Three hours before my flight departs, I jump on the metro and ride. The studio is hidden away behind an old East Berlin brick building and at the end of the long dark corridor, Nicole greets me. Having already been shot by the Sartorialist, I knew she'd have sharp style - needlesstosay, I wasn't disappointed.
One of the things I like most about seeing an artist at work - is the process. To me, this is probably more interesting than the end product and I could have spent all day looking through Nicoles swatches, scrapbooks and moodboards.
Seeing the latest collection on one rail, there's a stark contrast to her last.
"I'm moving more towards separate pieces for men and women. My past collection was experiemental in its androgyny, using a lot of black and navy. Now I'm really interested in femininity and we're experimenting with a lot of nude and cream shades."
One of the best items is an oversized coat with military styling, created from a foamy material normally used in swimwear.
"I use a lot of vintage fabrics - the story and history is something which is really inspiring. This shirt (below) is created from a Victorian baby hat and fabric I found in a thrift store. It has been so well cared for, it's really beautiful."
The shirt in question is one of the favourite items from the latest collection - it reminds me of the Jean Paul Gaultier Oscar dress worn by Marion Cotillard in 2008. What I really love, is that Nicole has managed to balance between vintage and new, turning a potentially shabby look into a clever and creative item.
History has really influenced the Von Bardonitz brand, not only through it's use of vintage fabrics. The whole brand concept came after Nicole rummaged through her Great Great Grandfathers attic and found a treasure trove of delights.
"I found so many great things. The memory is so clear in my head. Fur coats and russian hats. Antique lights and wooden chests. I couldn't resist but try them on and when I wear these old clothes - I feel the history"
Getting Nicole to try on key pieces from her past two collections, I can see this vision in her clothes and the way she wears them. There is an understanding of the use of clothing and it's meaning beyond the practical. But most importantly, it looks cool.
Now, 3 years since her first collection, Von Bardonitz is showcasing a 'Perfect World' collection.
"This is all about disappearing into your own world and living in your mind. I grew up in a tiny village and I think this influnces my work a lot. Despite the fact that I longed to escape to Berlin by the time I hit my teens, I was able to spend my childhood climbing trees, eating cherries and playing in the woods. It was magical and I'm really grateful to of had the opportunity to just be a child"
Von Bardonitz has just showed at Berlin Fashion Week 2010. Nicole created a capsule collection of white items for "The White Project" in collaboration with The Offer Design Network. I love the simplicity.
Flicking through the photography from Berlin Fashion Week, I also noticed a familiar face.
Marc Anders photographed by Christoph Wehrer
After a week of intense work, sun and fun I didn't feel too ready to leave Berlin. Meeting great, creative people like Nancy, Sleek, the I Love You team and of course Nicole I feel inspired coming back to Glasgow.
Le Garcon in home...
-- Jonathan
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