The Rodnik Band

Designer name: Philip Colbert

Origin: Scotland. Philip has lived in London for the past seven years.

Background: Philip studied philosophy at St. Andrews University. He set up a business importing scarves from Russia, and “hey presto, I find myself in fashion!”

Career highlight: “Launching my second diffusion line with OVS industry in Italy in November 2010. They are the biggest retail chain in Italy.”

Design signatures: “Clothing with a strong sense of fun. This is present in all the collection from my conceptual object dresses, such as the sunflower dress after Van Gough, to the classic shapes that make up the rest of my collection. I develop my own hand-made prints, using lino printing techniques, bright colours and bold styles. My work walks a humorous line between fashion and art, I like the idea that my clothing is taken off the wall and worn, that each style expresses an artistic idea that is accessible and makes a thoughtful statement. I feel that fashion's greatest value is in fantasy and escapism. For me humour is a powerful tool to push understanding and encourage a thoughtful approach to clothing. I like to use tasteful, classic, chic templates of garment shape and fit, these are my perfect canvas.
I present my label as an Ironic pop band, I write songs based on each collection and perform at the show. I am inspired to reinvent the way people look at fashion/clothes! If you change the way you look at something, the thing you look at changes!”

How would you describe the Rodnik band woman? “She has the spirit of a young Peggy Guggenheim.”

What is your trademark piece? “My most bold design is probably the Urinal dress after Duchamp. I like the idea that Mondrian was to YSL what Duchamp is to me.”

Name three things that are inspiring you for autumn/winter 2011: “Still life paintings by Leger! A new era of Punk! Brave new world!”

What’s next for your brand? “I’ll be developing my high end collection of wearable art dress and continuing to expand my diffusion line. I’m also working on new musical tracks and sounds inspired by the collection, as well as making fun videos to communicate the concept.”

What music is playing in your studio this season? “The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Public Image Ltd and Marcel Duchamp lectures.”