London Fashion Week: exclusive interview with Creative Director of Belle Sauvage

Art is Alive had the chance to catch up with Chris Neuman, the Creative Director of the pioneering London-based brand Belle Sauvage. There's currently a huge buzz around the Belle Sauvage since they will unveil an exclusive fashion film this Friday at 11.30am as part of London Fashion Week (the first exclusive stills are here). Don't miss the interview and don't miss the actual film which will be aired on the LFW´s website: http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/digitalschedule

Can you introduce Belle Sauvage please?

Belle Sauvage is an emerging  womenswear brand that was established in January 2008 by Virginia Ferreira and Christian Neuman. Neuman’s eye-catching digital prints and Ferreira’s sharp, imaginative silhouettes have resulted in the brand receiving worldwide attention and interest. 

Three words to describe Belle Sauvage?

Progressive, Creative, Elegant.

What was your inspiration for this collection?

Belle Sauvage return for Spring/Summer 11 adding dimension to their signature vivid, abstract digital prints and slick sculptural silhouettes with full-length red carpet style gowns, and flowing ethereal layered silks. Contemporary shoulders and necklines combine with classic draping and floor-length dresses presenting a new yet entirely recognisable direction for the brand. Prints this season are inspired by American abstract expressionism paying reference to artists such as Frank Stella and Jeff Koons. Blended printing combined with appliqué creates relief and texture within the print and the appearance of gold and copper tones running through the prints alludes to the glamour with exotic stones and precious metals as a key theme throughout. 

Can you tell us a bit more about the fashion film you’ve made?

I also studied Film directing and so it was logical to move into fashion film with Belle Sauvage sooner or later. There is a fashion feature film in planning and so we decided to

start generating interest in our cinematic vision through a first fashion short for the SS11 collection.

Are you closer to the fashion world, the contemporary art bubble or to cinema?

Definitely the fashion world. It is the most sophisticated and challenging one.

Why have you decided to make a film for this London Fashion Week?

It is the future. The visibility and possibilities of expression are enormous.

Do you believe in the power mixing disciplines?

Yes that is what Belle Sauvage is all about.

Where can we watch your movie and where can we buy your pieces?

The fashion short will launch officially on the London Fashion Week website on Friday 17th September at 11.30am UK time, and will stay online on various sites (our Youtube channel) as well as our own website: www.belle-sauvage.co.uk Belle Sauvage has over 40 stockists internationally and is available online through the Belle Sauvage online store and ASOS.com. 

Do you think that London is the best place to showcase your design? Is the city inspiring you?

We love London and that is why we also showcase the collection here. We are also present in Showrooms in Paris, Milan and Tokyo.

Are you constantly looking for innovation or are you also interested in vintage?

Innovation.

Who would you dream to work with, I am talking about artists, filmmakers, designers, muses?

Grace Jones would be pretty cool to dress! 

To finish with, what would you wish to this blog?

Lots of traffic :)

Thanks Chris!

More info on: www.belle-sauvage.co.uk