Paris-based designer Kevin Germanier is known for redefining sustainable fashion by using only upcycled materials. Here, he reveals how a six-month stint in Hong Kong shaped his creative process
The fashion industry gets a bad rap for wasting materials by the tonne, a pressing issue that 27-year-old Kevin Germanier is tackling headon. The Swiss-born, Paris-based designer creates high-octane, unapologetically glamorous dresses and separates—all of which are made entirely from materials that otherwise would have been discarded. Germanier’s pieces are worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Björk and K-pop sensation Sunmi—helping to push his particular brand of luxe sustainability into the spotlight and proving there’s far more to ecofriendly fashion than organic linen.
How did you get into fashion?
I grew up in Switzerland in a rather traditional family. It was a very controlled environment where everything looked perfect. I started my schooling in fashion at Geneva School of Art and Design and, unbeknown to my parents, I applied to Central Saint Martins when I was 20. It was after seven rounds of interviews that I was finally accepted. I looked up to a lot of designers that came from the school, such as John Galliano, Riccardo Tisci, Stella McCartney and Mary Katrantzou, so I was ecstatic. My parents were upset at first when I told them, but they let me go under the condition I would finance my studies there.
How did Central Saint Martins influence you?
It was a rigorous programme and I remember making my first samples of garments with duvet covers, sheets and leftover fabrics or recycled fabrics from my flatmate’s previous projects. That was really how I started looking at upcycling.
The process was very organic; I was broke and looked around to see what materials I could repurpose.
How does restricting yourself to upcycling materials affect the design process?
Esta historia es de la edición August 2019 de Hong Kong Tatler.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2019 de Hong Kong Tatler.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go
TIME TURNER
A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work
ROYAL RICHES
Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India
MAKING HER POINT
Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris
IN IT TO WIN IT
Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month
Crafting a New Legacy
Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy