Dear iDEALS, in October 1997, longing to start her own label, Veronique
Branquinho designed her first womenswear collection. Simultaneously,
she designed the women's collection for the Italian house of Ruffo
Research for 2 seasons and participated in exhibitions all over the
Belgium fashion scene (notably at Colette with Raf Simons). In January
2003, she enriched her world by adding a menswear collection. The first
boutique in her name, opened in August of the same year. In 1998 she
won Best Designer Award at the VH1 Fashion Awards. Lat March, Earlier
this year, Branquinho’s work retrospective opened it’s doors at the
Fashion Museum of Antwerp (MoMU) . The exhibition entitled Moi,
Veronique: Branquinho Toute Nue (I, Veronique: Branquinho Totally
Naked) exposed the designer’s clothing and references from the last
decade. This conversation happened a few days before the new year, 2009.
FilepMotwary: You expressed interest in ARTS when starting your career. How did you finally chose to devote yourself in Fashion?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: It was in the late 80’s, when I discovered the
work of the Belgian 6 that I started being interested in fashion. I
admired the work of Dirk Van Saene en Martin Margiela. They spoke a
language that I could understand, and most of all, could feel. I wanted
to communicate on the same way. Before that, fashion just was something
that belonged to another world.
FilepMotwary: The memory of your Spring Summer 2005 collection
is still haunting me. It was the only Branquinho show I attended so far
and the soundtrack, OMD’s “Dream of me” has become on of my favorite
songs since that day. If I close my eyes, I can see it all again. Tell
me, how difficult is to create a good presentation, something as
memorable as this, so cinematic, poetic and yet such a powerful effect
at the same time?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: Thanks. For me, fashion is not only about
creating clothes but most of all about creating a universe. The women,
the music, the setting, the clothes are all equally important to me.
All these elements together make that you can create the right emotion.
FilepMotwary: Your work looks as something very personal, yet
has a clear Belgian identity. Why do you think Belgian fashion made
such a strong impact , back in the late 1980’s and still continue to
ROCK the world , by being so individual, to this day?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: All Belgian designers are very different and make
very different collections. The thing that connects them is
individuality. They all do their thing, apart from trend, in good and
bad times. That ‘s what makes their work incorruptible and honest.
FilepMotwary: You worked very close with fellow Cypriot,
stylist, Panos Yiapanis, even before he became so big. How was this
relationship?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: In the first place we are friends, even if we met
trough our work. I have good memories going to music festivals and
watching movies together.
FilepMotwary: You once said in an interview: “To conquer sex is
much more attractive that the act itself”. What is sex for you? How
does it appeal in your work?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: Desire is the drive to satisfaction. I love to be on the road.
FilepMotwary: Earlier this year (2008), you had a retrospective
exhibition of your work. Its been four months since it ended. What is
the taste “in your mouth”? Do you feel that your work has made a first
complete circle?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: In fashion we are always thinking of the future.
The exhibition did allow me to make a stop and look behind. 10 years is
a good time to make up the balance. To be proud of the good things and
learn from the bad things. I left my luggage behind and feel light and
free for the next 10 years. I always say that my collections are like
my diary. Now it’s like I finished a chapter in my book and I’m ready
for a new one. A virgin white page is always inspiring.
FilepMotwary: Does it tire you, this whole procedure of
fashion? The collections that come one after the other, the press? Do
you have moments of solitude?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: My relationship with the fashion system is an
ambiguous one. I feel good when I’m creating, but sometimes I feel
frustrated because of the high speed deadlines. Ready or not, every six
months you need to show your work to the world. That’s why I envy other
creative people like writers, painters, musicians,..., they show their
novels, paintings, music,..., to the world when they think it’s ready
and not because there is a new season. But on the other hand, because
of the time-pressure you can react quickly on the sign of the times.
And that is what fashion is about : Communication. Alert and with the
finger on the pulse.
FilepMotwary: What is Romance for you and how do you think it reflects through your work?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: Romance is the fuel of life. Indispensable.
FilepMotwary: What is next for BRANQUINHO?
VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO: A/W 2009-2010
NOTE: The interview is part of ISTEROGRAFO's fifth Fashion issue due
to come out on JANUARY 11th as part of PHILELEFTHEROS Cyprus.
Veronique Branquinho is represented by Totem. The images presented in
the post have nothing to d with the material that will be posted in the
magazine.
Every mountain open, water bridge - across the bridge, on the mountain, and often there will be a new world
Posted by: supra shoes | December 23, 2010 at 04:08