She wears wool all year around, and wanted to create a collection that combines fashion with function and sustainability. Meet photographer and Creative Director for With & Wessel, Cathrine Wessel. 100%wool. Norwegian Cool .
WHO: Cathrine Wessel WHAT: Photographer & Creative Director for With&Wessel FROM WHERE: Lier, Norge LOCATED: New York / Oslo WEB: www.withandwessel.com
The way she walks – says it all. The photographer, designer and Creative Director knows what she is talking about when it comes to style. We met up with Cathrine Wessel a cold, dark morning in Oslo to talk about wool, design and the modern lifestyle.
What inspired you to launch With&Wessel? We were inspired to create a luxurious cool basics collection made entirely out of wool. We started by developing fabrics that were super-soft and ultra-light in 100% wool, specially for With & Wessel. We wanted to design an entire collection that would change the way people think about wool – With & Wessel combines fashion with function and sustainability.
Why wool? Growing up in Norway we have first hand experience with the amazing characteristics of wool. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We know that it is by nature; one of the world’s most eco-friendly fibers; natural, renewable, and biodegradable.
You wear wool all year round- is that right?Yes. NYC is hot in the summer- I wear my W&W T-shirt on the streets and it is not too hot. The wool breathes with my body temperature. If I walk into an air-condition building The wool does not stay wet or damp, all humidity evaporates quickly and I stay warm and dry. I will always carry with me a long sleeve shirt to put on when I go to a meeting or just to the movie theater. Most NY’ers walk around with a cold/flu all summer because of the temperature changes. The Scandinavian summers are perfect for W&W – it gets a bit cooler at night and I always have a long sleeve ultra thin wool shirt in my bag. It weighs nothing and it is the perfect “travel partner” for all seasons.
Your idea is all about layering- can you tell us the best way to layer? The With & Wessel collection is designed to layer. – not just because it looks cool. Our best seller, and the first 2 pieces we ever designed was our razor-back to layer with our long- sleeve shirt. As our wool fabrics are super soft and ultra light – you think; will they actually keep me warm- but when wool is layered, it will create extra air pockets between the layers and this will form natural insulation and breathability.
Tell us about the fall winter campaign you shot in New York I love working with my friends. I love their reaction to the line and their creative input. I photographed the Danish actress and model Tatiana Pajkovic at her cool loft in the artist building on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. We are neighbors. The collection is inspired by the Urban, aware and modern woman that is on the go 24/7 . There are no time between the airports – meetings, a show and dinner. She needs her comfort and her cool – all in the same.
Where do you collect your inspiration? I love the challenges and creative vibe in NY - It always inspires me and keeps me on my toes. Also - the interesting locations I visit on my photo - assignments. – shows me the contrasts in life – that inspires me. My mind stays open and my life on the move gives me good perspectives and information.
Do you have any favorite pieces from the basic line you always wear? I have to say – I am addicted. Whether I am in my office without seeing anyone that day, or in a meeting or on a shoot – I wear W&W. I vary what pieces I wear- but I ALWAYS layer. Therefore the razor back is my favorite –as it fits perfectly under the long sleeve shirt or our crew T-shirt. This season my favorite pant is the Slouchy pant – find me on an airplane, and wont wear anything but wool, as it completely balances my body temperature and keeps me super comfortable during the whole flight.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to see wearing your clothes? I love the cool style of Daria Werbowy and Freja Beha - not just great looking models, but also supercool , relaxed with great personality. They could wear W&W anyday, anytime. And so could most women – The cool basics of W&W is the perfect add on to anyones wardrobe.
Do you have any tips to how you easily can style an outfit with clothes from your collection? I have created a page called INSPIRATIONS on our web page – with styling ideas’ to show how you can layer 2 razor tanks on top of each other, as well as styling the T- shirt dress 4 different ways and the pencil skirt is styled 5 different ways. I love showing how versatile W&W styles can be. I have created this with a “behind the scenes “feeling of W&W. Layering is essential for W&W – Personally I always start with our razor back and layer it with our long sleeve shirt or our crew T. I enjoy creating contrast between the layers. I choose the ivory tank with the midnight navy stripe in the long sleeve- the razor is a bit longer than the top layer and you will see a sliver of the of the razor-tank below the long sleeve shirt - on the bottom I wear our “slouch” pant or the “harem” pant – both are made in our Midweight fabric which is a bit heavier. I choose these in black or charcoal grey. Then I put a pair of my favorite boots and throw on a cool leather jacket or coat on the top, You are so “toast”, cool and comfortable all day. As I say ; 100%wool, Norwegian Cool.
Your pictures are printed on some of the clothes
I am a photographer and have a large library of images. I use my photos in creating the prints for W&W . I love to use our prints on some of the styles. Each season will have different themes . W15 has “the Brooklyn” print - which is Williamsburg bridge layered on top of each other 3 times inspired by With & Wessel layering concept. I layered the photo on top of each other 3 times to give this ultra cool abstract feeling – still recognizable enough to admire this iconic architectural structure!
How did your interest of photography start? My first education is Art Direction and Design. I used to work for the first fashion magazine in Norway, Tique . There I had the chance to work for icons like Guy Bourdin. I remember I assisted him on a shoot around Oslo. I was mesmerized by him and his trade. I worked in the Art Department at the magazine for 3 years before I went to NY to follow my dream- I attended International Center of Photography; ICP. In the 6 years that followed I assisted great photographers – I loved NY, I loved photography and I loved my life.
What is style for you? Style is individual. Style has to do with confidence and personality. You feel the confidence when a woman is wearing something you don’t expect, and not necessarily is “in fashion” - but she has a sense of style and can put it together in a super cool way - and basically cant get your eyes off her. The way she walks – says it all.
What trends do you believe in for the next season ss16? Simplicity in the designs with an intelligent edge, The “upscaled” basic . The fabrics have quality and the use of natural fabrics is a must.
NYC TIPS:
Where do you take your coffe in New York?
As I live in Williamsburg , my natural coffe stop is MARLOWS and sons across the street from where I live. Or if you go to Manhattan – my friends coffe shop; Gasoline Alley Coffee is the place to visit.
Where do you eat in New York? Everywhere, but favs are ; ISA & The Diner both in Williamsburg, and of course Old Instituions like classic Odeon in Tribecca , Il Buco and my fav walk in; Bar Pitti in the West Village – there are sooo many great restaurants.
Where can we buy With&Wessel in New York? Brooklyn Denim & Brooklyn Fox. We also sell in Chicago / San Fransisco / Philadelphia / Massachusetts and up state.
Envelope by Celine Aagaard / photo: Cathrine Wessel
Comments