Designer Interview
19 questions
I am a fashion designer, I have always made clothes and love the relevance that clothes design has to our every day lives, our second skin, a reflection of the individual in our society.
Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I am a fashion designer, I have always made clothes and love the relevance that clothes design has to our every day lives, our second skin, a reflection of the individual in our society.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
The high fashion label By BROWN clothes was founded in June 2007 and is based in Amsterdam. British designer Melanie Brown is the driving force behind the brand, which designs clothes for the strong, individual and conscious woman; the warrior woman.
The label stands for innovation and elegance with a raw edge. Strong constructed details make up the basic design, giving the clothes a minimalistic attitude with playful conceptual elements. Through their simplicity and perfect tailoring the clothes become iconic and timeless.
By BROWN is working towards sustainability and is a partner in ReBlend, a network to create new value from
The high fashion label By BROWN clothes was founded in June 2007 and is based in Amsterdam. British designer Melanie Brown is the driving force behind the brand, which designs clothes for the strong, individual and conscious woman; the warrior woman.
The label stands for innovation and elegance with a raw edge. Strong constructed details make up the basic design, giving the clothes a minimalistic attitude with playful conceptual elements. Through their simplicity and perfect tailoring the clothes become iconic and timeless.
By BROWN is working towards sustainability and is a partner in ReBlend, a network to create new value from blended textile waste.
What is "design" for you?
Design is my passion.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like designing directional pieces where I push my own boundaries.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
This changes all the time.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I first designed a collection called 'Walk in my shoes'. It was the SS 2008 collection
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love working with unexpected materials and leather is a wonderful material to work with. I work with leather and sheepskin. Sheepskin is my border after that I don't use animal skins, I use faux fur.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel the most creative once I have started a collection. Starting is always difficult but once I get into the feeling of the collection then I start to flow.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I am always busy with form and how this relates to the body of course.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel excitement, I feel alive.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel contentment - for a short time.
What makes a design successful?
A design is successful when people can relate to it.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I consider how innovative it is, how the balance works.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think that we all have to work towards sustainability.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Stay true to yourself.
Who are some of your clients?
The warrior woman.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I develop my designs myself in a very organic way but my designs are always influenced by the people around me.
How can people contact you?
info@ brownclothes.eu
