Werner Boshoff
From: Cape Town
@StudioWer {Twitter}
Collection title: URBAN VALKYRIE
Tell us a bit more about your “URBAN LUXE” collection. What inspired you?
For the ‘Urban Luxe’ concept, I named my collection ‘URBAN VALKYRIE’. It celebrates those making their way to the city everyday with determination and inspiration to do their best. In an environment where, sometimes only the fittest survive, I envisioned the city being a battlefield in the world of commerce, politics, education and also of an ever-growing design industry. For inspiration, I researched the legendary Valkyrie from Scandinavian mythology who were a group of female figures selecting from the battlefield which warriors would be slain, and who would feast with the god Odin, forever in the afterlife hall, Valhalla. Clearly I’ve been intrigued by war dramas from another lifetime, however certain practical aspects of this battlefield became core to my designs. Things like movement, the feeling of being free, challenged by life, yet completely unrestricted by the clothes you where. The key ideas to this range which I wanted to reflect were: TRANSPARENCY, FREEDOM, AN OLD-WORLDLY RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT and AN UNPRETENTIOUS FEELING OF ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE.
If you had to match a song to your collection, what would it be and why?
Minimal Fox, by Trentemøller – a Copenhagen based musician within the genre ‘Minimal Electronica’. This song has an ultra-confident city beat that evolves with sound detail. There is an underlying unrest which perfectly reflect the warrior aspect within my collection, but introduce unexpected sounds, as a progression which almost turn this battle into a computer game. The line between the past and the future gets blurred and the trans-like beat allows me to dream about exquisitely crafted HEMPORIUM fabric on a runway, or around a city corner.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of using sustainable design techniques?
Designing responsibly is not a quick fix and I was challenged to constantly ask myself why I wanted to use certain fabrics or finishes. I questioned my own motives and subsequently forced myself to design true to my inspiration without feeling restricted in any way – because with sustainable design, you don’t have to be.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
It’s a way of life. Sustainability, in my opinion, requires individuals to be aware and stay informed about the origin of the product. This will not only help you to choose responsibly, but make you love and keep the things you wear or surround yourself with.
I can’t start my day without…
Coffee, the only responsible drug our city has on offer (;
You are currently obsessed with?
Bjork, the artist….and the colour yellow.
3 things we don’t know about you…
When I rewards myself for hard work, I go the toy store…seriously. Like, Toy Kingdom.
I collect: pencils, bonsai trees, stone, Kidrobot Dunny design figures, fashion magazines and ties.
I’m freaked out by the Pink Panther.
What’s on your horizon?
Drawing, experimenting, always learning and ultimately seeing my clothes being worn by special people, soon…
What is your most treasured piece in your wardrobe?
A tie, by Dries van Noten. It holds lovely memories of traveling and gaining new perspective.
Top tip when it comes to sustainable design…
Sustainable design requires great love and respect for life. Live a life worth loving and respecting to start with.
The Remake Design Challenge is proudly brought to you by Pick n Pay in partnership with The Cape Town Fashion Council.
