This weekend saw the 26th International Fashion & Photography Festival at Hyères, which took place at the stunning and historically rich Villa Noailles. The festival saw the some of the industry’s finest come to play in the tiny, otherwise unknown town for a fashion competition judged by Tim Blanks, Proenza Schouler, Christopher Kane, Cathy Horyn, Carla Sozzani and Raf Simons. Previous winners include Viktor & Rolf and Felipe Oliveira Baptista.
I had a brief chat with each of the ten designers (including winning French designer Léa Peckre) about the pop culture inspirations behind (or aspirations for) their collections.
2011 Winner Léa Peckre chose Sean Young who played Rachael in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner
Oriane Leclercq chose artist Boo Ritson
Céline Méteil would like Vanessa Paradis to wear her designs
Janosch Mallwitz cited Kurt Cobain as his inspiration behind the collection and used Nirvana as the soundtrack at the show
Michael Kampe chose ‘body architect’ and ballerina Lucy McRae
Oda Pausma went for KARLISMYUNKLE favourite Anthony Hegarty as the muse she would like to see wear her collection as he is “so pure and insecure”
Maryam Kordbacheh‘s inspiration was the female body
Juliette Alleaume and Marie Vial cited YouTube sensation Jonte as a potential muse thanks to his Beyonce impression
Mads Dinesen confirmed his love for Bjork – one of his designs features her face and he used her music as the catwalk soundtrack
Finally, Emilie Meldem decided on The Wickerman as her muse
