Since Ilse Delange shone in his lace creations, Claes Iversen has also become a name beyond the borders. We have known this for a long time, of course, because when you say Claes, you say taste and style, where his Danish roots form a perfect match with his Dutch habitat. There was a buzz of happiness when the news broke that Claes is launching a prêt-à-porter collection, making ‘a’ Claes accessible to us ordinary mortals.

Let's start with the most important thing, when can we get a Claes?

“It is the Spring Summer 2015 collection, so in just under a year it will be in stores. We are currently finalizing the collection, then the opening of fashion week, which is also the presentation of the collection, and after that, we will enter the sales period. Everything needs to be fine-tuned now, and we expect to receive the samples this week, which will then need to be critically reviewed so that we can still make the final changes.”

What have you designed for this collection?

“The collection is a complete wardrobe, suitable from morning to evening and night. There are also basics like T-shirts, sweaters, trousers, and skirts. The focus is on tailoring, which means everything has a perfect fit. There are also quite a few dresses and real evening pieces. This is alongside pieces that are easy to mix and match, so you can get by seven days a week.’

Little harder than The Perfect T-shirt. Why are yours so good?

“Oh yes, that kind of basics is indeed incredibly difficult. For our shirts, we looked very closely at the detailing, how the seams run, where the stitches should be. They are really designed and all have small special details and additions that make them truly good.”

Is there anything in particular that you think is really cool?

“Yes, several things of course. But actually, it's just like with a couture collection, all the pieces really become your children. I can't choose from them. And yes, I keep it a bit vague on purpose, I still need to build some suspense.”

It's Friday morning. Has your weekend started yet?

“At this moment, not at all, the word weekend does not exist for the next few weeks. We are really working incredibly long hours, even during the quiet periods, by the way. Work, sleep, work, sleep. Look, it’s always a busy job with many deadlines, so on Fridays I’m usually quite tired, and a real party night happens very sporadically.”

But what does your Friday night look like then?

“Usually, I just enjoy the fact that the week is over. I like to eat and cook at home, discuss the week with my boyfriend, those kinds of things. On Fridays, there is always a slightly more relaxed atmosphere in the studio. Everyone is happy, a lot of jokes are made, and there is a lovely atmosphere. Thursday and Friday are good working days. When everyone goes home on Friday, I do feel a sense of, ah, weekend!”

And then it's Saturday, what are you going to do?

“I usually start the day with some exercise. Then I feel completely fresh and recharged. After that, I go to the market for groceries. My priorities have changed a bit now that I’m getting older; I love having time for little things, like tinkering in the garden, for example. I’m quite domestic anyway, I love my home, I feel safe there. And I love cooking, that’s one of my outlets. It’s also wonderful to cook for many friends, everyone at the table, good food, and of course, a lot of wine. That’s part of it. Those kinds of evenings can also really feel like a little party sometimes.”

“Lately, I have rediscovered Copenhagen. I can shop there much better than in Paris, for example.”

Is your Sunday different from Saturday?

“Hm, no, it’s not that different. On Sunday, there always comes a moment when I start to prepare a bit for the work week. Looking at what’s coming up. Otherwise, I take it easy and try to enjoy as much as possible. In the summer, I also like to go outside, walking the dog on the beach or in the woods. In winter, that’s also nice, especially when it’s so cold. At first, you dread it, but once you’ve done it, it feels wonderful.”

So, what’s coming out of the speakers at the Iversen house?

“That varies a lot, especially through Spotify. Music is always on, even in the studio. During workdays, we have a sort of compromise with the employees, then one can choose what is played, and then another. There are also some guilty pleasures in between, especially in a busy period like now, we can get a bit silly and then we have a Britney Spears hour. By the way, I’m currently in the phase where we are also working on the music for the show. So that involves regular calls with Joost van Bellen (the DJ who compiles the show music, ed.) who sends all kinds of new music, and we do a lot of research.”

Assuming earthly matters like time differences, deadlines, men, liquid assets don’t matter, what would your weekend look like?

“Lately, I have rediscovered Copenhagen. I can shop there much better than in Paris, for example. The Vesterbro area is the place to be, very upcoming and the meatpacking district of Copenhagen. It’s such a strange neighborhood with the prostitutes on one side and those nice trendy shops on the other. Very inspiring and new, but still low key. Not hip hip hip, but authentically so.”

What time does the alarm go off on Monday?

“Well, 7 o'clock or half past 6. I try to start the weekend and also the week with some exercise, that’s a nice start. Usually strength training and sometimes running, it varies.”

What should people do this weekend?

“What I can’t do! Haha. Just go outside, spontaneously think of something fun to do. That’s what’s so wonderful about summer, and I’m really looking forward to being able to do that again.”