Interrogating Backlund
It's 5.30am in the morning here, I can't sleep and I'm going to sound like a crazy woman whether you like it or not...
BUT...
When you see a CRAZILY good collection like this and the fact that Sandra Backlund is going to be here for the week so that I can freely interrogate her in the morning over Japanese breakfast (we're staying in a place called Hotel Kabuki... I have tatami mats in my room... ), I have questions goddamnit!
...
"Why are you so bloody talented? Where does it come from? Is it the amount of fish you guys consume in Sweden? I promise I will eat more fish then, starting with this Japanese breakfast. Where did the ideas from for this S/S 09 Poolside collection? How on earth did you think of all those elements? Those building blocks of knits jutting out in that menacingly alluring way? The nod to skeletal forms without it being creepy? Why are you making me want to wear knitted/crocheted itsy bitsy pants and nothing else even with my thunder thighs? The black dress in particular at the end - how long did that take you? I want to touch the crochet and take detailed shots of the dress to study in my spare time whilst I snack on Kettle chips and ponder how I can better myself. Why are you making knits look so damn attractive despite it being a spring summer collection? Oh that's right, London is destined never to have a summer anymore so who effin' cares anyway? You got New Gen sponsorship for an exhibition at London Fashion Week last season - will someone at New Gen give this girl a bloody show next season? That would make London pretty much a solid knitwear hotbed (Louise Goldin, Clare Tough, Mark Fast etc etc) which is no bad thing. I only have a few questions here... I know you'll be nice enough to answer them...because on top of being extremely talented, you're also genuinely nice and you have pretty vintage dresses... urgh... where's the nearest toilet...I've eaten too much fish..."
haha its 12:45AM down here in aus and i am thinking that you should do more posts at 5:30 in the morning... i think this is one of my favourite stylebubble posts ever, not because of sandra's dresses (which are mindbogglingly amazing!!! and completely wearable!), but because of your wonderfully written prose (hmm i feel wanky and pretentious when i use that word). this post is definitely getting bookmarked for when i need cheering up on a not so pleasant day.
ps. when i cant get to sleep i try counting backwards from 100... although im not sure if that actually works. i think i just end up getting bored and try to "meditate" (clear my mind completely) instead
Posted by: tanya | 25 October 2008 at 14:46
I cant even begin to comment on this collection...the word perfection springs to mind...
Posted by: Flatbrokefab Ashleigh | 25 October 2008 at 15:25
Yeah. Kind of amazing.
Posted by: Ana | 25 October 2008 at 15:39
That's the most imaginative knitwear I've seen since Pugh.
Posted by: enc | 25 October 2008 at 15:46
The dresses are amazing. However I have to say that the model is terrifying. She looks skeletal.
Posted by: floraposte | 25 October 2008 at 16:09
That last one is astonishing.
Posted by: WendyB | 25 October 2008 at 16:20
the structure in this knitwear is breathtaking! have fun at the interview!
Posted by: Mikkle | 25 October 2008 at 16:23
I think it was the intention of the model to skeletal, hence that weird she's pulling in one photo to intensify the look? I might be wrong. These pieces are amazing though! PS. It's 2am here, and after going to bed at 3am yesterday, I really should get some sleep too...
Posted by: Brigadeiro | 25 October 2008 at 16:26
this is breathtaking, her work is so amazing, i hope the interview goes well
Posted by: Chic Looks | 25 October 2008 at 16:45
Wow this is really really cool!
Posted by: mindy | 25 October 2008 at 16:50
Super. I could even dare to try the last piece.
Posted by: songy | 25 October 2008 at 16:54
:O I so need to find the patterns for these, they are beautiful! I would buy these just to put on display.
Posted by: dapper kid | 25 October 2008 at 17:10
Wonderful!
PS: I suppose you've already tried with melatonin...
Posted by: alicepleasance | 25 October 2008 at 17:48
wow they are amazing, i wonder what people would say if i turned up to college in one of those pieces!
Posted by: Leah Holden | 25 October 2008 at 18:39
FJDAKSLAGJ
speechless................
Posted by: KYM | 25 October 2008 at 19:24
unbelievable.
Posted by: Sister Wolf | 25 October 2008 at 20:04
Very funny post- these knits are more like pieces of sculpture.
