On the occasion of Paris fashion week, Relaxnews talks to Belgian designer Jean-Paul Knott, who is showcasing his Spring/Summer 2013 menswear creations in Paris's trendy third arrondissement until July 5. Here, the creator shares his sources of inspiration -- including people-watching on the underground and Godard films.
Relaxnews: Which famous man best represents your Spring/Summer 2013 collection?
Jean-Paul Knott: It would not really be a famous man, rather a contemporary man in search of practical and comfortable clothes with details that makes them unique. An average man who works and has a wife and children is more interesting and relatable to me. That is perhaps the man who embodies the collection.
RN: In your opinion what are the three Spring/Summer 2013 wardrobe essentials and why?
JPK: A T-shirt and a shirt -- two essential items in a man's wardrobe. The T-shirts because they're simple and easy to wear. A shirt can be classic at times and original and unconventional at other times. Plus an unlined trench. Just a gabardine layer to offer proftection from summer storms.
RN: Which summer holiday style can't you stand?
JPK: It is difficult to judge someone's look when they are on holiday. Personally I don't think I have an extraordinary look on vacation.
RN: Which film best represents your latest collection?
JPK: Godard's Contempt, a love story between a man and a woman and everything that goes with that, love, hate, passion...in a word, life.
RN: Where is the most unusual place you go to seek design inspiration and why?
JPK: My favorite place for that is the metro. People come and go with their lives, their joy, their problems, their romances, their attitudes, their conversations....it is often very educational and fascinating.
RN: Which object couldn't you live without on holiday?
JPK: My sunglasses. One ray of sun and I'm blind...the fate of people with light-colored eyes.