Horst Couture creates a collection of felt clothes. Using special techniques, Horst creates fabulous wearable art from one-of-a-kind gowns to an off-the-shelf collection

This is an interview with the innovative designer Horst, of Horst Couture. The Horst Couture collection features some amazing garments and pushes back the boundries of the art of working with felt.

KP: How long have you been making and designing garments? Which are you first, an artist, designer or feltmaker?

Horst: I started making felted garments fall of 2001, but I have been designing clothing since 1990. I have always been an artist with the notion of creating a work of art through expression and exploration of a medium.

KP: What made you turn to felt for your designs - what are the challenges of working with felt?

Horst: I experimented throughout the yeas with different types of textiles and forming them into garments. When I first started working with the felt process, the challenges it presented intrigued my mind into so many visions of possibilities. When I started to research what was already out there and what was being created today, I realized then that this was something special for me to work with as my visions were not tested to this point.

KP: Have you developed your own feltmaking techniques, do you continue to explore the science of feltmaking?

Horst: As I love any challenge, I knew that creating garments through the felt process and using wool would be an uphill battle to conquer not only with the process, but to transform peoples' perception of felt and wool! It took me not long to create a comfortable garment, but I did go through a lot of trials to get there. Once I started working with Falkland wool, things came together quickly without the itch factor. Using two layers was also the key to the thinness, but the garments also kept their durability. With all my experience gained through this process, it keeps me excited knowing that I still have decades of work to explore. I really don't know if my processes are my own, but at the time through exploring, I feel that I have created them through my own trials as I learned from no one or no book.

KP: Looking at your gallery of recent work, you have a wide range of designs. Do you have a personal favorite?

Horst: I think that my personal favorite work is still in my mind and waiting to be produced. As for choosing one I have made, it would be Avocado. The piece speaks fop itself. Texture, color and movement excites me so much when I see it being strutted down a runway, along with the observers' expressions. There is nothing that beings such joy to my accomplishments at that point.

KP: How do you approach the design process?

Horst: I feel that the medium drives my visions. I see shapes and textures of the wool that drives me to an overall design of a garment. I have such confidence in my knowledge of the medium and the processes, which I feel that I can create any idea that comes to my mind. I do feel when I make garments for individuals, they want my own designs, but I always pick their brains to get a feel of who they are and what a garment would fit their style and stature.

KP: How long does it take to make a garment from beginning to end?

Horst: I started out with pre-dyed wool, but conscience of the health factor of dyes in the air, caused great concerned in me. So, now I do create my garments with raw wool. I have greatly cut my work time which is why I started my own business. I look for ways to bring reasonable prices to the masses for better business and also because I am a humble person as I grew up without the luxuries I have today.

KP: What made you launch a ready-to-wear line?

Horst: Through being in several fashion shows, there was an overwhelming response for me to create everyday wearable line. I am a realist that makes decisions very cautiously, so I started out small to test the market with 500 items made the first year. When I sold every garment, I decided to try another year. Now I am in my third year looking to grow even more.

KP: What are your plans for the future?

Horst: I am at the point to decide whether to continue in the same direction or move onto other ideas with the business. This year will be a determining factor going in to the fall of 08. We are working on an everyday line using traditions textiles, along with a t-shirt line to start branching off with a wide range of products. I will always push forward outdoing myself with my gowns. They are my true love to show off my gift and to push this medium beyond anyone's imagination.

KP: Do you have any tips for aspiring garment designers?

Horst: As a designer, I have always promoted to design with the respect of an avant-garde creator. Make things that never have been done before. Push the medium with your wildest ideas. You must shock the world to gain attention and respect. Don't worry about what people will think. It is a business that you feel the whole world is up against you. You can never give in to those around you and, you will eventually succeed.

Thank you to Horst for taking the time to talk with Suite101

Photographs are copyright of Horst Couture, for more pictures of the collection take a look at the Gallery section of the website.