Cooperative Designs – Knitwear for the 21st Century

7 September 2008 No Comment by sirdorian

interview by sirdorian | pictures by cubecompany pr

What is your educational Background?
We both studied at Central St Martins MA Fashion, specialising in knitwear. That is how we met. Previously to that Annalisa studied knitwear at Brighton, and Dorothee studied fashion at FHWT-Berlin.

What was the reason choose Knit as your prime Textile?
We love the traditional aspects of the knitwear, and the way that scale, texture and proportion can be thoroughly explored integrally within the garment.

There are a lot of preconceptions and prejudices against traditional knitwear, so many knit designers are ashamed of their craft roots. We celebrate the craft associations and subvert traditional perceptions and ideas.

A/W 08.09. by Cooperative Designs

Dorothee, what do you think about the current Germany Fashion Scene?
The german fashion scene is changing quite a lot at the moment, it’s getting more interesting, the designers are becoming more confident, and the press are starting to notice them. Berlin Fashion Week has been really key in helping this change.

How was it to get mention first and then an interview with legendary Diane Pernet?
It was great to be interviewed and reviewed by Diane, she asked really interesting questions, we are both big fans and it was really exciting to see our work on her site!

Your new Collection is inspired by Horror Movies. Funny thing, my first ever seen Horror Movie also was “IT” when I was a young adolescent. I got that much scared and haven´t seen a Horror Movie again as a teenager. So what is the fascination about Argento or Jan Svankmajer’s Faust?
Ha ha, horror movies are good! You shouldn’t be put off by IT! Its not so frightening at the end…. Argento and Svankmajer both have an incredible sense of melodrama, beauty, fear and a sense of humour all at the same time! These feelings are what we wanted to recreate within our collection.

What is your favourite Horror Movie?
“Don’t Look Now”. Followed closely by “Night of the Living Dead”

And have you been in Mexico or South America to get some inspiration?
No, we would love to though! We were originally inspired by a vintage cardigan with Peruvian imagery, which prompted us to research the area.

A/W 08.09. by Cooperative Designs

Tribal, Aztec, Myths, Pyriamds are also very popular in Music now. With Acts like Klaxons, MGMT, Midnight Juggernauts etc. Do you like their Music and what do you think is the reason that this kind of things are so popular nowaydays?
We have been talking with OOIOO, an amazing girl band from Japan, we are planning on doing something special with them for our upcoming show in September. They have some really great tribal vibes going on in one of their videos that we really love.

In Additon to your main Collection you also offer a Shadow collection, what was the Idea behind?
We love the concept of creating a colourful graphic collection, and then creating a shadow to that collection. It allows the shapes of the pieces to speak for themselves.

Who is your favourite Fashion Designer?
Too many to mention for too many reasons.

What can we expect for 2009?
Next summer is going to be all about colourful graphic Memphis inspired knits, slouchy sleeve holes, sexy knitted vest dresses and x-ray fabrics.