London-born, Canadian-bred designer Jean-Pierre Braganza has been making waves on the fashion scene since launching his eponymous collection in 2004.
Though he cut his teeth working for the likes of Robert Cary-Williams and Roland Mouret after graduating from Central Saint Martins, the Irish/Asian designer's vocabulary is uniquely his own, marrying an edgy sensibility, razor sharp tailoring and his signature futuristic/anatomical/robotic prints into a very chic, sophisticated brew that makes the wearer look and feel strong, sexy and empowered (yes, please!).
No wonder Joan Jett, Keith Richards, Estelle, Rufus Wainwright and Nine Inch Nails are fans. Braganza has designed clothes for all of the above, and counts Karl Lagerfeld among his many fashion-world admirers. In fact, it was Lagerfeld who selected Braganza to participate in the Australian Wool Innovation's Protégé Project in 2008, the same year he was nominated for the Swiss Textile Award and designed a special capsule collection for Roewe cars in China. For fall 2010, the designer has pushed the collaboration envelope even further by partnering with Rives paper on a series of origami-like corsets and cuffs.
The Fashion Informer's Lauren David Peden sat down with the designing dad just after London Fashion Week to talk alcohol, art and music (among other things).
So, Jean-Pierre...
What's your favorite store in the world?
Seven New York. I love their mentality; always pushing boundaries and not afraid to take risks.
What's the biggest difference between the English and Canadians?
When an Englishman drinks a pint or two after work it's normal. When a Canadian does it they're an alcoholic.
Please define "Psychadelactica."
It stems from my obsession with machines and a long session of watching the box set of Battlestar Galactica. Imagine a robot made by humans but improved by robots to be more human. Their dreams might look something like my prints.
What's your favorite work of art?
Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio. The extremity of light and darkness and the existential crisis we all face.
What music do you listen to while designing?
When we interview new staff we always warn them the heavy rock/industrial music may be extreme sometimes.
Do you remember the first person you kissed?
Two girls insisted on me being their sweetheart - ménage a trois in Kindergarten!
What's your favorite time of day?
9pm. Everyone has left, I’m planning to leave the studio but always stay longer.
What websites do you read on a daily basis?
None. Who has time for that?
Please look up from wherever you are answering these questions and describe what you see.
A grimy studio and a big Victorian window looking down onto a grimy East London street.
What's your preferred medium for sketching?
Mechanical pencil and A4 white sheets for my Femme Fatales. Charcoal, ink and acrylic paint for the prints.
What's the last song you performed at karaoke?
Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns N’ Roses.
What's your favorite - and least favorite - thing about winter?
Layering, of course. Cotton jersey under wool under leather. I hate the complete lack of sunshine.
How do you unwind after Fashion Week?
I try to go home at 6pm for a few weeks.
What freaks you out?
Banality.
When are you happiest?
Drunk with my loved ones and special team members in my studio playing with ideas.
very inspiring article to the person who want to make career in fashion industry.
Jean-Pierre Braganza is amzing fashion informer.
Wish him all the best for his bright career.
Posted by: jeans for mens | June 05, 2010 at 12:41 AM