Atlas of Fashion Designers

273

Jens Laugesen

Jens Laugesen

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“Chance is not, nor can it be, anything more than the unknown cause of an unknown ef-

fect,” Voltaire once stated.  e part of a designer’s work that revolves around the con-

cept of “hybrid” cannot be mere chance, but perhaps it could be the result of causality.

Danish designer Jens Laugesen’s eager interest in microbiology, genetic modifi cation and

hybridization—so fi tting at the outset of the new millennium, as they are fi elds in which

everything gets combined, reconstructed and reinvented—has been apparent in much of

his work since the outset of his career. In fact, his original plan was to study microbiology

and specialize in genetics—that is, until fashion crossed his path. What he did, though,

was capture the spirit of his original passion and bring it to his new-found one, creating

collections situated in technological and futuristic landscapes with designs that approach

the conceptual and yet speak to our everyday lives.

In 1987, he moved to Paris, where he studied haute couture at the Chambre Syndicale de

la Couture Parisienne, going on in 1994 to earn a master’s degree in management from

the Institut Française de la Mode. He worked for various fashion houses in the French

capital until, in 2000, he decided to go to London to pursue another master’s, this time in

women’s wear fashion at Central Saint Martins College. His graduation collection was a

big hit, signaling the beginning of a career of countless accomplishments and prizes, among

them the 2003 New Generation Award given by the British Fashion Council, which made

him an indispensable fi gure at London Fashion Week.

Since then, his work has not gone unnoticed by anyone, and even less by the multitude of

specialty magazines that laud every one of his collections.

Photography by Jean Françoise Carly

274

Jens Laugesen

Sketch courtesy of Jens Laugesen

275

Jens Laugesen

Sketches by the designer that,

beginning with faint traces, show the

most characteristic features of his work:

structurally minimalist silhouettes

opposite complex details, which

combine to make his garments unique.

Sketch courtesy of Jens Laugesen