* uN NOUvEAU iDEAL by fILEP mOTWARY

Dear iDEALS, Nikoline Liv Andersen is Dannish. She has studied fashion at Danmarks Designskole and drawing/design at Design at Akademiet for Tegning og Design, Pattern Cutting at Cool Couture and had an internship at the House of John Galliano in Paris, like myself. She is also a great illustrator and her work can be seen on www.wireimage.com and  www.denmarkfashion.com. Although we have never met in Person we have many common friends who share the same opinion I have for Nikoline: Her work is a reflection of the future. Don’t you agree? Let’s move forward and read what she told me ABOUT her collection for FALL/WINTER 2007-2008FilepMotwary:What would be the iDEAL environment for you to work in? Describe to us the Nikoline moments of solitude… NikolineLivAndersen: My working table is very important. I work the best when I’m surrounded by a lot of colors, pictures, textile samples, dolls and music. A space there is far from reality. I also love to have people around me because we can inspire each other and have fun while working. It’s important to remember to sing, laugh and dance frequently.FilepMotwary:Are you close with other designers in Denmark? Do you trust people of the same profession being close to you concerning the competitive world we live in? NikolineLivAndersen:I believe that it is important not to see all other designers as competitors. Many of my friends are creative people in different ways and we use each other to discuss our ideasFilepMotwary:Is it hard for a designer living and working in Copenhagen? NikolineLivAndersen:Copenhagen is a creative city and there are good possibilities for educations. But Denmark is also a small country and people as I see it is scared to dress up too funny. That’s one of the reasons that I also want to work abroad. I want to change peoples idea of what you are able to wear.FilepMotwary: How do you think you can push your work becoming known to the rest of the world? NikolineLivAndersen: Be myself.Most young designers including both of us started off working as interns in big fashion houses. How did your collaboration with Galliano help you and how do you see this phenomenon of talented people preferring to be next to someone big (or work for someone big) instead of starting their own brand from the beginning?  It is always a good idea to get experience from others before starting your own brand. And it is also inspiring for all parts. It was very rewarding to work for Galliano. I was in clover working a place where everything was made by hand and rarely by a computer. Furthermore it confirmed me in the reason of working without compromises always seeking the magical moment where design and art meets.  I would love to work for other interesting fashion housesFilepMotwary:Name the difficulties you come across as a designer. Where do you see yourself in ten years concerning the circumstances? NikolineLivAndersen:The biggest problem with everything, not only for me as a designer but for everybody and for all parts of life, is the too big importance of money and when grown-ups go boring. Unfortunately there is a strong link between these two factors and is seen quite often. I want to live in the moment where every step of the way is important. In ten years I will do the same. It is my ambition that my clothes and art will always be strong, inspiring and fascinating to others. I want to touch people with my clothes.Filep Motwary:I know this might seem like a boring question for you to answer and for the readers to read, but, did you always want to be a designer? NikolineLivAndersen: I’ve always known that I wanted to work creatively. Since I was a little girl I’ve loved dressing up funny. Looking like a clown the one day and like a funny old lady the other.  I have a fascination for odd old lady for instance the Danish actress called Anne Marie Helger and off cause Anna Piaggi. I love when people are not afraid of experimenting and going crazy with their clothes and styling. When I get old I want be as cool as them.I’ve always painted a lot and wanted to be an artist. In high school I found out that I wanted to work with fashion – in a way like an artist work with his paintings.FilepMotwary: How does your work reflect to your origins? NikolineLivAndersen: My family has always been very supportive. My Father is an Architect and he has always taught me to go for my dreams and never give up. But I’m also rebellious and I guess because he loves functionalism and minimalism I always go for the opposite as long as it’s aesthetic and has a strong expression. I’m a dreamer and certainly not very practical. I don’t think it’s very Danish.FilepMotwary:Your clothes reflect a tragic romanticism. What’s hidden behind the approach you give while working on something? NikolineLivAndersen:My collection describes a dream of a childish world with eternal time to play in conflict with the busy and claustrophobic adult reality. I’m inspired by infantility in modern literature, for instance “Momo” by Michael Ende, where real values are only visible if you slow down, enjoy and reflect. The child is the knowing person. I’m always fascinated of telling a story with my clothes, styling, music and setting. I try to work aesthetic with sometimes harsh and thought-provoking subjects.FilepMotwary:Your next projects? NikolineLivAndersen: Right now I’m working on a blue fox project for Saga Furs there is going to be shown at Mi Fur in Milan in March. Further more am I participating in different kinds of events around Europe this Year and collaborates with photographers and illustrators to make new and interesting pictures. I am also going to make a big exhibition in Copenhagen, Øksnehallen, in the next year. You are all invited.

Photos by JACOB LANGVAD NOTE: THE copyrights of this interview belong to Un Nouveau iDEAL by Filep Motwary.