They have experience with premiers. The ballet solo dancers Thomas Lempertz and Friedemann Vogel (alias "Goldknopf Couture") have often stood in the spotlight! Maybe that is why the premiere of their first fashion collection was such a success. For the last year, these two creative minds have been designing fashions with that certain something for their shop in the inner city of Stuttgart, Germany. Now the  two designers are dreaming of creating the costumes for a ballet production. burdafashion.com spoke with "Goldknopf Couture" about their fashions, their inspirations, and their future plans.

How did you become fashion designers?
We have both been interested for years in the world behind the scenes in the theater and in the creation of the costumes. We took over the "Goldknopf" shop five years ago. It was perfect timing and a great opportunity to turn our own ideas into reality. With "Goldknopf Couture" we can realize an even greater spectrum of our ideas.

Where and how did you meet?
We both trained at the Ballet Academy and shared early experiences with the ballet company. Together we form a very creative team. We have been friends since our childhood and recognized very early on that we could work together to turn our dreams into reality.

How and when was the idea for today's “Goldknopf Couture Linie” born?
Five years ago we took over an old, established shop in the inner city of Stuttgart, Germany which had been selling notions and fashion accessories since approx.1930.
We gave the shop a new lease on life, modernized the inventory, and changed the name to "Goldknopf". In the course of the last years, many things came together to inspire us to create our own fashion collection: the fantastic braids, laces, and buttons that we sell daily, and also the costumes in the ballet.
At the end of last year we finally turned our dream of our own fashion label, "Goldknopf Couture" into reality.

What was your first success?
Our fashion show in November, 2007 earned us so much positive feedback ... that was the moment when we really understood that "Goldknopf Couture" was a success and that we could start making long-term plans for our fashion line.

What is the concept of "Goldknopf Couture"?
Wearable, theatric elegance; very feminine, high-quality fashions, inspired by ballet and the theater. "Goldknopf" is the perfect outfit for the next evening at the theater: lots of tulle, feathers, and brocade and sophisticated details.

What is the message of your fashions?
The moment on stage is very emotional and requires the highest precision. This is the moment when you are at the center of attention – in the spotlight.
Our fashion gives our customers this feeling and shares this special moment with them.

How would you describe this year's autumn/winter collection?
Our latest collection is avantgarde – from a cocktail dress of finest silk to sequined tulle dresses for evening or a classic business suit of light gray, soft loden cloth. The fashions are characterized by the clean lines of haute couture. Each individual outfit emphasizes the feminine silhouette and showcases exclusive details such as eye-catching buttons, covered with silk or lace, opulent embroideries, and piping on jackets.

How many collections do you design each year?
We design two collections a year – spring/summer and autumn/winter. We also create fashions to order.

What is so special about being a designer?
The creative work and the chance to turn our ideas into reality! For us, design is more art than craft.

Who wears "Goldknopf" fashions?
The mature, self-assured woman who loves unique fashions and being in the spotlight.

Do you have a role-model? With which designer would you like to work?
Alber Elbaz from Lanvin

Where do you find your inspiration?
As dancers, we find most of our inspiration in the realm of theater and the stage. I have always been fascinated by the sheer unlimited possibilities that the world of the theater offers. Our style is romantic and theatric.

How do you relax?
By being outdoors and with lots of music….

What are your goals for the future?
To turn all of our dreams and ideas into reality – and to create costumes for theater and ballet productions!

Do you have any tips for young, aspiring designers?
Follow your dream. Believe in your own ideas.

The Autumn/Winter collection 2008/2009