Villa Gestuz by Sanne Sehested

AW: The Harvey bag debut was a big part of the collection! It’s a structural handbag with a top handle and a crossbody strap. Can you share with us the inspiration behind the bag?
SS: I was really inspired by the idea of a very classic handbag. Almost like if you asked someone to draw a handbag, these would be the lines they came up with. I wanted to create the most luxurious and elegant version of that. We created it with a very sharp architectural look for this minimalistic take on a “fancy woman” handbag, but in a modern way. It was also so important for us as a primarily female team that we created a bag that was easy to use not only in look but also functionality. Like with the top handle and the crossbody strap, and that the bag is firm enough to stand on its own when sat on a table. You can’t imagine how long something so seemingly simple can take to get right!

AW: Villa Gestuz SS25 stems from the rock and roll age of the 70s emulating the essence of the rock stars’ girlfriends. When you gave me the runthrough at the showroom, you shared how the theatrical parties that the Rolling Stones threw in Belle Epoque mansion was a main source of inspiration as well. Was there a certain aspect you discovered through your research of the band moving to the French Riviera that inspired you with this collection?
SS: For years, I’ve sought to capture the essence of GESTUZ summer collections, even though my inspiration often comes from heavier materials like leather, denim, and knit, as well as darker, edgier styles. The challenge has been translating that into summer wear. Discovering the 70s, rock-meets-luxury, French Riviera vibe was the missing piece. This narrative embraces imperfection and effortlessness in summer fashion. It also mirrors the inspiration I typically draw for autumn and winter collections but in a summer context. I love how it focuses on contrasts and challenges societal norms about when and how to wear occasion or “normal” clothes. Picture vintage jeans with a pearl top at a fancy party or a golden see-through dress at a pool party—I adore that idea.

AW: Last season, we saw the story of a party girl on her way back home after a night out. Villa Gestuz felt like the stargirl who never leaves the party, but still makes her morning meeting looking fresh! The collection is elevated with variations of blazers, pantsuits and silk tops. It felt very balanced and that there was a look for any occasion, can you share how you were able to do this? Do you come up with certain scenarios and imagine what the Gestuz woman’s ensemble would be?
SS: Working with an all-women team who each dress uniquely influences our approach to design. What unites us—and likely many Danish women—is the desire for wearable clothes. We need pieces that work for biking, picking up kids, and dinner after work, often using the same outfit for multiple occasions. This practicality likely translates into our collections. Additionally, we aim to redefine how pieces are used, blurring the lines of what’s “appropriate” for different situations. If you feel like it, wear that golden dress to pick up the kids!

AW: The clothes translated the collection theme spot on, but so was the set design. Upon entering the building, we spotted electric guitars on the sofa leading up to the runway space. The runway space itself felt like we were in the Rolling Stones living room, waiting for catering to arrive with cocktails. I loved that you chose to include a glass of wine and a pack of vogues as props as well. Can you share with us the process of designing this space and translate the story behind the collection?
SS: The glass of wine was added just 10 minutes before the doors opened! Our art director discussed with the band how the vibe should feel like a private studio rehearsal, and someone suggested a glass of wine. We quickly made it happen. The set-designer spent months researching and translating inspiration into the physical space. Our focus was on telling the story without overshadowing the collection or making it feel like a second-hand store. We built the space, then deconstructed it to keep only the essentials. We added a ceramic leopard with sunglasses for the vibe and a lip statue as a nod to the original inspiration. All items were rented and continue to be enjoyed after the show!

AW: You’re favourite Danish singer Brimheim performed at the show, and tied in the essence of rockstars in the 70s. Can you share with us why you chose her out of everyone? Have you ever attended her shows?
SS: We started working with Helena (Brimheim) back in 2021. Someone from our team had attended one of her concerts and shared a video with all of us. I pretty instantly knew that I wanted to work with her, so she performed at one of our shows, which at that time only was shown digitally due to the pandemic. When we had the chance to invite her back to do an actual live performance, we kind of tailored the show around her, to truly show the inspiration and the merging of two crafts that is so important to GESTUZ: design and music.

AW:When you were giving me the runthrough of the collection, the fully pearl beaded see-through dress had me in awe. Another piece that caught my eye was the grey blazer, such  classic, yet modern tailoring with an updated take on corsetry with embossed boning accents and metal front closure clasps. Gestuz’s ethos is to create attainable luxury for modern day women. How are you able to create luxury hand beaded pieces like the dress, while maintaining an affordable price point?
SS: For us it has been a lot about the relationship we have with our suppliers and the team behind us. The collaboration with them is truly important, and we have learned through the last many years how to find the perfect balance between luxury and price point. Sometimes that takes compromise! That being said, we also want to honour the fact that some pieces just stand at a higher price due to craft or material, and that is OK.

Gestuz