As the lauded Brit designer and print expert launches his Pre Fall 2012 season, we sat down with Jonathan Saunders to map the influences behind the collection, and to find out how it differs from his main line, due to be shown at London Fashion Week in September 2012...
Dazed Digital: What was the inspiration behind the collection?
Jonathan Saunders: For pre fall I looked at the work of architect Charlotte Perriand whose furniture from the 30s, 40s and 50s incorporated basket weaves, patterned wooden screens and retro-esque prints – all which have texture and a geometry to them. These textural elements are key to this collection and also formed the inspiration for the A/W12 runway styles.
DD: Tell us about the prints – where are they from?
Jonathan Saunders: All of the prints are created in-house and are unique to the label but have been inspired from the architectural aspects of Perriand’s work – the weaves and checks representative of her interiors. The silk screen prints are reminiscent of her wallpaper designs.
DD: Except for being smaller, what differentiates a pre fall collection from the main line?
Jonathan Saunders: The resort and pre fall collections are vital to the growth of the business. They allow me to look at creating wardrobe staples. There is also real focus on separates and creating wearable items that women can style back with items they may already own. It also helps form the basis for the main line collection allowing you to test colours and fabrications in the market.
DD: What are you thinking for the main line show in September, any hints you can give us?
Jonathan Saunders: The graphic modernity that you see in my Resort 13 collection will be key and in terms of colour there will be a much colder palette…
Get hold of the Pre Fall 2012 collection at Matchesfashion.com and net-a-porter.com
