#CPHFW - Backstage with Mark Tan

During the fashion show, the showroom’s pink Gallery was furnished with a row of Journal desks equipped as dressing tables with Nic Nac organizers, Brilliant boxes, Horizon mirrors, Flip mirrors and Acrobat lamps.

We were backstage with Mark Kenly Domino Tan to talk about his journey of becoming a fashion designer and his AW17 show hosted by Normann Copenhagen.

Mark, how did it all begin?
I was quite young when I decided to become a tailor and designer of women's wear, I must have been 8 years old - or maybe even younger. I have been a big fan of Christian Dior for as long as I can remember. This fascination has brought me to where I am today.

Why present your collection at Normann Copenhagen?
I have always been attracted to the architecture of the Normann Copenhagen showroom with its long narrow entree, the different levels and the high ceiling. Since its renovation last fall, the rooms just glow. There is a combination of textures and colors that creates the perfect setting for my AW 2017 collection.

You used Nic Nac organizers, Flip mirrors, Acrobat lamps, Brilliant boxes and Journal desks among other things. Why did you choses these?
They are some of my personal bits and bobs favorites by Normann Copenhagen. I love the colors of the Nic Nacs and have always had an obsession with organizers and boxes! The Brilliant boxes actually remind me of my grandma's makeup table from the 40s. She always had these carved crystal containers. She has always been a big inspiration to me and leaves a mark on all my collections.

The Flip mirror has a simple organic shape which allies close to my own aesthetic. As for the lamps, they are really fun and artistic and have this vintage reference. Lastly, the Journal desks are very minimal and functional. They offer a lot of space and create a perfect work station. 

You’re models have a very artistic makeup for the show. What story are you telling through the makeup? 
I did not want a typical pretty looking model, but a mood that can support the mood of the collection. Trine Skjødt, who is the makeup artist for the show, uses the face as canvas and adds artistic strokes of brown, ocher and cold tones of rose.

Who are other designers that you feel inspired by? 
Almost all designers have something that inspires me. Christopher Kane, Celine, Dior, Raf Simons, Balenciaga are some of om my favorites.

Your favorite place in Copenhagen? 
Everywhere with water! Also my atelier and the archive of Design Museum Danmark.

What’s next in the world of Mark Tan? 
Im working on a lot of projects but something related to interior will be up later this year.

Photography by Cecilie Schmidt Jegsen.