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The Danish designer Mette Marie Krarup Bertlesen presents you her last menswear collection inspired by self made films and photos from the New York City subway.


Can you briefly introduce yourself? Who are you in real life?

As a designer I am always inspired to explore and challenge the use of materials, colours and shapes. All kinds of different materials mixed with various piles of textile samples, wood pieces and drawing tools have had their permanent places on my desk for several years now. In the design process, my fantasy rules and decides how to create. A unique universe is build and serves as a basis for fashion cloths, which are dominated by oversized pieces, unconventional use of materials and graphical clean shapes.


How did you come upon the Who's Next Blog and its Young Designer contest? What was your reaction when you found out you'd won?

I was invited by the people behind the “Who’s Next” competition. I was very excited and surprised when I saw my name among the winners. I’m not ashamed to tell, that I posted the great news on my Facebook wall as soon as I heard it


What made you decide to step into this profession?

I was told, that I was not qualified to the School (Designskolen Kolding) but I had to prove them wrong. And so I did. And I have been designing much of my own clothes, since I was a little girl, so it was a natural choice for me.


What are your sources or inspiration?

I am inspired by the world that surrounds me, and the people I meet. My winner collection is inspired and designed by self made film and photos from the New York subway. During the train ride, the camera was kept in one position. The result was a film of contrast and tempo with blurred, diffuse snapshots and flighty characters. The main inspiration for my collection is based on the diffuse silhouettes that arise in the film. Combined with recognizable details from classic menswear, the collection is both straightforward and casual, but still mature in expression.


Fashion, what for?

I am inspired by the creating process. I like to see a design from idea to final garment. And inspire other people in that way.


Your last concert?
 
A November night in Denmark, the greatest entertainer in the world blew me away. At a big stadium I was to meters from my musical idol- Prince. And because of the distance he said hallo to me and my friend during the concert. Simply amazing.




Where would you like to travel ?

India has always been an unexplored country for me. Postcards and pictures of colors and textiles attracts me. The reason why I haven’t been there yet is my fear of snakes, so….


Aurore Bayle-Loudet photography


Describe a successful evening/night?

As I wrote Prince is playing in the background. My friends and I have just finished a delightful dinner. Then it’s time to have a drink and enter the dancefloor. From here the night is one big surprise.




Friday night out, what’s you favourite drink?

It is not fancy, it is not sexy and it is definitely not cool, but I do not care. Since I was a teenager my favorite drink has always been a vodka with a twist of Sprite.


Your news and plans for the future?

My goal is to inspire with shapes, texture and colors. And hopefully have a successful life doing that.


One last word ?

I am very proud to be one of winners in this competition. I really hope this will give me the opportunity to meet exciting people in this business, future contacts and finally see what the European fashion tendency is now. 








Mette Marie Krarup Bertelsen website