The Paris "Maison du Danemark" shows the current work of the designer Nikoline Liv Andersen. With titles like "The Dance of the Deaf and Dumb Eye" or "Only Angels have Wings", it becomes pretty clear: This is a mix of fashion and art. It is an experiment, very expressive and time consuming. The mannequins show an array of showcase creations in the halls on the Avenue des Champs-Èlysèes in Paris, also known as Champs-Èlysèes or commonly called Les Champs, which was one of the great prestigious boulevards of the world. The exhibit is open until April 5, 2015.
Beside the projects already mentioned, the first parts of "The Queen of No Man’s Land" were chosen for the exhibit. Part two will be shown in Henrik Vibskovs New York store in October. In 2006, the danish designer completed her education in fashion design at the Danish Design School and purposely did not choose a career in the present fashion business. Nikoline Liv Andersen bridges the gap between design, hand craft and art using sculptural 3-D fashion layouts. She shifts our current understanding of design and clothing.
This is the first time Nikoline Liv Andersen exhibits her work in Paris. It is a particularly suitable location for her work because people from all over the world are interested in fashion and art acknowledge her work there.
Beside your art inspired haute couture – do you work on a prêt-à-porter collection as well? No, I don't have a commercial line beside this. But in October when I am having an exhibition in New York at Henrik Vibskov, I will be launching some more sellable items.
You are working together with your husband, is he a fashion designer as well? Yes, he is a furniture designer and often a part of my projects. He also has a background as an instrument builder so he's really good at building stuff. Furthermore, it is good to have one to talk you through all parts of a process.
Who exaclty is wearing your extravagant arty styles? Or do you see your future more on the art side? This is definitely a mix between the two worlds.
How do you choose the creative team (stylist, photographer, music) for your photo shoots and shows? I really love working with the Danish photographer Signe Vilstrup. Together, we set up a team. When I am working on my own photo shoot, I don't use other stylists. Actually, the Danish composer Kasper Winding has made the soundtrack for the exhibition in Paris. Normally, for exhibitions and shows, I make the music on my own together with my brother Christian Odd. Music means a lot to me.
Fashion film – the next challenge? So far I have made two small fashion films but will definitely do some more.
Nikoline Liv Andersen . Until 5 April, 2015 at the Maison du Danemark, 142 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris.
