WINTER DRESSING WITH DANICA LEPEN

 

She counts forest green as her current must-wear hue, and recommends you add a fedora to your winter wardrobe. We talk winter dressing with Marion and Lindie’s creative director Danica Lepen

Tell us about the winter 2012 collection?
There are three distinct elements in this collection. We paired feminine elements, such as a sheer flowing chiffon blouse, with masculine tailoring in the form of a tuxedo suit jacket and trousers. Joining these elements allowed us to play with a look that’s strong yet sexy and wearable. We drew inspiration from the forest. We took shapes, patterns and shadows from this environment to work on prints and silhouettes, and many of the rich hidden colours to form the palette. A strong 70s’ styling element came through in accessories with wool fedoras, perforated gloves, tassled belts and some maxi dress silhouettes. We also shot our campaign in a forest in Carolina, a small town three hours out of Johannesburg.
How did you choose the colour palette and why?
I choose colours quite organically. I also do what feels right for the collection and season. I look to street fashion and travel regularly to remain current and on trend. I don’t make it our focus, but still feel we need to be in line with what is happening globally for the next season. I wanted the winter collection to have a rich feel to it. I chose jewel tones – like forest green, aubergine, deep marine, teal and oxblood – and paired these with new shades of nudes like rust and milk.
What’s your favourite colour this season and why?
I’d say forest green, it’s an unusual colour to be on trend, and I love it paired with rust.
In a tough economic climate how do you, as a consumer and designer, update your wardrobe?
It’s important to approach your wardrobe with fresh eyes each season. Try to work with what you have by taking your favourite pieces and re-styling them. Add a belt, tuck your shirt in, add socks to your heels when wearing a skirt or dress, etc. Another great way to update your look is by making minor changes to your appearance. Wear your hair back, change your side parting to a middle one, or opt for a nude lip instead of red.
Name three items every woman should have in her wardrobe.
A white shirt is a wardrobe staple. It’s versatile and doubles as work- and weekend-wear, I even wear it over my swimsuit on the beach. A tailored little black dress takes you from day to night and makes you feel sexy. Wear a white shirt under it to the office, and team it with a pair of high heels at night. And a pair of good jeans is timeless.
What’s winter’s key accessory?
I recommend you buy a 70s-inspired wool fedora by Marion and Lindie.
Who’s inspiring you professionally and personally?
Carine Roitfeld is ticking all the boxes personally and professionally. She has built a global name for herself, produces inspiring work, left French Vogue gracefully, has two successful children, and all the while looks incredible herself.
What’s your take on the state of SA fashion?
It’s an exciting time for the SA fashion industry. Yes, we are faced with many challenges as more international brands enter the local market, but it’s certainly giving us the opportunity to branch out and be more creative