Catching up with designer Kerry Knowles…

We quickly caught up with emerging designer Kerry Knowles who will be showcasing at our Movida Catwalk Show tonight!

1) What inspired to you to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
I have always been a creative person and as I've gone through education I've followed what I've been good at. I was inspired to do something I enjoyed and would be committed to follow.

2) Who are your biggest influences?
My family, they have always been amazingly supportive with my desire to pursue a career as a designer. Also all the people that appreciate my work.

3) From the look of your collections, minimalism is something which is present in each garment. What is it about the minimalistic look that you like so much?
My focus has always been about attention to detail even if it is very small detailing, that's why I fell in love with tailoring. By creating a minimalistic look it can give more emphasis on the shape and clean lines creating an effortless elegance.

4) In 2007, you won the Womenswear Designer of The Year Award from the UUFA. After winning that award, how much more recognition did you gain and supporters?
The award was a public vote so it was great to see the amount of support I had with that collection. I was then approached by the director of the Masters course at the London College of Fashion and invited to come to the university. I then focused my attention on creating my new collection, I am really happy that I had the chance to do it as it made me develop my skills further as a designer.

5) Who is your demographic? What type of man or woman would wear your clothes?
Someone who enjoys luxurious fabrics and tailored silhouettes. They are also not afraid to try something new and experiment with conceptual ideas.

6) Which other fashion designers do you admire?
There have been so many amazing creative designers throughout history, but my favorites are Channel, Armani, Ted Baker, and Jill Sander. Each one has created something unique within luxury clothing for their customers.

7) What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label versus i.e. design, production, sales, finance, advertising?
I think each area has its own difficulties and only through experience and learning from that things can become easier.

8) What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Fine fabrics are important also attention to detail. If a garment is well made then it will maintain shape and last longer.

9) How would you describe your garments in three words?
Tailored, Luxurious, Minimal

10) What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
To gain as much commercial experience as possible through work experience. It is really important for someone setting out on their career to be creative but to also be aware about how the industry really works.

Words by Leah Sinclair
Find out more about Kerry's designs and label at - http://www.kerryknowles.co.uk/

An interview with designer Borris Powell by Danielle Ross

Danielle Ross from our team caught up with the incredible designer Borris Powell, who will be showcasing his amazing creations at our London Fashion Week Show on February 19th 2010 to find out more about his luxurious self titled label.

Models wearing Borris Powell

Your early love of fashion came from watching your mother, how do you incorporate this older more refined and sophisticated style into your current collection?

It really isn't anything that I think about. Once I set down to sketch, this is what comes from me naturally. I dream this way. Maybe it's from all the years of watching such a beautiful person as I was growing up, or maybe it's just how I was born. Does that mean, I'm really an older, refined, sophisticated woman? LOL

What makes your designs different yet appealing to your target market/buyers?

My work is very conservative, but an understated sexy appeal to it. I design
to make the woman feel even more beautiful then she is. I'm only wanting to
enhance the beauty that she's come to know of herself. There are certain parts of the woman's body that I find the be extremely sexy and I focus on highlighting those parts.

How does Chicago living influence your designs?

I'm not only influenced by Chicago living. The world is my muse. You will see this in the Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. Here my inspiration drives from a Holiday in Italy. Rome to be exact.

If you had to pick one aspect of the female body that should be emphasised by clothing what would it be?

Just one? Why would you do that to me? LOL... I have to give you two. The back and shoulders. You will hardly ever see sleeves on my gowns.

Will the 'A La Mode 'show be the first time you will be showcasing in London? Are you excited?

The "A La Mode" show will be my first time showing in London and I can't put into words just how excited I am for this opportunity. I still can't believe this. I haven't even shown in New York yet and I'm from the States. This is so amazing to me. "THANK YOU, A LA MODE!!!"

In your opinion how does British fashion differ from American styles?

American styles seem to be a bit more conservative.

You have travelled all over the world, in what way does your travel inspire your creations?

As I stated early, "The world is my muse." I love to travel and will often gain my inspiration for it. I can learn my message/concept from travels, I can find my color pallet, I can find my over all look. The world is a beautiful place and I try to always view it now matter where I am with an open and creative eye.

In particular, what materials do you favour and why?

Luxury fabrics. I love working with silks, cashmere, satin, fur, leather, and brochades.

Can you tell us a little about this current collection, inspiration, the thought process etc?

My current collection for Fall/Winter 2010 is called, "The Rise of an Empress." Mostly comes from a Holiday in Rome, Italy. I came across a picture from a visit to this area outside of the colossuem. There is this fabulous site which I call the fallen Ruins. Broken stairs and original columns from back in the day of Colossuem Game days. I was instantly moved and decided I wanted to do a collection based on that period. My next task was to come up with a name and a way to show that period and put my twist on the concept to make it relatible to todays woman. I can't have a collection without a complete concept and a beautiful story and title. It's my job to take you all on a journey from start to finish.

By the end of the show, you need to be able to say, "I see exactly where he was going." This collection is about beauty and power. She starts off being the lady that she was expected to be in the early part of time and then she becomes more then just a beautiful extention of her King/ruler and starts to take the stage and become her very own. She's soft and very powerful all at the same time.

Can you tell us a little about what we can see next season/year on the runway from Borris Powell?
Maybe I'll find that spark in London. But you can guarantee it will be full of long, beautiful, and elegant gowns.

From this collection showing at "A La Mode", what pieces are your favourite and why?

I love them all. That changes every time that I work on a new dress. The collection as a whole is so beautiful and I'm not "at all biased." LOL. I am in love with this dress that we're working on. I call it Armor. It's an Asymmetrical dress that reminds me of armor because of the bodice. There are 3 seams that curve around the upper body and a very rare way. It's the perfect mix of hard and soft.

How would you recommend we wear these favourite pieces and to where ideally?

My work is always designed to wear to luxury affairs. High Society Parties, Charity events, award shows, and amazing house parties. Whenever she wants to feel like a star and wants all eyes on her, she should pull one of these dresses from her closets.

Your pieces have been described as romantic, tea party fairytale, is this a genre you will develop and evolve or will you go in a completely different direction next season?

All I ever want to do for the rest of my life is to create romantic, and beautiful gowns. Gowns that can inspire a woman to enter a room feeling 4 inches taller and as beautiful as she ever has.

How do you think the clothes women wear can enhance confidence?

It has to be something special. Something that everyone will desire. And that's always my goal when I create.

How has the recession affected your work and how has your label adapted to this economic climate?

We all have seen a cut back, but I've never given up. And I've had an amazing support system of family and friends to see me forward. And it's in my blood. I can't do or see anything else. I have been working a full time job as I build my brand, so I have that to support my dreams, but it's getting harder and harder to do both. But until the recession lifts, this is the only way that I see things for me. Things haven't changed for me too much, because a lady wanting a special gown for a special event, is still going to get her gown. She still has a budget for it.

Any final notes to add about the up and coming London Fashion Week 2010?
I am so excited to be in London showing. I hope that I will not disappoint you guys. :o) Ok, please. Just be prepared to be WOWED!!!

To find out more visit www.borrispowell.com