Cover One of the latest looks from Christine Nielsen's fashion label (Photo: Courtesy of Hyun Mi Nielsen)

Christine Nielsen launched Hyun Mi Nielsen in 2016, specialising in punk, avant-garde pieces

South Korea-born, Denmark-raised designer Christine Nielsen was trained under Alexander McQueen and then worked under Sarah Burton as head of design at Alexander McQueen before becoming directrice de studio at Givenchy and Balenciaga. She launched her eponymous Paris-based label Hyun Mi Nielsen in 2016, specialising in punk, avant-garde pieces.

When did you first realise you wanted to work in fashion?

Very early on. As a kid it was my favourite thing in the world to play dress up and draw.

Who was the first designer you worked for?

The most amazing designer I have ever worked for was the legendary Lee McQueen. While I was studying at the Royal College of Art and Design, I did an internship at Alexander McQueen. Many years later I returned to Alexander McQueen working with Lee and Sarah Burton before Lee sadly passed away. It was a magical experience.

Tatler Asia
Above Christine Nielsen

Who was the first celebrity you dressed?

Beyoncé was the first celebrity to wear my label. She wore it in her music video Apeshit and later in the music video for Lion King. She always looks amazing in everything she wears so it was very special that she wore my piece. I love dressing strong, independent women.

Where is the first place you look for inspiration?

I look for inspiration in everything—it can be art, nature or my Danish-Korean heritage, among others. But there are some themes I always circle back to—the idea of juxtapositions, the contrast between light and dark, the subversive versus the innocent. I hope my collections always offer a sense of punk rebellion and poetic realness.

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