We have been colossal fans of Lena Quist for quite some time now. Her self-titled fashion brand was established in 2006 to create the ultimate rock-star image. In summer 2009 however, Lena took the bold step towards the higher fashion market whilst still retaining the edge and fearless attitude she is renowned for. We caught up with Lena Quist for a few words on Rock 'n' Roll & fashion, Sweden and beyond. SN: Having been brought up and living in Sweden, do Swedish cultures influence your work or ideas? LQ: Probably in some ways, but I see myself more as european than just swedish. I grew up on a farm outside a small town, on the eastcoast of Sweden and I was everything but the expected farm girl, haha. Already as little I loved dressing up and was always stumbling around in my pretty shoes in the mud, refusing to wear wellies. And that's how things still feels like; I've just never been fitting in, but at the same time; it really doesn't bother me. SN: We have heard that you are heavily inspired by the music cultures of the 80s era, who and what would be your most prolific influences? LQ: Kiss! I love heavy make up, costumes in leather covered in rhinestones, feathers and fur. Then I was into Michael Jackson as inspiration for my f/w collection 2008. I love the early Madonna. Some of Mötley Crüe's outfits have been really cool, but I honestly gotta say I'm so over that trashy glam rock style. It was fun for a while, but I like changing every season, that's a big part of who I am and my job. SN: This year you took the step to create a more sophisticated and higher end collection. What were the reasons behind this? Do you now feel that was the right move to make? LQ: Absolutely. I don't believe in having regrets. I've received a great response to the new collection and it feels like it was exactly what I needed to do. It was time to take the next step. Being an alternative fashion designer was great, but you can only reach to a certain level, which I did rather fast. I've always wanted to be among those who are the best of the best, and I'm gonna continue to push myself until I reach my goal. I've changed a bit, but not given up who I am and what I stand for, that's what's important. SN: With an ever growing UK fan base and audience do you have any plans to start bringing the Lena Quist experience over to Great Britain? Possibly showing at LFW or other events? LQ: I certainly am! I hope I can start showing my high fashion collections at London Fashion Week very soon. Hopefully I'm starting this fall, but I don't want to jump into more things before I'm ready for it and knowing I can continue showing my collections there on a regular basis. And of course it would be nice to have a shop or two selling the stuff. SN: You've admitted on the Lena Quist blog and elsewhere that at a point 2009 brought you into a black hole, to rock bottom. The Clamour for Glamour collection seems a very fitting answer and response to that. Was that the intention and what is the story behind this collection? LQ: It actually wasn't done intentionally, but I guess creating a completely black collection says something about my state of mind... but mostly it's about me being sick and tired of the boring people of Sweden. The international fashion right now is amazing with big opportunities to dress up and be fun, while the swedish brands still are all about jeans and t-shirts. That's not fashion. It's just clothes. So my collection is made as my point of view; a little fancy black dress for every occasion. You feel better about yourself when dressing up, and that's exactly what everyone need once in a while; feel beautiful. SN: You were nominated for Alt Fashion's International Fashion Designer of the year in December 2009, how did that come about and how is it all going? LQ: I've got lots of faithful friends and fans who nominated me. I made it to the final three, and right now all I can do is wait for the results and hope for the best. Of course I'm nervous! SN: Finally, the obvious end point, what can we see from you in 2010 and beyond? LQ: Absolutely more crazy outfits in leather-look spandex! That's my thing. Other than that, the spring collection will be very sweet and cute - but edgy- in pastells and offwhite, with roses, chiffon and silk, while the side project I'm working on with my partner in crime - hat & headpiece brand Gothic Airways - is a dark fetish collection in vinyl and leather. I also have a project with a theatre here in Malmö coming up. Plus some other stuff, so you will definitely be hearing a lot from me this spring and summer!