and signed publications. Needless to say, there's not a partridge in sight!

Commencing yesterday with Gareth Pugh's One Flower Bomb "Eek", followed swiftly by today's installment Two Platinum Elephants courtesy of Jeffry Mitchell, other works which shall follow in the coming days will include pieces by designer Giles Deacon, contemporary artist Laurie Simmons, super-stylist Alister Mackie and milliner Nasir Mazhar. Of course, Mr Knight himself shall also contribute to the selection, offering twelve signed copies of his eponymous monograph.

Each and every item is available to purchase via SHOWstudio Shop in Bruton Place and also online here and every day on the SHOWstudio blog, a new item will be showcased, alongside an exclusive quote from the artist who created it.

Dying a Digital Death

On the subject of World AIDS Day, celebrities are doing their part too along with the likes of Maison Martin Margiela. In commemoration of this day, the likes of Elijah Wood, David LaChapelle, Lady Gaga and Daphne Guinness amongst others, have pledged to die a digital death in order to raise awareness about AIDS. From today, these stars have pledged to no longer take to Facebook or Twitter and shall only resume their status on social networking sites when one million Dollars has been donated to the AIDS charity Keep a Child Alive. If a day doesn't go by that you don't check out what your idol is up to, we suggest you go to Buy Life and raise your favourite artist back from the digital dead. All for a very worthy cause, of course.

Maison Martin Margiela Launches Charity AIDS T-Shirt

In support of World AIDS Day, Maison Martin Margiela has today launched this limited edition T-Shirt. In addition to the seasonal English version of the AIDS T-shirt which was initially launched back in the A/W 1994/1995 collection, The Maison has created this new version, this time in Japanese.

Bearing the statement "There is more action to be done to fight AIDS than to wear this t-shirt but it's a good start" in Japanese, a percentage of the sales of this Tee shall be donated to AIDES a French organisation dedicated to fighting the HIV virus and taking care of patients living with HIV/AIDS.

This limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt will be exclusively available in Maison Martin Margiela stores and e-boutique.

Braille Pop-Up Store Hits Shoreditch

This week, British Menswear label Braille have launched an exciting new Pop-Store in London's Shoreditch, the epicentre for cutting-edge cool. Taking place until December 5th, the store offers its chic A/W 10 collection at a special discounted rate and shall also allow shoppers the opportunity to exclusively pre-order their brand new S/S 11 collection.

Entitled Colt, the stunning new collection is inspired by the modernist design of Palm Springs juxtaposed with the natural landscape of Agua Caliente Canyon. The result is a stylish and sophisticated line of sleek silhouettes featuring luminescent tweeds paired with sheer cotton shirts and waxed cotton outerwear all revealed in a fresh, neutral palette.

Needless to say, this one collection you'd most definitely like to pre-order.

The store is located on 54 Rivington Street, EC2A 3QN and shall be open from 11am -7pm.

For more about Braille, Click Here. In the meantime, check out the video below showcasing the Colt collection:

DAY 8: The Dunhill View

Today, the existence of the Internet has never been more prevalent. At present, there are currently 15,000,000 Wikipedia articles, 100,000,000 YouTube videos & 200,000,000 blogs available at the click of the mouse. With overwhelming numbers such as these, the influence of the Internet and its social networking sites in particular has never been more powerful.

Everyday, designers are looking to the Internet to promote their brand be it through a striking film posted on YouTube or through creating an utterly unique platformS on their own such as Burberry's Art of The Trench site or Vivienne Westwood & Lee's 100 Days of Resistance Campaign.

Now Dunhill have launched a brand new innovation to type into our search engines. DAY 8 is not a blog, nor an e-zine but a fresh perspective of the world through the eyes of Dunhill. Reflecting the brand pillars of Dunhill- Creativity, Elegance, Travel, Culture & Intelligence- DAY 8 incorporates carefully selected and engaging content presented on a highly interactive level. Taking the form of images, articles and film, DAY 8 is available on an online interface and with the DAY 8 app, you can access it wherever and whenever you are.

Launching today, the brand have unveiled an exclusive and extraordinary film capturing London based illustrator Chris Dent as he works on a very special commission by Dunhill. Noted by his unique ability to create densely informative city-scapes, artfully depicted through a bold stroke of his pen, Dunhill approached Dent and asked him to capture the four Homes of Alfred Dunhill in London, Hong Kong, Shanghai & Tokyo and incorporate them into one piece of work.

The result is a magnificent, sprawling city-scape that depicts Bourdon House (London Home), Prince’s Building (Hong Kong Home), the Twin Villas (Shanghai Home) & Ginza (Tokyo Home) neighbouring each other while the iconic Oriental Pearl (Shanghai) brushes shoulders with the Millennium Dome (London) and the Bank of China (Hong Kong).

To celebrate the launch of DAY 8, Dunhill will be selling 20 limited edition signed prints of this piece of urban art exclusively on their website.

Be sure to check it out and keep logging as DAY8 release more and more exciting material.

Get Customising!

Who knew the humble pair of glasses could be so multifaceted? First the slew of designer 3D specs infiltrated the market with Gucci's sleek offering spear-heading a new take on traditional eye-wear.

Now Prada has followed suit with an innovative approach when it comes to designing glasses. Prada Private is a new line introduced whereby personalisation has been taken one step further. Prospective purchasers of these sophisticated styles are given the opportunity to select from a variety of letters, numbers and symbols in order to transform their new glasses. Using a brand-new patented engineering mechanism, the arms of the glasses can be removed and personalised by clipping in desired inserts.

The line offers a chic colour choice of either black, white or tortoiseshell and shall be launched internationally in Prada Boutiques on December 2nd.

Fred Perry Men's Laurel Wreath Collection S/S11

Fred Perry is somewhat of a British institution. A label which consistently retains its unique roots in the history of fashion and music, each season produces a line of iconic products that seamlessly blends classic stylings with a contemporary twist.

The Laurel Wreath Collection by Fred Perry truly represents this updated heritage look, with the Spring/Summer 11 collection bringing to the fore a decidedly preppy 1950's feel. Slim-line silhouettes stay true to the original Fred Perry style, with a selection of straight-leg tailored trousers featuring throughout. Rouleaux loop collar shirts, the classic Fred Perry shirt and the new flat-hem Stuart tartan-lined Harrington are worn buttoned up and either tucked in or neatly positioned at the waist, creating ove all a look that is as sharp as it is polished.

The colour palette meanwhile is considerably understated as combines sartorial neutrals with washed out shades, revealed either in bold colour-blocking or in clean checks or tartans.

Key looks from the collection are perhaps a modern reworking of the classic saddle shoe- The Empire, teamed with double adjustable slacks, a luxe leather bag and a 1950's style tennis bomber revitalized for 2011. However, the iconic Fred Perry Polo brandishing the label's trademark motif is one look that will certainly never go out of season.

Don't forget, the Fred Perry Heritage Stories Competition is still in full swing. For a chance to win £5000 in this unique photography competition and to check out the submissions so far, Click Here.