Agnes Braunerhielm

Agnes Braunerhielm is a freelance fashion editor at Rodeo magazine and is in the Swedish jury for the H&M Design Award 2012.

Q: What currently inspires you?
A: I find inspiration in a lot of different things. At the moment I’m drawn to old school hip-hop, beautiful embroideries, and, as always, strong women.

Q: What do you like to read?
A: At the moment I’m revisiting a beloved poet, Swedish Edith Södergran, I also like Marta Podgórnik and Dorothea Tanning.

Q: Favorite fashion era, and why?
A: Right now. It has to be right now. Otherwise I need to change business.

Q: Favorite fashion designer at the moment?
A: For me personally, I’d say Jean-Paul Lespagnard, Jonathan JW Anderson and Junya Watanabe.

Q: Favorite historic fashion designer?
A: Alexander McQueen with deep sadness that he’s now historic.

Q: What do you like to listen to?
A: I am quite famous for my lousy taste in music, but people never complain when I put on my favorite Robyn and Beyoncé playlists.

Q: What did you most enjoy being part of the jury?
A: To meet with all of the nominees and hear their thoughts and the process behind making their collections. So much talent and many great points of view! All the different aspects in which you can view fashion are interesting.

Q: Who do you think is the most influential person in fashion right now?
A: For me, I keep thinking of Louise Bourgeois. In fashion, I would say Raf Simons.

Q: What lies ahead for students trying to make it in fashion today, compared to 10 or 20 years ago?
A: Today everything surrounding fashion happens a lot faster. I think it’s important to find your own voice in this noisy world and develop from there. Also, we have this problem with the environment that we need to solve for the future... There are many aspects to keep in mind today.

Q: What are the main principles you keep in mind when reviewing a collection?
A: It’s completely different reviewing a collection during fashion week and reviewing a student’s work. If it’s an established designer, I keep in mind the designers history and respect that. Then I look to the silhouette, the message and the execution. I try to find where they are, or aren’t, going. For students and young talent, I’ll try to find details or methods that make the collection stand out. I talk to them to understand their work, and what’s important to them. If there’s devotion and a strong point of view you will notice that immediately.

Cia Jansson

Cia Jansson is the Creative and Fashion Director at ELLE Sweden and is in the Swedish jury for the H&M Design Award 2012.

Q: What currently inspires you?
A: Things that surprises me.

Q: What do you read at the moment?
A: Fans by Fredrik Strage.

Q: Favorite fashion era, and why?
A: Every era has its charm, but the 20's silhouette suits me well.

Q: Favorite fashion designer at the moment?
A: Miuccia Prada.

Q: Favorite historic fashion designer?
A: I'm fascinated by the modernity of Madeleine Vionnet.

Q: What do you like to listen to?
A: Robyn.

Q: What did you most enjoy being part of the jury?
A: To view all the talented students!
A: What lies ahead for students trying to make it in fashion today, compared to 10 or 20 years ago?
A: A lot of opportunities- exactly as it was 10-20 years ago. It's all about being creative and brave.

Q: What are the main principles you keep in mind when reviewing a collection?
A: Artistic vision, function and execution.

Marcus Söder

Marcus Söder is Fashion Director for BON Magazine and is in the Swedish jury for the H&M Design Awards 2012.

Q: What currently inspires you?
A: Everyday events and objects that we take for granted and usually miss the beauty of. We don’t always register the things we see everyday but they are more special and inspiring than most.

Q: What do you like to read?
A: Mostly newspapers and magazines like International Herald Tribune, Intelligent Life, 032c and DN. Over Christmas and New Years I’ll read a pile of books I haven’t had time to read.

Q: Favorite fashion era, and why?
A: 1950s. Everyone looked fantastic and wanted to make an effort post war. The female silhouettes were super chic and always very flattering. The men wore suits, which still (unfortunately) is the best way for a man to dress.

Q: Favorite fashion designer at the moment?
A: Christopher Kane, always with a really interesting twist and surprising elements. Thom Browne for taking menswear to new levels. And in general, Miuccia Prada, always finding new ways within old territories.

Q: Favorite historic fashion designer?
A: Yves Saint Laurent.

Q: What do you like to listen to?
A: Yoko Duo, Nicolas Jaar, Mount Kimbie, Korallreven, J Dilla and Soul Clap’s podcasts. Plus anything that is worth dancing to.

Q: What did you most enjoy being part of the jury?
A: I am super enthusiastic about promoting new generations and young talent to make sure there is new blood with good ideas coming into the industry. It’s hard to get ahead and important that the best ideas and minds can come forward and not drown in the noise.

Q: Who do you think is the most influential person in fashion right now?
A: Steven Meisel.

Q: What lies ahead for students trying to make it in fashion today, compared to 10 or 20 years ago?
A: A lot more competition!

Q: What are the main principles you keep in mind when reviewing a collection?
A: Gut instinct. Always. Do I get that feeling or not. Very easy. Always trust it.

Ann-Sofie Johansson

Ann-Sofie Johansson is Head of Design at H&M and takes part in all of the national jury sessions, as well as the international final jury session during the H&M Design Award 2012.

Q: What currently inspires you?
A: People. Always!

Q: What do you like to read?
A: Jonathan Franzen’s new book, and fashion magazines.

Q: Favorite fashion era, and why?
A: Can’t choose between 50´s rockabilly look or 60´s mod.

Q: Favorite fashion designer at the moment?
A: Dries van Noten.

Q: Favorite historic fashion designer?
A: Madeleine Vionnet.

Q: What do you like to listen to?
A: Feist’s new album.

Q: What did you most enjoy being part of the jury?
A: To see so much talent!

Q: Who do you think is the most influential person in fashion right now?
A: Lady Gaga.

Q: What lies ahead for students trying to make it in fashion today, compared to 10 or 20 years ago?
A: I think the competition is much harder today.

Q: What are the main principles you keep in mind when reviewing a collection?
A: Creativity and craftsmanship.