Leyla Piedayesh makes Berlin’s chicest girls both warmer and cooler with her rock-chick woolies. Piedayesh’s lala Berlin label also includes avant-garde artistic scarves and evening wear recalling the heyday of Halston and Studio 54. Here, she explains why Berlin inspired her enough to lend her label its name.
AFH: How does lala Berlin represent Berlin?
LP: lala Berlin represents Berlin with its name and spirit! The typical lala Berlin look also represents Berlin. It is always is totally relaxed and comfortable, yet chic. Berlin is also about the combination of ease and elegance. In this way, Berlin and lala Berlin are one and the same.
AFH: What elements in your collection best express these qualities?
LP: The high quality knit wear.
AFH: Are you influenced by the art scene here?
LP: Whatever passes through my life is an influence. However, the art scene is very obviously an important influence. Every day in Berlin there are a lot of exhibitions and art weekends to inspire me.
AFH: Do you think Berlin Fashion well represents what's happening in Berlin?
LP: No. I believe there is much more going on in Berlin than what is seen at Berlin Fashion Week. We have lots of intellectual potential far beyond fashion, which is still very important for what is happening here!
AFH: How can Berlin Fashion Week improve?
LP: By setting the right DATES - planning the dates is a nightmare.
AFH: Berlin seems to be maturing - or just valuing things the high-gloss things that signify adulthood in other cities. Do you feel that lala Berlin is becoming more grown-up?
LP: Yes. We are growing constantly, not only in terms of size and structure but also in relation to the collection itself. We are more grown up this year and we are expressing that by playing around with sex appeal.
AFH: What are you influences and concerns when considering your cuts and the form for your fabrics?
LP: S/S11 silhouette, we developed two basic approaches that initially appear contradictory. We are blending maximal volume and length, with bodycon, mini pieces. The maximal volume theme is demonstrates through caftans and overalls which create a sense that the silhouette follows the movement of the body. We call it 'form follows movement' whereas the bodycon pieces are 'movement folllows form.' These seem to be complete opposites but both have a relevant interface. They are two ways of expressing the profound self-confidence of the wearer, which is central to lala Berlin\s sensibility.
AFH: What do you think now that your daughter is three? Will she be wearing your clothes eventually?
LP: I hope that she will. But right now she already has her style and mostly she loves pink, of course.
AFH: I can think of a few other people who would look perfect in lala Berlin, Alison Mosshart and Natasha Khan leading the pack. Are there international or local artists and stars whom you'd like to dress?
LP: My list is: Juliette Lewis, Kate Moss (the one & only), Dree Hemmingway, Chloe Sevigny, Alexa Chung, Lou Doillon, Georgia Jagger, Alice Dellal, Alexandra Richards
AFH: Why work with scarves but not other accessories?
LP: ‘Step by step’ is my attitude. But we have several collaboration with traditional high-end-companies for SS 11. We have been working with UNÜTZER for shoes this season, and SERGIO ENGEL for jewellery.
AFH: All in all, what can Berlin offer designers that other cities might not?
LP: A very open-minded & laid back society!
