London-based Hans Christian Madsen has recently graduated from the RCA specialising in menswear and tailoring.
Originally from Denmark, Madsen takes a refreshing and contemporary angle on experimental knitwear, inspired by classic US military uniforms.
The results are chunky, oversized knitted layers in grey and coal nuances worn over neat tailoring. A perfect balancing act.
Q.How do you describe your style? A.Nordic Folklore reinvented
Q.Who inspires you at the moment? A."Rebel style": 1950´s youth culture, the time between the end of World War II and the election of John F. Kennedy. The shift in Hollywood film, the fresh wave of actors: Marlon Brando and James Dean. This new attitude and style: the leather jacket combined with jeans and T-shirt. All in combination with traditional handcraft techniques to evoke a casual image. Q.How do you describe this collection (SS08)? A.My work is a personal expression though a process orientated approach to design –a tradition of beautiful simplicity meets the minimalism and medative style of the military clothing and the Scandinavian Knit tradition. A clean graphic line with references to the importance of good craftsmanship and knowledge of material. The clothes are casual and the design is based on thorough design work and focus on techniques. It is a modern approach to the classic military clothing, a masculine minimalism combined with a detailed look, with finely sharp silhouettes. Relaxed and comfortable elegance, built around eloquent designs in grey nuances. The look is Scandinavian style with a twist of a raw sporty military look.
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