House of Dagmar

Sensual and rough, harsh leather and feather light fabrics, sporty and relaxed luxury. The Dagmar collection of Spring/Summer 2011 takes its inspiration from the steamy favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where the lust is vibrant and the longing for a better life is constant.



Rio and its harsh materials of concrete and sand, its architectural cubist shapes and the patchwork patterns of the ram shackles of the poor citizens – the favelas; grey denim mixed with skin toned leather, square cuts and graphic patterns of tops and knitted cardigans with horizontal stripes harsh and smooth in texture by turns.



The people of the favelas lead an extremely harsh life. Yet, the atmosphere is somehow bursting with sensuality and dreams which is very inspiring, says designer Kristina Tjäder.



The bird is an important item in the collection. It symbolizes the inner journey of mankind and the seeking for a better lifestyle. Layer on layer or fine creases, like those of the bird´s feathers decorate the garments, mixed with abundant chains that resemble the bird’s plumage. The plumage-like shapes are also found in the twisted top that gives a ruffled silhouette and a skirt abundant with frills – that brings the vibrant Brazilian carnival to mind. The bird inspired patterns are repeated in hand knitted cardigans in feather-like prints or with applications.



Like all former collections, the Dagmar collection of Spring/Summer 2011 plays with delicate contrasts; cubistic cuts with drapings gives feminine silhouettes. The fit is relaxed and loose. Leisure garments like sweat pants are knitted with the finest material, as well as the cat suit with a sensual deep back that becomes a tailored alternative to the cocktail dress.



The colour palette is a clash in itself, as it combines the dirty shades from the sheds and the clean nuances from the surrounding nature; concrete and sand mixed with khaki and pure white, water nuances with high lights in gold, coral, nude and yellow, midnight blue is accompanied by intense black.



Concept: The heat and crudity in the streets and favelas of Rio gives the look. The bird is the symbol of a new era for the mankind - to look further and to widen their perspective. Inspiration comes from the colourfulness and the sophisticated shapes of the birds.

Key items and details: Relaxed suits, cubistic tops and dresses, leather, feather prints, cardigans with avian applications, knitted cat suits and sweat pants.