Markus Lupfer graduated from the University of Westminster with a BA in Fashion Design in 1997. After leaving college, he worked for design duo Clements Ribeiro before starting Markus Lupfer Womenswear in London at the end of 1998 .
His London Fashion Week shows from 1999 until 2004 include design collaborations with TopShop, Ruffo, Mulberry, Kangol and Armand Basi, among others. He was voted Best Designer of the Year at the Prix de la Mode Awards in Spain in 2008 and International Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashions Awards 2010.
It's unusual to see resort wear collections in video form, how did you come up with the idea?
I was introduced to stylist and video director Tabitha Denholm and we began talking about a science documentary she had seen. We both discussed the idea taking that idea and making it into a sort of Fashion Mokumentary. It was important to me that we do something totally different to the usual fashion films that you see and it really felt like we chartered on new territory with our tongue-in-cheek fashion film.
How would you describe your collection?
Our resort 12 collection is centred around classic Markus Lupfer pieces in a pop colour palette. There is a focus on stripes and playing with their dimensions and also a sequin sweater range based on the idea of accessorising with sequin bags etc. I always like our collections to be humorous, contemporary, sparkly, sexy, feminine, from day to evening, and comfortable.
Talk me through the filming process, what went right and what went wrong?
Even the night before the shoot we didn't have the cast totally confirmed! That was a little scary but then the next morning we finally booked the last "Personality" (Florence Welch and Sadie Frost are among those who appear in the video). The day of the shoot was amazing and Tabitha was so inspiring.
Have you had a good response to the video?
We launched the video with a party at the Mondrian Hotel in New York last week. It was in the Penthouse on the 45th floor which has a hugh terrace. The 360 degree view over New York was absolutely incredible. The response to the video both on the launch night and since has been phenomenal, which is great.
How did it compare to stills photography or a catwalk? Would you do it again?
I am really inspired at the moment to find new and different ways to showcase the collections other than just through the catwalk. I think it's a very modern way to present, especially with the internet, as it provides a worldwide audience - I love it and will definitely doing it again.