In this exclusive interview, we dive into the creative process behind FINE CHAOS’s latest collection, ‘ATARAXIS’, unveiled at Copenhagen Fashion Week FW25. From the philosophy shaping their designs to the intricate details of their bold aesthetic, we discuss the balance between chaos and serenity, the inspirations driving their work, and what the future holds for the brand.
Punk aesthetics has became mainstream as many considered it a cheat-code to being perceived as authentic. How do you keep your inner punk not dead?
Probably by having a team, where the energy is punk. For us, being punk is a subtle or obvious middle finger to the norms, and the focus on creating something new and better. Which we really believe the fashion industry overall needs. Our perception of being punk is therefore not only in the looks, but more so in the mentality and approach to things. And the will to be ‘young forever’ as well.
They say “times have always been tough” – how does your newly shown collection Ataraxis advocates finding peace among the turmoil of the world events?
By being a reflection of it, and by being the platform where it is discussed. We don’t shy away from the world around us, which many times seems to be the case for other fashion brands, agencies etc. We facilitate the conversation, by making an integrated storytelling in the collection where the main source of inspiration is the world we live in. An example, and maybe one of the more straight forward ones, we made a print for a 2-layered t-shirt where it says ‘ILLEGAL’ on the back, with distressed holes mimicking a fence on top of the print. That clearly refers to the unacceptable treatment of people happening right now in the world, and by having that print in the collection, people start to share their opinion on the topic. Fashion should be able to do that. Runway shows should be able to facilitate that. It has to go beyond the commercial values.
You seem to achieve an interesting fusion – traditional craftsmanship with subculture inspired self expression thought fashion. How does this practically translate to the design and manufacturing process?
First, thank you! Second, by trial and error, and a close collaboration with our manufacturers and in our own studio as well. Some of the very deconstructed and raw detailing is extremely hard to communicate, but season by season it becomes easier and easier, as we start to understand each other. Not just from a product standpoint, but on a personal and communicative plan as well. Our manufacturers play an even bigger role than anyone else in translating the good ideas into beautiful garments. If that fails, the whole collection fails. Furthermore, I think we love to go outside the box and do collaborations with people that don’t find themselves in the fashion world. Take for example ‘Wallhack’, a gaming brand located in Copenhagen who primarily make gaming equipment, which doesn’t seem like a straightforward collaboration. That’s what I love, because it brings fresh new ideas to the table. You have to go outside your comfort zone to evolve. I can’t wait to show the coming collaboration with them, which is going to go live in the middle of February.
Photography : Tomasz Bielka