Posted by: Janavi | 25 October 2008 at 20:21
damn, she does it again.
Posted by: kim | 25 October 2008 at 20:39
Haha!! Darn fish...loving the 5am posts!
Posted by: deexdeexdreamer | 25 October 2008 at 21:30
I like to knitt so much... Her works are so amazing!
Posted by: ivoreece | 25 October 2008 at 22:45
oh my, these pieces are exceptional!
Posted by: Laia | 26 October 2008 at 01:17
These are the most amazing knits I have ever seen! and a great post - thank you for making me laugh
Posted by: Style Eyes | 26 October 2008 at 08:40
Stunning craftsmanship. When are we going to see her work in the museum collections of fashion? She so deserves a place there.
Posted by: OutsaPop | 26 October 2008 at 08:45
Any info on stockists? I thought Colette carried her but she doesn't appear in the designer index on colette's website
Posted by: mona | 26 October 2008 at 09:09
That was hilarious, and the dresses are magnificent. Best post ever!
Posted by: Heather | 26 October 2008 at 09:58
genius!
it's so inspiring to see someone of such great skills, craftmanship above what is conceivable for so many fashion designers and knitters. She has such integrity in her work. Truly inspiring. I love it.
wonderful post susie, CANNOT wait for the interview.
Are you taking any requests for questions?
Posted by: mr | 26 October 2008 at 10:42
i cant imagine how rare those dresses are. surely she must knit them herselves, and each must take such a long time to make. this ought to worth more than couture, surely.
Posted by: sunni | 26 October 2008 at 13:09
Extreme knitting is the best!
Posted by: Hapsical London Fashion Blog | 26 October 2008 at 13:30
Mona: Sandra hasn't started selling yet but watch this space....
Mr: Feel free...the interview isn't for the blog though but for Dazed Digital....
Posted by: susie_bubble | 26 October 2008 at 14:13
This is knitwear that is so highly conceptual! I'm loving everything.
Posted by: giancinephile | 26 October 2008 at 14:22
firstly a hilariously great post - secondly, those garments are unbelievable!
Posted by: Becca | 26 October 2008 at 15:33
i love sandra!
Posted by: Lea | 26 October 2008 at 17:27
Wowie wow wow! I love that knitwear, talent indeed! The 2nd dress is especially divine.
Posted by: KD | 26 October 2008 at 19:13
She is so amazing, they must take forever. If you are taking question requests (haha)can you ask her if she hand knits everything or if she uses a knitting machine? and if so what kind and what guage?
Posted by: Juliet | 27 October 2008 at 11:07
wow. speachless
Posted by: Paloma | 27 October 2008 at 22:02
Terrific knits, and I kind've like the model's Marty Feldman expression.
Posted by: Sarah | 27 October 2008 at 23:32
hahaha this post made me giggle until i scrolled down and though holy hell, how can these designs come out of human minds?!
Posted by: selina | 28 October 2008 at 01:18
hahahah i've turned crazy fan-girl like you thanks to these pictures.
Posted by: a dreamer | 28 October 2008 at 06:43
do you ever interview her? i was curious to hear what she had to say?thasnk
Posted by: a to z | 28 October 2008 at 16:37
IM NOT SURE WHAT I WANT TO SAY ABOUT THIS KNITTED COLLECTION, BUT I DEFINITELY WONT BE BUYING IT...I GO TO BLEUCLOTHING.COM
Posted by: DEVIN | 28 October 2008 at 20:49
These knits are so breathtaking. The design and construction are genius!!! (c:
Posted by: Airy Speaks | 29 October 2008 at 03:28
The clothes are amazing. The model scares me.
Posted by: Jael | 31 October 2008 at 16:11
Thanks Susie, hope it's not too late, I'd love if you could ask her about her design process, if there is one at all or if the garments are born out of process, if the inspiration comes from the technique alone?
Thanks, can't wait for the interview.
Do you know about any sample sales in November, I live in scotland but and visiting London town at the end of the month? Dammit, we both missed Aquascutum today!
Have fun in SF, keep bloggin'! xx
Posted by: mr | 31 October 2008 at 19:24
Fantastic knit work...makes me feel wasted.
Posted by: Amina | 02 November 2008 at 14:25
Wow... amazing.
Posted by: cabrizette | 03 November 2008 at 16:20