Introducing fashion designer Patrick Brendan and his collection: Ambra. Photography by Anna Helm. Models are Keisha, Laura and Zoe signed at AM Model Management. Makeup and Hair by Dzevrije Dzaviti and Sharon Hintzen.
Design by Patrick Brendan / Instagram: @patrickbrendan_
Photography by Anna Helm / www.anna-helm.com / Instagram: @helm_anna
Models are Keisha, Laura and Zoe signed at AM Model Management
Instagram (Models): @i.am.keisha / @laura__wr / @zoezzindel
Instagram (Agency): @ammodelmanagement
Makeup and Hair by Dzevrije Dzaviti and Sharon Hintzen
Instagram: @dzev.makeup / @sharonhintzen.makeupartist
KALTBLUT: Tell me how you first became interested in fashion; and why you decided to become a fashion designer.
Fashion was a big part of my life at such a young age. I’ve always loved theatre, costumes and dressing up. I began experimenting with different styles when I was about twelve or thirteen.
I became a big music enthusiast at that time. Watching musicians put their work in context through fashion made me want to create characters. Fashion photographers like Nick Night and Inez & Vinoodh were the ones who brought the world of high fashion to my cosmos.
KALTBLUT: Tell me a little bit about your journey that led to you releasing your new collection.
Our society has gotten very strict about correctness and conformity lately. I wanted to show that there are ambiguous tendencies in everything. The ambiguous construct in my collection appears through the tension between sensual and destructive elements. Through layering and prints, I wanted to create a state of excessive metamorphosis. I believe that only in a confrontation with an antithesis, we can become who we are.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your style and fashion?
I’m a radical minimalist. No labels, no prints. Modest colours and cool sneakers. Black is essential.
But I love to experiment when it comes to creating. I’m always looking for something beyond human. Godlike, ethereal. Even if it’s not a religious reference.
That’s very important.
KALTBLUT: Are there any fashion icons who inspire your design?
Yes, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Nicola Formichetti and Iris van Herpen.
KALTBLUT: What would you say makes your design stand out against other brands?
I think my ability to transport cultural, political and social references into fashion is what makes my designs very unique. I like to play with an antithesis, so there’s always some kind of duality. I believe that duality is inherent in human beings. That is the philosophical inspiration for my collection. A dialectical way of thinking.
KALTBLUT: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?
Recently I’ve been reading a lot. I like Hegel.
I’d like to practice the Abramovic method. Do you know Marina Abramovic? She’s brilliant. I listen to a lot of ’70s and 80’s music and my favourite painter is Francis Bacon.
KALTBLUT: What advice would you give to people who want to experiment more with the clothes they wear?
Don’t be on social media so much. Instagram is a creativity killer. Watch your new favourite movie, listen to a song … go to an exhibition, or read a book. Who do you want to become after? That will be your next inspiration. Also if it feels dangerous, it’s a good idea.
KALTBLUT: What are your favourite pieces from your collection?
The catsuits are fun. Who doesn’t love a catsuit?
KALTBLUT: How would you describe the local fashion scene/industry in your home town/country?
Düsseldorf as the fashion capital is very dapper. Germany is very old-fashioned in general but I
see progress in people opening up a little more.
KALTBLUT: What does being an independent designer mean to you?
I see myself having my brand in the future but for now, I want to
gain as much experience in the industry as possible.
KALTBLUT: If your brand was ice cream, what flavours would it be?
Oh, charcoal. Dark and sweet.
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened to?
Go Back from The Klinik, I’m a very EBM’esque person I guess.
KALTBLUT: Finally, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
I’m already working on upcoming projects but I don’t want to reveal anything about them yet.
My focus now is on breaking into the fashion industry and making a name for myself.
I will apply to my favourite labels obviously … but I am going to keep an open mind, I’ve come to a point where I can say that I can be artistically enthusiastic about any fashion house.
