LFW Interview: Christopher Raeburn

As if it wasn’t baltic enough outside, Christopher Raeburn brought the outside in at Somerset House. Planet Notion huddled up front row listening to the chilling gales of a tundra played through the room, setting the mood for the “FREEZE” collection.  Model’s donned ultra peaked caps and structured hoods, as they squeaked down the catwalk in padded wedges. Fashion is never compromised over functionality with Raeburn; cropped wool jackets, all in one padded jumpsuits and sleepingbag scarves promise to keep anyone snug in the FREEZE. Raeburn also debuted his much anticipated accessories collection with appropriately practical constructed rucksacks zipped bumbags. Planet Notion caught up with eponymous designer after the show for a wee chat…

Planet Notion: Where did your collection “FREEZE” come from?

Christopher Raeburn: I was really interested in the idea of creating something that’s very functional, but also something very feminine and something that has a view to protecting yourself, and cocooning yourself.  The cold really is the key one; protecting yourself from the elements and keeping yourself warm.

PN: Tell me about the sustainability of your collection.

CR: The underlying thing for all our garments is sustainability. We use recycled fabrics, we manufacture in England and the accessories will be produced here in London so it’s up there a priority for the brand.

PN: Your long awaited accessories line was debuted this season – what was the design process like?

CR: With the accessories, first we developed the bags for menswear and we’ve got in an incredible accessories designer, Tamara on my team and she really understands the Christopher Raeburn aesthetic. It’s a really great experience working alongside someone like that who can bring these attributes to the team.

PN: You’re a very functional designer – how do you strike the balance between making something that’s functional as well as fashionable? How do you marry the two together?

CR: We really try to design the collection with fun elements, like with the polka dot print featured throughout the collection. And we try to have fun, as it can easily be quite serious being so functional, so I like to think we strike the balance quite well.

Words – Ailie Robertson
Photos – Kevin Chesnais