Karen Jessen x
Karen Jessen of the Benu Berlin label has just won The Ecochic Design Award 2013 for her innovative use of reconstruction techniques. Created from a mixture of waste and imagination each piece is a discovery – just like her list of ingredients above…
There’s gently rocking inspiration.
And a big focus on structure: Each piece is lovingly crafted.
There are rules – and then Karen sets about breaking them with confidence.
The best intentions need that bit of passion – and a bit of support: For her prize she’ll now design the 2015 ‘Recycled Collection by Esprit’ for Esprit’s global retail in mid 2014 – and I’ll be watching out for what she does..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
Love it. The leather dress reminds me, on its principle, of my maori trousers http://holzfeder.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/kiwi-inspiration/
Yes! all that amazing detail! That leather work keeps reminding me of Game of Thrones..still on the mind! x
This denim dress looks great with Dr. Martens
Can’t go wrong with a pair o docs..!
Reblogged this on Pookie-Couture.
Thank you! x
Very cool statement pieces with a Rock and Roll vibe. I would love to try some pieces on.
When I was a kid, Esprit was the really desired label putting a unique mark on the “preppy” genre. I loved their pieces — but then the quality dropped. The Esprit selection in Europe is different than in the US and recently, I always liked the European options much better. I agree, it will be fun to see what Benu-Berlin does for the label.
It’s going to be very interesting to see how she manages to combine her style with a commercial label – there won’t be the option of 150 hours (such dedication!) on a piece…but she’s obviously a talented lady and will just show another facet to her creativity… xxx
Good Point. On another note…..did anyone get the bondage (shibari) feel from the jeans dresses? 🙂
I got it from the leather!!
Can’t believe how talented this designer is ! This is totally the kind of inventive and creative fashion I’m in love with ! A new fantastic designer is born … how marvellous ! xxxxx
I had a feeling you’d like her! Check out her final pieces – these pics made better Blog pics – but there’s one dress – strapless with curved denim that I think you’d love.. xxx
Love it! Different and unique! 🙂
We need inspiration like this..the artists within fashion..without them we get nothing to dilute down..I think she has something special.. x
Very unique looking pieces- I like them both, but like the second one a bit more because it seems a bit more wearable-!
I’ve always been attracted to Art made from recycling but this is masterful! x
Positively love this! Admiring the amazing detail. It will be interesting how the commercial aspect translates. 150 hours! As each of my bags are one-of-a-kind and handmade, I have difficulty setting a price point that is affordable yet rewards my time and talent. So far, this very dilemma has tampered the desire to launch my business further…
There is no easy answer..except if we don’t have people like you these skills will be lost – we have to support xxx
This was spot on timing as I was doing a Friday am class on Sustainability and Recycling and it popped into my inbox. Thanks for that! X
Happy to be of service!!! xxx
WOW. Incredible beautiful!
This is someone who loves what she does.. x
Fabulous and Innovative Super Post 🙂
Xia would approve! x
fab.
I do like the dress at the end, although I fear I’m a bit too old for it now…