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In conversation with
[/vc_column_inner]Dea Kudibal
[/vc_column_inner]Dea Kudibal, was born into a family of artists and bankers, which has inspired her to give a natural flair for design and a good head for business. Dea Kudibal was founded in 2003, with a collection of scarves and shawls made from vintage fabrics. In 2008, the first Dea Kudibal clothing collection was launched with each piece carefully crafted with true detail and playful colours. Read on to discover more about the Danish fashion label…
Q&A
[divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.5″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]What is the background story to you and your fashion label?
I was born into a family of artists and bankers and my heritage gave me a creative mind and a natural flair for business. After finishing my design studies in Copenhagen, I continued my studies in UK at London College of Fashion where I received a BA in Fashion Management.
Feminine prints, playful colors and flattering silhouettes became key elements in my designs and after founding the company in 2003 with an exclusive scarf collection, it was natural for me to extend the collections with a fashion line.
As the company evolved, it has been a focus area for me never to compromise on high quality. Stretch silk and refined handmade details such as embroidery and beadings, become important elements of our DNA as well as essential parts of the four yearly collections.
My fascination for ethnic culture has always been a part of the brand’s identity. That and the Danish roots of the company play a part in the telling of a poetic tale.
Describe your fashion label in three words…
Sophisticated, feminine and eclectic.
What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?
For our Dea Kudibal AW18 Collection we have worked with the concept of a fusion between the more graphic expression and the feminine and organic feel. We looked into pictures that expressed that fusion between the feminine organic bodies of the females, combined with the different graphic shades that creates the texture on their skin.
We also wanted to make sure that one could combine our feminine prints and styles with the more graphic prints so that one gets that perfect fusion in an outfit as well. We have created a collection where it is easy to put together a strong graphic look, a super feminine outfit or a perfectly balanced combination of both.
What is your favourite piece from your collection and why?
I love mixing our styles within the same print and colour scale. The vibrant Wildflower Grey print is one of my favorites in the AW18 collection and I will definitely be wearing the Elly Exclusive tunic and the Riva Exclusive pants styles as a chic set.
What has been your greatest career achievement?
To me the journey is an achievement in its own. 14 years ago I sat down and designed a scarf in four different colour combinations. Now we are creating full collections in the Dea Kudibal brand selling to 600 high-end multi-brand stores around the world.
What is the secret to your fashion label’s success?
Definitely to keep on going, even though it is tough sometimes. I have the best business partners one could dream of and we have been working together since we started Dea Kudibal in 2003.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to see wearing your collection?
I’m inspired by strong women. J.K. Rowling has such a captivating story being a self-made female entrepreneur whilst making a difference for children all over the World. I would be honored to see her wearing my designs.
How do you relax when you’re not working?
When I am not working I spend time with my husband and my son. It is important for me to keep a good balance between work and family.
What are you looking forward to most about exhibiting at Scoop?
Art has always been an inspiration in my designs. Therefore, I appreciate the iconic location at Saatchi Gallery, which creates a special ambience and enhances the experience for the visitors as well as the exhibitors. The broad range of international and locally based audiences make the environment interesting and dynamic. It is always a pleasure to exhibit at Scoop.
Hosted at the Saatchi Gallery, Scoop is a fusion of fashion and art. Do you have a favourite artist?
I adore the Danish artist Morten Schrøder Lund for his beautiful colour combinations and abstract motifs. One of my favorite pieces in my art collection is a painting by the British artist Claire Woods.
What does London mean to you?
I lived in London for 3 years when I studied at the London College of Fashion. I connect London with good friends, lots of inspiration and my time as a design student. To me London is a second home.
What do you love about London?
I love the diversity of London. It makes the city become a place of endless possibilities and it is such an inspiring environment to me. I like to discover hidden niche stores and traditional markets, London offers everything from the proper and traditional to the trendy and edgy.
Describe London in 3 words…
Vibrant, cultural, diverse.
What does British fashion mean to you?
In my opinion British fashion has a unique fusion of classic herritage and elements from subcultural environments, which makes it always interesting.
Describe British fashion in 3 words…
Bold, artistic, lively.
Who is your favourite British fashion designer and why?
Matthew Williamson because of his amazing prints and incredible way of putting colours together.
Where in London do you like to spend your spare time and why? (i.e. bar, restaurant, shop, gallery, area in London…)
What I really appreciate about London are the endless possibilities that the city has to offer. I love spending Sundays at the food market in Shoreditch because of its multicultural ambiance Just as much as I like to shop at Sloane Street surrounded by the characteristic buildings.