Julie Eilenberger: contrasting textures and distant places
From Denmark to Florence to Berlin to London, we speak to fashion designer Julie Eilenberger as she discusses her love of contrasting materials as much as changing cities.
What prompted you to go into fashion?
I grew up in a creative environment. My father was a photographer and my mother a graphic designer so it was always an easy thing for me to go into. I’m fascinated by textures and cloths and I always went on trips abroad with my family where we would buy exotic fabrics.
Do you believe that formal education is important for a career in fashion?
I think it’s really important depending on what you want to do. Studying my degree in Germany was hard, we had to produce two collections a year and did everything ourselves from the pattern cutting to the hats, shoes and bags! It helped me to understand how things worked, at first I didn’t care about the functionality of a product but now I have a respect for it.
Why did you decide to move to Italy when you were 18?
I’d been there a few times and I’d always loved Italy as a country. It was a fun year of studying for me as we only studied for three to four hours a day.
Do you enjoy the London fashion scene, why did you choose to launch your label here?
I first came to London when I did an internship with Christopher Kane for half a year but I love the contrast to Berlin where it’s much more laid back. London is a very serious, hardworking city and there’s a lot more going on. I guess I grew out of the fun, slow pace of Berlin and focused on designing, I prefer London.
Do you think that your background gives you an advantage in such an international industry?
I believe it gives me a wider perspective on things. I get inspiration from the different things that I’ve seen and experienced like the countryside, the ocean and the big city. I have a need to travel!
Your designs include a lot of prints and textures, what is the idea behind this?
I like contrasting materials. I love structured, harsh, masculine materials to be contrasted with silk or lace, I think it makes it interesting.
Do you feel experimenting with contrasting materials gives your clothes more of a personality and make your brand stand out?
It’s not necessarily a conscious decision but it happens every season so it’s part of the brand now.
Who do you think your designs appeal?
They can work on both younger and older women; I don’t have a target audience or age group as I don’t see it as important.
Who are your favourite designers, have you any dream collaborations?
Someone who I really respect is Prada, they are really unique and every season they produce something unexpected. I also love Nicolas Ghesquière, now that he’s left Balenciaga I’m excited to see what he’s going to do next. As for collaborations I’m not really interested in other designers – as I’d rather collaborate with really talented photographers and artists.
Where do you see the brand going and what are your plans for the future?
Well it didn’t start that long ago so at the moment I’m just growing the collection. In the future I want a competitive, established and international brand.
Well-travelled, well-educated and her designs aren’t half bad either! We definitely see this brand going far in the future.
Talicia Ramsey
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