When it comes to a fashion show, there are always a few questions popping up in my mind immediately. What are the new trends, new colors, new shapes and – most important – where exactly does the designer take his inspiration from? So when I spent some time at the HUGO menswear fitting last week, I took the chance to ask all the questions someone who has to have some answers. And now, I’m sharing it with you. Here’s my interview with HUGO menswear designer Bart de Backer.
What’s new for Spring/Summer 2013?
Well the idea of this collection is looking at the constant transformation and digitalization and its impacts on our lives. We are looking at the classic tailoring and put this tradition in today’s world where we have high technological material everywhere and then create a new vision based on that.
What about the colors for Spring/Summer 2013?
For me spring starts softly and then it’s gonna be like a firework… blue, spring green and also a little bit of citron combined with some off-tones. Spring/Summer 2013 is a lot about colors but also about using very different materials together.
Any comebacks?
I wouldn’t say that. It’s an evolution. We started last winter season with techno tailoring. What I do now is an evolution on what I did before but it’s again a step further. So you can be very curious about the new collection.
What is the most important thing in a man’s wardrobe?
That is definitely a tuxedo jacket. When you look at HUGO you have jackets which you can wear the whole day. Suitable for all occasions – from breakfast to work to dinner and to go out with. You step out wearing your tuxedo jacket and you look good no matter the occasion!
What is your design philosophy?
I love new things. I always try to put two opposite things against each other. Old with new or sporty with dressed. And also: I don’t like complicated fashion. Although you can have the most amazing design, it has to have some easiness. You have to put it on and you have to feel: I look good!
Where do you take your inspiration from?
My inspiration is actually very diverse. It depends on the moment. I can take inspiration from a museum as well as from the street. It could be a picture or a movie I saw or a book that I’ve read. You know how it is: You walk into a museum and you see something new and it doesn’t get out of your mind. Besides that what I really love is watching people. Something I love to do all my live. Especially unfashionable people. I look to everything on the street and I like how people sometimes dress themselves very individual without being fashionable – this is kind of an inspiration for me.
Who are your personal icons in the fashion industry?
There was one woman that I really admired and that was Coco Chanel. She made fashion out of her own reality. She had a problem with dressing and she solved it for herself. This is what I really liked.
What’s next for Bart de Backer?
Well HUGO is getting 20 next year and I’m completely into the history of HUGO and about to do something new with it. But for this time that’s all I can tell you about it yet.
Are you excited about the upcoming HUGO Fashion Show in Berlin?
Yes. And it’s gonna be the best show ever… again! It will be amazing because it is again a new approach of HUGO and a step forward into the HUGO vision!
Thank you so much for this inspiring interview, Bart!
Like our models and the HUGO stylist before, Bart also filled in a little personal questionnaire for you. And guess what’s the one thing we have in common: we do not like to wake up early!
