Trash-Couture is a unique universe of its own
like a forgotten poem or a glimpse into a hidden Nordic Couture forest
where only fairytales and dreams can come true
When you choose to play the leading role
letting go of desires to feel free
and embrace beauty of nature at the same time
Trash-Couture is driven by energy and lust
love and adventure
it has always been like that
and we guess it will stay strong like this
Ann Wiberg and Nanna Löwe
History
Trash-Couture has since its establishment in 2002 been pioneers within Ethical Fashion. Aligned with their ecological principles, the brand only uses materials like natural silks, cotton, recycled vintage laces and recycled couture fabrics hence the name, Trash-Couture. The collections are hand –coloured, sculptured and sewn from the Trash-Couture atelier in Denmark, which reduces landfill waste, minimization of over-production and full control with working conditions and rights.
Trash-Couture’s collections are inspired by nature’s adventure. One of the defining successes of the brand is the original signature baroque N’Roll style and the philosophy of using ecologically desirable materials, which is very recognizable, valuable and rare.
Trash-Couture has gained cult status within the Music, Film and Theatre Industry, creating not only customs –but also identities from punk divas to innocent angels. The collaborations feed own aspiration of making a difference in a world, where couture belongs to the dreamer and not the designer or anybody else.
For a decade, Trash-Couture has been the only Couture House to sell at retail –which was never seen nor done before. By breaking all rules of fashion, Trash-Couture has managed to crack the code in order to bring couture to a wider audience of consumers–overjoyed to find original, creative styles as precious and affordable as a work of art. As pioneers, they have been praised internationally for focusing on “Sustainable High-End Fashion” and their strong philosophy has ensured that the ethical message has been communicated to a mixture of collectors –here amongst royalties, aristocrats and cutting edge personalities within the Film and Music business.
The brand was the first to introduce ethical fashion to the world’s best boutiques, and has been purchased by 78 of the Top 100 stores. Rapidly, the brand was recognized for its advanced rebellion signature look, and Trash-Couture has exhibited at FIT in New York and at various recognized galleries in Europe and Asia.
The company is today co-owned and managed by Ann Wiberg as the Creative Director, and Nanna Lowe as Managing director. Trash-Couture is based in-between Paris and Copenhagen. In 2009 the company opened the exclusive The Ballroom –A beautiful 250m2 private couture salon in the centre of Copenhagen. The Ballroom was the first couture salon ever in Scandinavia to provide the Scandinavians with a couture experience normally only offered by the big couture houses in Paris. In May 2012, Trash-Couture will open its first flagship boutique on Bredgade 8, Copenhagen –Right next to the residence of H.R.H Queen Margrethe of Denmark.
The Trash-Couture collection consists of one-off evening dresses, corsages and the latest collection of exclusive couture bridal gowns. The collection is presented bi-yearly at Prêt-a-Porter in Paris. Trash-Couture’s concept marries structure (corsets, bras and slips) with fluid chiffon overlays and silks. Build on form-fitting undergarments as a base for their creations, allows fitting flexibility from XS to M without having to be made-to-measure.
Designer Profile
Founder and Creative Director, Ann Wiberg is an independent, award-winning Danish designer and a member of the design royalty from Copenhagen. Upon graduating from Paris’s Fashion Forum School in 1990, Ann started her first fashion brand under own name. Throughout the 90’ies and early years of 2000, Ann owned eight “Ann Wiberg” boutiques in Denmark and in London’s trendy neighbourhood Notting Hill.
As the Creative Director of Trash-Couture, Ann Wiberg has successfully challenged the most exclusive market in the fashion industry with her imaginative designs with her vision and concept that: “Couture is not only for the chosen ones, in a hidden world behind thick couture house walls. Couture is for all the women who are attracted by the beauty of creation and the dreams that flows within it”.
One of the reasons for Ann’s present success was born from her ready-to-wear experience, where she designed fashionable basics mixed with avant-garde pieces. Her talent lies in creating avant-garde collections for contemporary women, who need a flexible and affordable wardrobe for business and pleasure.
Private collectors
Trash-Couture has over the years gained cult status among the world’s best stylists, press, fashion influencers, singers, actresses, photographers, VIP dressers etc. This status has been build from years of focusing on creating a young and funky couture house.
Penelope Cruz, Kirsten Dunst, Amy Lee, Cyndi Lauper, Britney Spears, Helena Christensen, Cameron Electra, Rosanne Arquette, Nanci Ryder
The Trash-Couture network and collectors include:
Actress’s collecting counts: Rachel Weiz, Penelope Cruz, Kirsten Dunst, Helena Bonham Carter, Teri Hatcher, Anna Paquin, Susanne Arquette, Gong Lee, Emma Thompson, Cameron Electra.
Rock stars and singers collecting Trash-Couture counts: Vanessa Paradise, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Cyndi Lauper, Agnes, Aura Dione, Aqua’s Lene Nystrøm, Sarah Brightman, Natalie King Cole, Paulina Rubiero, Kelly Clarkson, Evanescence Amy Lee, Delta Goodman, Cher.
Trash-Couture’s production to the movie/TV industry include: Desperate Housewives, The Devil Wears Prada, HBO – True Blood Episode 7, Panasonic Commercials with Sarah Brightman, Schwarzkopf Commercials, Rimmel Commercial with Kate Moss, Winter Olympic 2010 with Canadian Double Gold winner Tessa Virtue, Eurovision Song Contest 2010, Customs and Visual Designer of theatre set-up of Carmen 2013
Trash-Couture is well-known by fashion insiders: Patricia Field, Veruschka von Lehndorff, Isabella Blow, Helena Christensen, Diane Pernet, Vanessa Friedman, Debra Shaw, Susan Tabak
Photographers: Marcel Ortiz Gonzales, Steen Evald, Andy Julia, Leonardo Vecchiarelli, Franco Della Costa, Brigitta Wolfgang, Bo Egestrøm, Les Deux Garcons, Eugenio Reeunenco
