Q+A: Fernando Korpi.

You know those days where you’re absolutely spent? I’ve got a serious case of exhaustion to contend with what with essays on Marlene Dietrich to pen, tux-purchasing to plan, Yvan Rodic/Facehunter‘s visit on Thurs to get to and ensuring I have clean clothes to do all of the aforementioned (harder than you’d think). I’m sitting here listening to Missy Elliott’s masterpiece – Work It and wishing, willing even, that I had the energy to go dance tonight. While that might not be happening in the least, that doesn’t prevent me from formulating potential sartorial choices…

And I’ve found just the match. By and large, the very idea of sportswear just seems alien to me. I get that it’s comfortable but it’s just never held much appeal for me (though, must admit I sometimes lounge around the flat in nothing but trackies and baseball tees *gasp*) for everyday wear – no matter how casual you deem college to be. Finnish designer Fernando Korpi, however, has me re-assessing the situation. His semi-luxe sportswear in a palette of black and vibrant primaries could have me changing my mind. And if not, there’s always the remainder of his AW10 collection which features pieces of a more dandy disposition…

My style as a designer is bright and colourful, yet well-considered. We focus on high quality fabrics and ready-to-wear garments.

I will graduate this Spring with a BA in Fashion Design. The best way to get employed in the fashion field in Finland is to go the route of the independent entrepreneur and employ yourself.

The book is guidebook to classic menswear and offers a variety of dressing tips for different occasions. It’s filled with detailed pictures which were the source of my inspiration. I was impressed with the skillful tailoring techniques and history of menswear. I hope this interest shines through in the collection.

The Winter of Finland is very long, dark, and depressing. My intention was to brighten it up by bringing some colour to it. The AW10 collection is indeed divided in two parts: casual streetwear and more formal dandy-esque clothing (collar shirts etc.). My collection offers a wardrobe for different occasions – just as in the book Gentleman – A Timeless Guide to Fashion by Roetzel Bernhard.