As Dubai-based brand December Nineteen launches to press and buyers at Paris Fashion Week during the Spring 2018 shows, Vogue.me recalls its preview of the debut collection and the conversation with the brand’s founding designer. Read on to get the 101 on the breakout label.
Linda Bruun Lacin, founding designer of new to the scene brand December Nineteen, claims to have found a gap in the Middle East’s fashion market and has deftly planted her flag in the sand to claim it. What’s missing, says the stylist-turned-creative director, is “understated wardrobe staples with impeccable quality.” Originally from Denmark, Lacin relocated to Dubai to pursue her styling career.
December Nineteen Spring 2018 debut collection, The Introduction. Courtesy of December Nineteen
Without an embellishment in sight, no bright hues, or crystal-trimmed hemlines to skim the ground, Lacin’s debut collection exudes confidence by not vying for your attention with oversized lapels or a lavish aesthetic. The sleek separates are indeed a whisper of quality and have a languid, loose tailoring vibe so beloved of Scandinavian fashion. It’s chic without desperately trying to stand out. The Spring 2018 range, the first offering from the maison, lands in stores across the Middle East on December 19.
Tell us more about your transition from stylist to designer.
Linda Bruun Lacin: “Honestly, it’s been a very smooth transition as styling was always the stepping stone until I found the right supplier, manufacturer, and most importantly, the right time to ‘roll out.’ Styling can be extremely satisfying, where my intuition and aesthetic balance really gets challenged, but now I finally get to do it all from scratch with only my own vision.”
December Nineteen Spring 2018 debut collection, The Introduction. Courtesy of December Nineteen
Why did you choose to move and base your career in Dubai?
“I’ve always been very fascinated by Middle Eastern culture, especially compared to Scandinavian culture. Dubai has what Copenhagen is lacking and vice versa. Besides the fact that the sun is always shining in Dubai, which is good for my soul, it also has so many extremely beautiful elements.”
How do you balance the Scandinavian aesthetics that your collections incorporate with pieces targeting women in the Middle East?
“For me the magic happens when I look at the old Middle Eastern traditions, even Bedouin culture, and take those warm and somewhat rough, unpolished elements and tighten it by implementing the more dusty and minimalistic behavior of the Scandinavian countries.”
December Nineteen Spring 2018 debut collection, The Introduction. Courtesy of December Nineteen
How did you discover this gap for wardrobe essentials in the Middle East’s fashion market?
“The Middle East is one of the few markets where couture and extravagant designs are considered everyday wear and many times it’s impossible to match those pieces with what is already hanging in your wardrobe.”
In your opinion, what wardrobe essentials do women in this region need?
“Good-quality fabrics on their skin, where the body can breathe without compromising their style. They need something they can wear under or on top of their existing outfits or to throw on quickly and still feel and look fabulous.”
You have worked as a freelance interior and fashion stylist in Dubai. Do you take inspiration from interiors when creating your collections?
“I use my interior work here in the region to educate myself more about the culture and behavior, which helps me a great deal when designing.”
The mood board for December Nineteen Spring 2018. Courtesy of December Nineteen
Which piece from your collection are you most proud of and why?
“My favorite piece from this collection is the long duster coat. It comes in a beautiful soft color and a washed black as well. It’s a mix between a duster coat with almost the same coverage as a modern abaya, it’s light and a must-have for the summer.”
If you could give aspiring fashion designers in the Middle East one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Always, always, always quality over quantity, and simplify where possible.”
December Nineteen arrives in stores on December 19, 2017 with stockists in Dubai yet to be confirmed.
