Supermodel Helena Christensen was known as ‘The Original Supermodel’ who propelled the modeling scene into pop culture back in the 90s, along with Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Claudia Schiffer. Nowadays, she has reduced the number of modeling gigs to concentrate on other interests such as photography and charity, and also on being a mother to her son, Mingus Reedus, but that doesn’t mean she’s abandoned the fashion industry completely. She’s recently worked with Belgian brand Kipling on a new collection for Fall 2013 that’s available in Kipling stores on September 16th 2013 onwards.
The Helena Christensen for Kipling collection consists of bags that are inspired by little things that the supermodel notices in her busy city life – pink roses, leather antique chairs and vintage fabrics. The focus of the collection lies on the rose bag, featuring an elegant photo-print design that’s taken from the model’s own personal favourite shots, and whose shape still resembles the timeless Kipling structure. A classic yet feminine touch is also expressed in the rest of the collection with prints of lace and classic tan leather.
Q&A with Helena Christensen on the collaboration with Kipling
Question: What was your favourite part about working with Kipling?
Helena Christensen: I have always travelled with Kipling suitcases so it was cool to be able to collaborate on designing a line of Kipling bags. It felt like it was my own personal bag line I was working on.
Q: What does the collection consist of?
Helena: A selection of weekend bags, shoulder bags and pouches. One series has lace imprint and is the more elegant version, another has a blown- up photograph I took printed on the outside.
Q: What is the inspiration for the collection?
Helena: I just wanted there to be a bag for any occasion, and was inspired by dusty colours for the photographic print bag.
The lace series was inspired by my old vintage lace dresses. I wanted to transfer that look onto a modern and versatile bag.
Q: What do you look for in a bag?
Helena: Space! But nothing that looks too oversized, I like a bag that fits under your arm and still has enough space for even a weekend away. For evening wear I like a pouch that sits comfortably in your hand and fits just the most necessary for an evening out.
Q: What was your favourite part about working with Kipling?
Helena: Designing the bags was definitely the fun part. It’s pretty awesome to be given the responsibility and honour of giving a product your own personal twist.
Q: What is your earliest Kipling memory?
Helena: Since my early 20s I’ve been pulling Kipling suitcases along on all my trips all over the world. I have accumulated quite a few of them by now. I can’t wait to see one of the weekend bags I designed going around on a luggage carrousel. I’ll probably let it circle for a few rounds…
