Talking Style with award-winning artist Petra Börner
In the first of our new series ‘Talking Style With…’ we chat to award-winning artist Petra Börner about her creative journey, fashion philosophy, artistic inspirations and, of course, Ops&Ops.
From Swedish coast to London studio
As a child growing up in Skåne in Sweden, Petra was always making things. She arrived in London in 1993 to study fashion and English and has lived here since.
“I’ve always made things. As a kid, I’d find something and create something from it and I still do. I tried different techniques to see what I could do but the drive came from making stuff. And for me, art and fashion were always entwined”
She says she “somehow” got into Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and chose fashion believing it would lead to a job. It did for a while. But after an internship at Seraph, the high-end streetwear label that launched in 1997, she turned to art and began illustrating for magazines.
In tandem, she created an accessories brand, BO-Bags, and started a womenswear label with a friend. But they failed to offer the creativity she craved and she began concentrating on building her portfolio. The work followed swiftly for book covers, interiors companies and international fashion brands.
Today, Petra’s art and sculpture projects, personal and commercial, continue alongside global commissions for names such as Aquascutum, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and, most recently, Marimekko – creating designs, drawings, paintings, and ceramics. Always with pattern.
Marimekko collab
You recently did a collaboration with the Finnish company, how did that come about? I was asked by the creative director Rebekka Bay to be part of their Artists Series. The botanical theme for the designs was already there, for them obviously and for me, it was like a bridge linking us both. It was really good fun – they’re a client I’d wanted to work with forever.
Petra on Ops&Ops
How would you describe them? Funky, attractive, practical, chic. They’re glamorous and fun. They make you speedy and get you going – you put them on and you’re ready to go!
What makes them unique? The styling is different from anything else and they go with everything. They feel quite me. And they fit in my bag, so I can take them with me if I’m wearing heels as they don’t weigh anything.
How do you style them? You want to be able to see them, so I wear them with rolled-up trousers, shorts and socks too.
What’s your personal style I often wear utilitarian outfits, a lot of work wear and vintage. I like expensive stuff too that’s durable and good quality. I shop for life, when I buy something I know I’ll like it forever. I’m very decisive and I know exactly what I like but I only shop solo, when you’re with someone it can cloud your vision!
What’s your favourite
Record Martha from the album Closing Time by Tom Waits
Book Caribou Island, a thriller, by David Vann. I recently read his Legend of a Suicide, which I found really intriguing. I’m reading more now, I’ve got my concentration back!
Artist I like the work of the French artist and sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, and Fernand Léger
Decade 1980s, I was young and things were fun.
Film True Romance always. But I’ve recently watched Conclave, which was great, and Rebel Without A Cause – I loved James Dean’s red jacket. I love cinema, I like making films myself.
Night out The movies.
City London, I love it.
Holiday destination I never get to go anywhere. I’m not good with heat, but I love swimming, so somewhere I can do that.
Next move? More of the same. I’m giving a talk in Finland, working on a mural in a hotel in Sardinia, a bit of this and that.
Petra is wearing No10 Leopard flats – find them on sale here and in one-off colours here. She is also a fan of our metallics and No15 wedge mules – get sample pairs in our outlet.
Be sure to follow our ‘Talking Style With…’ series for more conversations. Share your thoughts or tag us in your favourite Ops on Instagram @opsandops
