December 5, 2016 |
There’s always a playfulness that comes through in Olympia Le-Tan’s designs. Whether it’s her tongue-in-cheek book clutches and accessories or her ready-to-wear collections, with their slightly rose-filtered, retro edge, everything she does is permeated with a sense of fun. Launching today, her latest collection, for SS17, shot by Oliver Hadlee Pearch at the legendary Parisian, Rex Club is a playful homage to 60’s psychedelia and rave culture, featuring the work of graphic artists known for their visual contribution to the era, including Rick Griffin, Martin Glasser, Tadanori Yokoo and Martin Sharp. Little shift dress are printed with open red lips from which rainbows flow, dark cosmos scenes appear on tea style dresses, stripes are wide in rainbow hues, whereas sequins make an appearance in the form comic book scenes. Boxy jackets are adorned with eye popping patches and sweetheart neckline blouses, worn with cropped trousers that sport oversized floral turn ups add a sense of bad girl to stop this veering into territory that’s too sickly sweet. Remember Mary Weiss of the Shangri-La’s? Well think her, but with more attitude, if thats even possible. So how better to celebrate the launch of her new collection than with a quick Q&A. A sort of bastardised Proust if you will, except that all of out questions are taken from the legendary Ritz Newspaper. But then a ritzy collection does require a ritzy Q&A no?
Natalie Dembinska: What would you say are the essentials to become famous/ respected in your profession?
Olympia Le-Tan: Stick to what you know how to do. Work your arse off to make sure you do it well. Be tough but kind.
ND: What’s your intimate ambition?
OLT: Having a few kids and moving to the Japanese countryside with them. Once there, either start knitting children’s clothes or making apple jam.
ND: What do you do for entertainment?
OLT: Karaoke.
ND: What’s your favourite feeling?
OLT: Nostalgia
ND: Do you have a reputation? Does it precede you?
OLT: I did. Used to be known as a bit of a bitch with a big mouth. I’ve softened up with age!
ND: Do you ever feel insulted by cities?
OLT: I often feel insulted by my own city, Paris… so many grumpy people on the street.
ND: Will we ever see you in chiffon again?
OLT: I don’t think you ever have.
ND: What’s the story of your life?
OLT: Regressing, moving forward, regressing again, dreaming, nightmaring, hope, disappointment, failure, success…. it’s in a book now! The Story of OLT published by Rizzoli.
ND: What’ your favourite kind of situation? What’s your worst?
OLT: I like being stressed, excited, nervous and then relieved, like just before a show. The worst? Boredom.
ND: Is it nice to be recognised?
OLT: It depends where, when and by who.
ND: How much control do you have to be in?
OLT: Complete control!
ND: Are you delicious?
OLT: I hope so.
ND: What should I know about you? Tell me.
OLT: I am delicious.
ND: Do you seek public recognition or personal satisfaction?
OLT: Personal satisfaction is much more satisfying.
ND: Who’s your favourite pin up?
OLT: Bettie Page.
ND: Do you suffer quietly or let others know about it?
OLT: I like to suffer in silence.
