M a g a z i n e: Corrie Nielsen Autumn/Winter 2012 London Fashion Week

18 February 2012

Corrie Nielsen Autumn/Winter 2012 London Fashion Week

Designer name: Corrie Nielsen

Origin: Corrie was born in Florida and moved to London in 2000.

Design background: Corrie studied at Central Saint Martins. From 2000-2006 she worked for Vivienne Westwood. She won Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden in 2010.

Career highlight: “Being chosen by John Galliano as winner of Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden 2010.”

Design signatures: “The daywear has a witty take on traditional men’s tailoring. Our bespoke eveningwear makes a truly original statement for gala events.”

How would you describe the Corrie Nielsen woman? “She has a strong sense of style and is comfortable and confident in her own identity. She expects quality, craftsmanship and custom in her everyday wear.”

Trademark piece: “The bias-cut knot tie shirt.”

Three autumn/winter 2012 inspirations: “My Scottish great, great, great grandfather John S. Burns who emigrated from Scotland to the United States about the same time as the Revolutionary War; he settled in Arkansas. I’m also inspired by Scottish clans that produced unique hand-woven tartans representing a particular family name, as well as medieval English and Scottish forms of dress and lifestyle.”

What does 2012 hold for your Brand? “Focused business building.”

What is your favourite decade in Fashion? “I appreciate all decades. We can learn something from each decade, not just through the history of dress but also what has shaped and impacted various time periods, politically and socially.”

Where do you go to seek artistic inspiration in London? “There is so much in London that a lot of people take for granted and don’t know about. The city literally has layers upon layers of hidden treasures from hundreds of years ago piled on top! As the saying goes, "Seek and ye shall Find." Inspiration comes from everywhere in London. I prefer the old and withering historical parts that have untold stories and boundless character. I also find immense inspiration researching in the libraries, especially the British Library which houses books that are hundreds of years old. There is a beautiful library that I have seen from the outside of one of the buildings down Pall Mall which I would love to dive into.”