Back in February I went to see the H&M Design Award show in Stockholm – and I was so pleased that Stine Riis took the 1st prize. Not because she’s a fellow Dane, but because her design is clever, elegant and minimalistic. Just how I like it. Her winning collection hits selected H&M stores September 20 (that’s Thursday this week) in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. It’s so beautiful and well made and definitely not to miss out on!

I got to ask Stine Riis a few questions before launch, so here you go.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION?

“The collection is called ‘Decadence and Decay’ and was inspired by the English artists Robert Morris and Donald Judd. The two artists wanted to make art that concentrated on the art object itself instead of the artist to give the viewer an experience. They focused on the combination of materials, shapes and colours. I applied their way of thinking of art to my way of thinking of clothes. I wanted to make a collection that was for the wearer and not about me as a designer. I combined shapes inspired by tailoring with materials and colours, inspired by eroding materials such as rust on metal. The result is a sophisticated collection for the modern woman. It was important to me that the collection would last more than one season. Today the consumption of fashion is extremely fast and I like to wear my garments for years till they fall apart and it’s almost like they’ve become my friends because they hold so many memories.”

3 WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE COLLECTION?

“Tailored, futuristic, elegance.”

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST EXPERIENCE IN THE H&M DESIGN AWARD?

“I had no idea it would take me this far when I got selected for the competition. Meeting Christopher Kane was a great moment, I really respect him. He was one of the judges at the final round and gave me some very positive comments on my designs. That was a dream coming true.”

WHICH PIECE MAKES YOUR HEART RACE?

“It’s really difficult to choose just one, but I know that I will live in the short blue wool jacket all winter.”

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AS A DESIGNER?

“To make women feel confident, modern and look the greatest they possible can. To me the greatest satisfaction is to see people wear my clothes and see their excitement when they put it on and they feel great – like they found a treasure.”

THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVING AS A NEW DESIGNER?

“Be true to yourself.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

“Well, now that my dream of founding my own label is fulfilled, the next is to one day show in Paris and have my own flagship stores in Paris, London and New York.”