Thursday, April 17, 2014

Nadia Lassen


Photographed By Ellinor Forje 

ABOUT YOUR GREAT GRANDFATHER?
My great grandfather is one of the most renowned  architects we've had in Denmark. He was a pioneer, ahead of his time, as seen in both his designs and his architecture. He was an architect to the bone. He lived and breathed the art. He and his brother Flemming Lassen  inspired Arne Jacobsen to become an architect, which I think is a testiment to his passion for the discipline. It's said that my great granddad died with a pencil in his hand. I envision it. When I look through his drawings, I see that they date back to past Christmas Eves, Christmas Days and so on. He never stopped drawing.

WHY FURNITURE?
Mogens Lassen designed everything from houses to the arrangement that was in the houses - all  the furniture, candlesticks etc. It's easier to put furniture into production than his architecture. Additionally, many of his furniture icons are sold at exorbitant prices at auctions.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN HIS LEGACY?
Our team, By Lassen, make a point of ensuring that Mogens Lassen's spirit appears in all his products. In addition, we have a tight concept and universe which tells the stories of the two architect brothers, Mogens and Flemming Lassen. I work daily with publicizing the Lassen brothers in the press and on social media. I think we've come a long way, although the brothers are not yet a national treassure like Wegner and Arne Jacobsen.

WHAT IS THE REMARKABLE AFFINITY DANISH FURNITURE DESIGNERS HAVE FOR TURNING A SIMPLE IDEA INTO A REVOLUTION?
We have a strong design tradition in Denmark. It's helped us a long way. We grow up in homes where a large percentage of the houshold income is spent on interior decoration. Many Danes have a flair for design and find it easier to visualize new products, concepts and ideas than other nations. We are a small country. It requires less effort to make oneself visible here as compared to in the United States for example. That's why Danish design companies might seem larger than they really are. When viewed in isolation, one can easily appear to be well established in Denmark, without actually having any activities outside the borders.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
Marketing, and a BSc in Economics from Copenhagen Business School.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY OBSTACLES REGARDING YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER?
No, I've found my corner in the sky. I can't concieve that I should be doing anything else.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER ANYONE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE FURNITURE DESIGN INDUSTRY?
It's hard work. You have to know the industry well. And last but not least, you need a good product. A good concept and hard work isn't a enough. It's ultimately the product the consumer buys.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORK DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I start my day at  8:00 a.m. by reading "Børsen" - a Danish financial newspaper. Then I read my most importan mails. I usually have a lot of meetings to attend, both internally and externally. The day is usually spent on focusing on different projects like the development of new collections, customization of communications, strategy and finance.

I have a daughter of two-and-a-half-years, whom I pick up from the nursery three to four times a week. Those days I leave at 3:00 p.m. Then in the evening I resume my work (at home) and start, or complete the projects I haven't finished during the day. Once a week I also work from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 10:00 p.m. It's really liberating for me to have this day. It's when I'm alone at the office that I have time to reflect and get the things done that I wouldn't otherwise. 


HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR FAMILY LIFE WITH THE HANDS-ON NATURE OF YOUR PROFESSION?
I make an effort of spending time with our daughter after her nursery. We do pleasant things like go for a walks, make pegboards or cook. Then I work again in the evening. This way she doesn't  know how many hours I actually work. My fiancé works even more hours. And it suits him that I also work a lot. In turn we're good at doing couple things together, like going to the movies or out for nice dinners.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY FITNESS AND BEAUTY REGIMEN?
I wish I was better at working out. But I don't do to it as often as I'd like. My goal is to workout for an hour, two to three times a week. Right now it's more like once a week. I cycle to work as a compromise and go for walks during the weekends. Then I eat healthily from Monday to Friday - leaving room to misbehave during the weekend with brunch and a glass of wine.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE - DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC BRANDS THAT YOU LIKE WEARING?
My style is classic with a twist of trendy. I like quality materials. My favorite brands fit into this category. Hofmann Copenhagen makes really nice clothes. I've also become fond of flat shoes from Miu Miu and The Last Conspiracy. I'm equally fond of comfortable clothing and scarves from Becksöndergaard in wool/silk.

FOR YOUR UPCOMING NUPTIALS, HAVE YOU DECIDED ON THE THEME, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ON THE DRESS?
I'm  at least well under way - wedding invitations have been sent out. I imagine the tables being decorated with Kubus Bowls filled with roses. The dress was to be customized after a few ideas I had. Nevertheless, I booked an hour in a bridal gown boutique just to try on different styles. I'd invited my three best friends along. As fate would have it, when I tried the first dress, my girlfriends were all brought to tears and told me not to get another dress - because the dress was perfect. So I bought it.

LASTLY, WHAT TIPS AND TRICKS CAN YOU OFFER IN THE DOMAINS OF HOME IMPROVEMENT AND INTERIOR DECORATION FOR THE ULTIMATE STYLISH - DOMESTIC -OASIS?
I think these two mantras are good to bear in mind: One, keep it simple. Two, less is more. And maintain that train of thought. Let some colours, materials and shapes recur in your decor. Light is also very important to me. I spend a lof of time on finding the right lighting. A poorly lit room can ruin a mood. If you understand how to create the right lighting it will contribute to a positive feeling...

3 comments:

  1. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Are the jeans by Acne?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow that's an amazing interview. I have to check out her design!

    xx Mira

    www.glamdevils.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Interesting and informative interview <3

    ReplyDelete