Interview with Anne Mette Kjaergaard

Anne Mette Kjaergaard has come a long way from her native Denmark to being the Womenswear fashion designer for uber trendy street cult brand, People’s Market, which is based in London. Worn by the likes of Carl Barat and The Horrors they are a company that sit firmly on fashion’s ‘edgy cool’ list.

Her story starts as a student at the Kolding School of Design in Denmark. From there she secured an internship at the avant-garde fashion label Moonspoon Saloon. Kjaergaard took on this position whilst still completing her Master’s degree. This experience held her in good stead for her future career choices as she worked for two years under the tutelage of both the designer, Sara Sachs and the artist, TAL R. Anne feels this was the appropriate training for her entry into fashion design: “Moonspoon Saloon are on the borderline between fashion and art which I find a very interesting approach to fashion.” She is very passionate about her job, especially the creative process of the collections coming together: “I love that I can come up with an idea, and then the prototype is made and then the style is a finished product.” The designer keeps herself motivated by the fast – paced world that she works in: “I love a fast tempo environment and the adrenaline that comes from working in the fashion industry.” This is a woman who thrives on working hard and clearly reaps the rewards as a result.

What’s a normal day for you?
I work as Womenswear Designer for People’s Market. My day starts with answering the latest emails and replying to overseas correspondence. I am always busy and not everyday is the same. At the moment I am starting to prepare for the SS13 collection.

What has been the highlight of your career?

I had a wonderful time in Los Angeles where I worked for Moonspoon Saloon in January 2010. They hosted their AW11 fashion show in Chinatown in Downtown L.A. I assisted the designer of the collection ready for the show. I want to go back. There place has such a rare quality, which makes me want to be part of it.

What is your most treasured piece of clothing/accessory?

I bought this shirt from Acne in Denmark last year. I absolutely love it. There is not a week gone by, where I haven’t worn it at least four times. It goes with with everything in my wardrobe and it is very flattering. I love to buy one good piece and it then feels more special when I wear it.

What woman inspires you the most and why?

Patti Smith. I love her rock attitude and she is effortlessly good looking in a boyish but still very feminine way. And she has a soft spot for black too.

What was the last book you read or exhibition you visited?

I went to see the Pipilotti Rist: Eyeball Massage exhibition in the Hayward Gallery of the Southbank Centre. Her colour universe is amazing. She is really fun and provocative. I loved it! I see textiles and silhouettes in her work that I find really inspirational.

To view the latest designs at People’s Market go to: http://www.peoples-market.com/

Caroline Barnes