Camilla Stærk
The designer and artist Camilla Stærk merges the drama of Old Hollywood with Danish minimalism in the clothing, accessories and home décor that she sells under her namesake label, Stærk.
Portrait by Samantha West
‘The designer and artist Camilla Stærk merges the drama of Old Hollywood with Danish minimalism in the clothing, accessories and home décor that she sells under her namesake, Stærk. She has also designed the interiors of restaurants and hotels around the world, most recently the dining room for Brooklyn’s Ilis. Now she’s launching her first piece of furniture, The Signature Chaise No. 1.’
– T MAGAZINE / THE T LIST / THE NEW YORK TIMES
Born and raised in the countryside of Denmark, Camilla Stærk studied fashion and textiles at Ravensbourne College in London. The sophisticated, dark romance of her women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and interiors have earned her the British Fashion Council’s Newgen Award, collaborations with top fashion brands and hotels, and adherents from London to Tokyo to the Americas.
She lives in New York City.
N2
The Brand
STÆRK was founded in 2000 when Camilla Stærk’s graduate collection – a gentle reappraisal of the gothic through leathers, silks and jerseys – was purchased by top boutiques in Paris and London, introducing a dark new star to fashion’s growing galaxy.
Inspired by the saddles from a youth spent on horseback, David Lynch’s sharp surrealism, and the haunting glamour of old Hollywood and film noir, Stærk began with hand knitted leather clutches and liquid jersey dresses – encompassing a new level of sophistication emerging from New York’s downtown core in the late 2000s. It has since emerged into a global brand, offering a specialty range of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as consultations and collaborations, e-commerce, interior design and furnishings.
Celebrated from the pages of Vogue to Oscar’s red carpet to the design press, today Stærk’s work continues to impact those who appreciate the independence of the artist, and the strength of the sensual; Counting among its fans Julianne Moore, Jefferson Hack, Madonna and Karen O.
Whether consulting with brands like Liberty London, designing leather goods for Yukizna Tokyo, interiors for Comwell Hotels, or crafting custom lights, rugs and uniforms for New York restaurant ILIS by Mads Refslund of Noma, Stærk’s partnerships continue to express and further those values.
As the presentation of STÆRK has moved from London to New York and on to new media, such as photography exhibitions, and films with NOWNESS and Visionaire, the materials and designs remain grounded in Danish minimalism, a palette of blacks, and an erotic, shrouded mystery.
No matter where STÆRK goes, or is found, it warms the darkness.