A taste for challenges: an interview with Neobotanic

Neobotanic is a new brand and new seems to be the ethos of the house. Not scared to face challenges, Neobotanic takes inspiration from patterns and retro style to emerge and present works elaborated in the light of the peculiar sensibility. Whether the source of inspiration is the 60s, unusual fabrics or patterns, what comes out of this brand is never boring.

When did you start up NeobotanicFashion?

NeobotanicFashion was launched in 2012 and the début s/s ’13 collection was presented at Paris Fashion Week

What’s the reason of the name of the brand?

The name “neo”, meaning “new”, is related to the unique and rich nature of the fabrics. The fabrics used are floral and plant enthused which was also provided inspiration for the brand name. The aim was to set up a playful fashion brand that is targeted to those who were passionate about fashion and were not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

The s/s 2013 collection seems to come straight away from the 60s. Was that period and its fashion a source of inspiration behind your works?

Yes! Without a doubt the 60s did inspire my collection greatly. The collection ranges from elegantly fitted dresses, shorts, blazers, skirts and shirts. All of the pieces were inspired by the times when people dressed in psychedelic prints and bold colours. The collection was specifically designed for young vivacious adults. The pepper, rootlet and poppy head prints stand out from the seasonally coloured backgrounds which complement the summer days and nights.

What’s the concept behind your collection Neon?

The NeobotanicFashion AW13 Neon collection is new and experimental and features our limited edition print. Neon (Greek-meaning new one) is the inspiration for our collection, this is shown through the variety of silks we used, where the dark purples provide the perfect back drop for our neon green and red pepper and apple seed prints. Our fashion film Neon was created to showcase our AW13 collection, in this we experimented with the drama of neon light.

What’s your main source of inspiration?

The main source of inspiration is a new “botanical” vision. Making something usual, unusual and something really average excitingly attractive.

In Neon we felt were looking at a modern Elizabeth Taylor, was the image of the actress involved in the creative process?

I really like the idea of a modern Elizabeth Taylor. It fits well with our concept of “neon”, very dramatic and feminine. In this particular theme she was not involved in the creative process.

Where does your love for pattern come from?

As an artist, pattern is one of the main ways I can experiment and create unique prints.

Are there any particular fabrics you like to work with and why?

We strive to use the best quality of fabrics that we can, and so we prefer to work with natural fabrics like silks and cottons. I like the way they drape and present my patterns. However I would also like to be more experimental and use fabrics such as paper and plastic, hopefully in one of my future collections, I can have these materials involved.

Where do you see your label in five years?

In five years time, we would like to see ourselves with a wide portfolio of stockists and increased press.

Is there any designer you would like to collaborate with?

I would like to collaborate with Victoria Beckham, as I feel our brands are very different and I would really enjoy the challenge!

What’s the highlight of your career so far?

Showing my collection at Somerset House during London Fashion Week, as well as being innovative and “new” all the time.

Monica Guerrasio

For further information about Neobotanic click here

To have a look at the film Neon click here