RCA Graduate Interviews: Trine Hav Christensen, Womenswear MA, buried treasures lost and found

Trine was born in 1984 in Brovst, Denmark. She spent her childhood collecting small treasures in boxes and hid them in her parents’ garden. Buried treasures included rocks and cheap jewellery, bubble gum, Beverly Hills 90210 play cards and a small silver horse. A true pirate, Trine would recalls ‘the best treasures were the ones I stole from my sister, Mette’. Trine the magpie hid her treasures a bit too well though… they are stull buried somewhere in her garden. But to GoSee her eye for sparkly, shiny and frilly materials has resurfaced in her work, which is a treasure chest of eye-catching wonders.

Can you tell us a bit about your graduate collection?
My collection is mainly inspired by a synthetic underwater world with a hint of boudoir and classic haute couture elements. The mix of water and fire within a garment is made with iridescent sea fan leafs and printed textiles that I developed with the print designer Joanna Burdett. The mood is heavily inspired by the artist Pipilotti Rist and her luscious and colourful videos.

Why did you decide to study at the RCA?
I have always wanted to work for high end fashion and I knew that a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art would get me closer to my goal. I also really wanted to further explore my creative aesthetics and two years with passionate and talented tutors would enable me to do so.

What is your most memorable experience at the RCA?
A few hours before the graduate fashion show I saw my collection of eight outfits on models standing in a line. This is the moment when you realize what your collection really looks like - and there is no going back. It is a proud yet terrifying moment.

How did you celebrate finishing the degree?
I went out with my friends and then I slept for what felt like a week.

How do you feel now that you have completed the degree?
I will be honest and say that I really loved my two years at Royal College of Art. You work from early morning till late night seven days a week and it make you a workaholic. So I miss working on collections and being with my friends at college. But I also feel relieved and free.

And now for that dreaded question… what are your hopes and plans for the future?
I hope to get a job at a high end fashion house. I would really love to work with a team of passionate and deidcated designers and I would absolutely love to work for Haute Couture. When I have gained more experience I want to start my own fashion label in London or Paris.


TRINE HAV CHRISTENSEN, womenswear




10 RCA Graduate Interviews 2012

Carlo Volpi , Menswear MA

Trine Hav Christensen, Womenswear MA

Fatma Bucak, Photography MA

Daniel Pollitt, Menswear MA

Alexander Lamb , Menswear MA

Isabelle Held, History of Design MA

Simon Foxall, Painting MA

Nathan Tom Pass, Textile MA

Hal Watts, Innovation Design Engineering MA

Michael Warren, Product Design MA