Random Questions For…Camilla Staerk

Danish-born designer Camilla Staerk capped off her well-received fall and spring runway shows by opening a boutique in the Little Italy section of her newly adopted city, New York, which showcases her moodily sensual collection – heavy on the black leather - to perfect effect.  

Staerk, like her namesake line (now also called Staerk), looks a bit – how to put it? -  foreboding upon first glance, but turns out to be anything but.  She originally launched her label in London in 2000 after studying fashion design at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and completing a New York internship with Patrick Robinson at his eponymous label. 

Staerk’s senior collection was snapped up by Browns Focus and Maria Luisa boutique, and she went on to win Top Shop’s New Generation Award (the UK’s version of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund) three times, attracting a diverse range of celebrity clients, including Maggie Gyllenhaal, PJ Harvey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Liv Tyler and Helena Christensen, along the way.

The Copenhagen native relocated to New York two years ago after a dispute with her Camilla Staerk backers, relaunched the line as Staerk, and rediscovered her creative voice in the process, as can be seen in her fall 08 collection, dubbed “Bride of the Black Moon” in honor of that season’s muse, sculptor Louise Nevelson.

“Louise Nevelson showed me that there is another way of being an American and a New Yorker,” the designer has said.  “You channel the energy of the city through yourself, your own personality and obsessions.”

Staerk's personality and obessions can clearly be seen in her work – and her new boutique, both of which are equal parts austere and erotic.  Just like the designer herself.

The Fashion Informer caught up with Staerk last week to get the skinny on her favorite music, her weekend plans and her longtime love of black leather.

So, Camilla…

What is in current rotation on your iPod?

The new Portishead album “Third,” The soundtrack from “There Will Be Blood” and Patti Smith’s “Easter.”

 

How old were you the first time you wore black leather?

I must have been about 12 or 13. I think the attraction to this material comes from my horse riding background. I was on horseback daily since before I could even walk, and later thought to become a saddle maker.  Also, my appreciation and admiration for the furniture craft has surely played a role. This passion has run through my family for generations. My father and both of my grandfathers worked in the trade of Danish furniture.

 

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Large soy cappuccino.

 

What did you do last weekend and what are your plans for this weekend?

Work and a walk in the city. Dinner and drinks with friends. Same thing next weekend, but quite a bit more work though.

 

What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas. Because it is the only time a year that I actually take a holiday, and this holiday also symbolizes childhood and fond memories for me.  A Danish Christmas is very magical.

 

Tell me about your best friend.

Victor Glemaud. He is divine - that would be the best word to describe him.

 

What's your all-time favorite movie?

“Breaking The Waves” by Lars Von Trier is one of them. It touched me in such a big way that I have not been able to watch it since. That is powerful.

 

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Being with people I love. They all inspire me.

 

Favorite getaway spot?

The boutique resort 'Jakes' in Jamaica. My husband and I discovered this place in the spring of 2007. It is our ideal holiday, and we decided it was our late but real honeymoon. I love it, because it is so basic, relaxing and homey with great local food. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

What is the one question you'd like to ask God, assuming s/he exists?

Is everything planned in detail already?

 

What is your favorite sport to watch and to participate in?

To watch: Soccer World Championships (mostly when Denmark is playing).  To participate in: Equestrian Dressage sports.

 

Beverage of choice?

Dry vodka martini with olives.

 

What was your childhood nickname and what's your nickname now?

Mille (childhood).  Stærk, Starketta (now).

 

What never fails to make you cry?

Animals being mistreated.

 

When are you happiest?

Those inspiring and happy moments when it feels like it is all coming together, sometimes how you imagined, sometimes in a very unexpected way. And those moments in the company of my husband, friends and family - feeling that I do remember living life.

 

 

Comments

[sara]

great interview, as per usual. ms. staerk seems so mysterious, it's nice to see her open up a bit for us.

[abby wallach]

We did a fabulous interview with Camilla and her husband from her show this past spring. Check it out at www.beautifulstranger.tv.

[Boutique de Laine]

great interview
as so THANK SO MUCH