Margarete Werner sounds younger than 29, but her little voice, with a hint of her native German accent, belies an independence and determination that should stand her in good stead in the tough world of fashion. Margarete set up her own studio in 1998 and begun producing couture pieces for private clients. She showed her first proper collection as an exhibition installation, off-schedule during London Fashion Week in February 2000.
Her second collection, for spring/summer 2001, which captures her "purist, international" style, is designed for "independent women". Following a fairly traditional route to becoming a designer - Foundation Course and then BA at Central St Martins - Margarete is multi-skilled. After graduating she has not only worked as a freelance designer but also turned her hand to pattern cutting and styling for Sneaker Pimp's vocalist Kelli Ali - Margarete's ideal woman to dress. In return Kelli composes the soundtrack to Margarete's catwalk shows and presentations.
Incredibly modest and reluctant to talk about herself, Margarete does however reply when asked who is the biggest influence on her life: "Me, I suppose! My work is a synthesis of all the things around me." She also becomes more animated when discussing her love of Chinese culture: "In ten years' time I'd love to be jetting between China and London." In her spare time Margerete attends Kung Fu classes and is teaching herself Chinese.
Margarete Werner's autumn/winter 2000 collection is currently stocked at Yasmin Cho (22 Poland Street, London W1).
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