Made of Milk

At a glance, the pieces from the label 'Fin's new collection by Norwegian designer Per Sivertsen seems to be the perfect costumes for a modern day Marie Antoinette, catered to suit the otherwordly feminine styles of Erin Featherston, Kirsten Dunst, or Lily Cole. However, on closer inspection we realise that there is more to these delicate garments; that they are made from the purist and most innocent of materials of all, milk.

We spoke to the head designer Sivertsen about the process and use of such an unexpected material to apply to 'Fin's collections.

Dazed Digital: What do you have in mind when you are designing?
Per Sivertsen: For spring / summer 2010 it was the lightness and beauty of a parachute in the air - and the natural drapery of the same Parachute when it falls to the ground.
 
DD: How do you pick what fabrics you use?
Per Sivertsen: We are in a constant search for new sustainable materials! For spring / summer I completely fell in love with this crisp, paperish mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton. Incredibly light and silky to the touch.
 
DD: Tell us about 'Milk'. What is this made of?
Per Sivertsen: The 'milk' fabric is actually made out of 100 per cent milk! The fabric is made out of the milk protein from surplus milk not intended for food. 

DD: What are the benefits of using this material? 
Per Sivertsen: The 'milk' fabric that we included in our collection has the same raw feeling as a bandage!
 
DD: Your designs are quite feminine and in soft colours, do you think you are influenced by Norwegian fashion at all?

Per Sivertsen: We would rather like to define what Norwegian should be - but I guess I am influenced by my Norwegian background. I speak low in my design - like a soft explosion.
 
DD: Who inspires you?

Per Sivertsen: Right now it is Stella Tennant. I have admired her style since I was a teenager. Impeccable!