Nina Hjorth, 29, Danish, Womenswear Footwear

Where did you study and why did you decide to study there?
Royal College of Art. It is the most prestigious and very limited in places – I was one of only two womenswear footwear students. The tutoring is great and there are so many amazing projects.

Which city do work in and for what reason?
London, because it is the best place to be if you are working on your own thing. That being said I wouldn’t mind a job offer in Paris, I think my design style suits Paris best.

What films/books/tv-programs/moments and stories inspire your design now?
I’ve just seen the Tim Walker exhibition at the Design Museum and my current sketchbook is inspired by his images combined with the romanticism from the film Marie Antoinette and the paintings of New York artist Ray Caeser.

In your own words describe your last collection.
A statement of simplicity.

Who is your all time fashion idol?
Richardo Tisci.

In a sentence how would you describe your work/style?
I am good at balancing my designs so they are in-between catwalk statements and very wearable pieces.  

From the recent S/S 09 shows, which shows were your favourite collections, and why?
I think Gianfranco Ferré was my favorite. I also loved Fendi, Etro, Prada, Philip Lim, Antonio Berardi, Balmain and of cause Givenchy.

Which new designers do you respect and why?
Nicholas Kirkwood in footwear design – he has just done so amazingly well in only 3 years.

If you could go back in time and experience any fashion moment, what would it be?
18th Century maybe but I’m quite happy living in 2008.

If you could get any model/ anyone to wear your clothes, who would it be - who is your muse and why?
I really like Mariacarla Boscono she is so pretty. Also Chloë Sevigny - she wears “dressed up” very casual which I really like. Same for Carine Rotfield who I also adore.

If you were to shoot your campaign and you could get your dream team of photographer, stylist, and model and do anything you wanted, who and what would it be?
Well I really like Tim Walker, Carine Rotfield and Mariacarla but I’m not sure the combination of them would work out too well. But it would be fantastic to shoot this collection at a 1920s style lido.

Where do you see yourself/your label for A/W 09?
I’m going to have to skip a season as I need to source a new factory with more competitive pricing, my London factory is not feasible at present. I also need to hire a sales and PR team.

Where do you see yourself/ your label for A/W 29?
I’ll be old by then… but hopefully still going.

If you weren’t a fashion designer what would you be?
Probably an interior designer.