Your collections are a reflection of your world view, have you had a challenge when your narrative has pushed against the status quo? On the whole my collections have been received well and I personally feel that the emotional value they hold is appealing in this time. In a world where for the most part we have seen most styles and silhouettes already - now i believe it is in the clothes emotional capability and sustainability integrated across all points of the business that will create pioneering movements into the future. You've collaborated with Pinko, how did that come about? Originally it was through a shared love for glamour, we work well together and I am constantly amazed by the passion for craft and technique in Italy. The first time we met was during Fashion week when you were hosting Swap Shop and encouraging people to pass on garments and give a new life to others. Do you think the concept can grow within the traditionally commercial setting of the industry? I think with any new idea takes time to find its place, while I recognise the concept of swapping actually predates currency, In modern fashion it is relatively new. I think like technology it must be used in the right way and in a way that looks good and is appealing.
would be to only produce what people want to buy/wear/ rent/experience. We have to move away from guessing what people want to buy. There is also a huge need to support young creative talent in a true sense of the word. We have to stop thinking decade old businesses are emerging and offer support to those right at the start of their careers. This government is failing our creative talent right from the start of education. In the very near future it will be in all of our capability to think creatively about all subjects and industries at any age which will determine our success as individuals but also as nations. Currently we are setting people up to fail. The idea that creativity is exclusive to art and design is ridiculous. I see little creativity in many clothing companies, one could argue that the scientist developing a new medicine is in fact more creative than many artists. Although it's not surprising when we are educated in a school system designed for the industrial revolution. Final question, if I gave you a time machine and the power of invisibility, what would you sneak off to get as a garment to upcycle from fashions rich history? I would go to Elsa Schiaparelli, her clothing is a corner stone of modern fashion. I wouldn't up- cycle it though - I'd wear it!
What's next for you?
I'm working with other brands to help create Reimagine collection, I have been appointed Design director of Sustainability at PINKO to continue working towards their sustainable future, alongside building my own main collections in new and innovative ways. Now for the two questions I love to ask all designers, what is one thing you love about the industry, and if I gave you a magic wand, what would be the thing you would instantly change? I love the creativity of fashion and how it is taken by the wearer and made their own. That for me makes it so much more interesting than art, because it becomes part of the person who wears it. If I could change one thing it
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