A: I grew up in South-east London with my parents and two younger sisters. Now I live in Manchester city centre; in my final year of University.
Q: What have you studied, and what are you doing now?
A: I study at The University of Manchester, course BSc Fashion & Textile Retailing. However the past year I did an exchange year in Gothenburg, Sweden studying Fashion Management and Engineering.
Q: How would you describe your personal style in 3-5 words?
A: My style is based on mixing classic pieces with eye-catching prints or modern shapes. Overall to give a new and eclectic look.
Q: Where do you shop, luxury or highstreet? new or vintage? boutiques? online?
A: On a student budget my current wardrobe is mainly highstreet. Fashion trends change so quickly I think the highstreet is the best place to pick up whats needed to update and adapt your look. Some items can come in and out of fashion so quickly- one-off pieces need to be affordable. I also mix both new and vintage in my style. Manchester has a great vintage shopping area and I think vintage shopping has more thrill to it- like a treasure hunt. I personally look out for 1960s shift dresses and printed blouses as these can be easily reworked in modern times. Online shopping is great for convience and comparing items across stores quickly when im short on time or have a certain type of garment in mind.
Q: If you had $300 for a shopping spree, how many items would you buy?
A: One answer: as much as I can! I may start by writing a list of what I think I need, but based on past experience I will probably be drawn to items that just catch my eye and end up buying them. Most money will be spent on well fitting jeans, a jacket (probably leather) and shoes, the rest on one-off on-trend pieces.
Q: Do you prefer street style fashion or runway fashion?
A: I think its really hard to say! Sometime street style inspires the runway, sometimes the runway inspires street style, and other times there completely unrelated! A lot of the time I think street style appears more creative- everyone can show a bit of their personality though the way they put their outfit together, the choice of colours, layering, textures etc. I love that everyone looks different. However I do really appreciate the wider concept that is involved in runway fashion collections. I like the theme and the whole production that goes into a runway collection, sometimes it looks like a piece of art!
Q: What do you splurge on? Skimp on?
A: When I splurge I spend on shoes or a bag: Quite stereotypically girl-like. But I honestly think a on-trend pair of shoes/boots or a bag in the right colour or shape can really transform an outfit, and even bring a old out-fit much more up to date. Or atleast this is what I tell myself to justify the splurge... I Skimp on Jewelry. I not much for buying an expensive knecklace or ring, would much rather buy a H&M statement knecklace at �5.99, then can get one in every colour go with all my outfits without feeling guilty!
Q: What three items must a women have for her wardrobe?
A: 1) A black leather jacket. 2) A day-to-night dress 3) Mid-heel day boots; Chelsea or Block.
Q: What is your favourite piece in your wardrobe? Your least favourite?
A: My favourite piece is my short black 1960s inspired A-line dress from Miss Selfridge, its versatile for any occasion, classic in design, and I always get a complement when wearing it. Its a fail-safe go to when I just cant decide what to wear- it can be dressed up or down for night or day. My least favorite is a few tops ive kept thinking I will wear again, but highly doubt I will.
Q: When and how did you become interested in fashion?
A: Ive always been aware of fashion, my mum always taught me to be presentable and have nice outfits. I became personally interested when doing Art GCSE and for my final piece I focused on Stella McCartney and made a hat from weaving strips of LOOK magazine- I was meant to be doing fine-art but got a bit side tracked, my teacher at the time told me I should have done textiles.... The first chance I had to do Textiles was at A-Level on the condition I learnt to sow; that summer I learnt to sow, having lessons from a retired costume designer in my local town, and gave me basic knowledge on materials- I felt so inspired! I really enjoyed Textiles at school, my final pieces being a couture-like dress made from fanned newspapers with a long trail and a Lady Ga-Ga extravagant corset with pointed shoulders. I mainly enjoyed the creation of the concepts, the themes and the layouts I created during my projects. As a result decided to go into Fashion Retailing and Marketing at degree level, choosing manchester because of its history with the textile industry.
Q: Where do you find your fashion inspiration?
A: All around. Mainly from just observing people and street style through being out and about as well as online blogs etc. Lots of people can buy the same garment but its how they assemble the outfit that shows the creativity and makes it work so well. I also keep an eye on the catwalk and Fashion Weeks to see what the up and coming trends for the season are and how I can translate the look.
Q: Who is your favourite style icon(s)?
A: Suki Waterhouse, Asami Zdrenka, Olsen Twins
Q: What are your favourite fashion blogs? Magazines?
A: Vogue, Tatler, ID and Lookbooks from retailers. Blogs; 5 inch and up, Facehunter, Fashion Toast, Song Of Style etc
Q: What do you love about fashion? What do you not love?
A: The fast-pace and changeable nature creates a real buzz and excitement. Even though im aware much of fashion is recycling and returning of similar trends I also feel theres always something new to discover. Top designers face that challange to keep inspiring us fashion followers, and equally vintage-lovers bring old looks into the now. Everyone can buy into fashion in some way. I do not love the stereotype often given to the industry; you dont need to be a 6ft tall size 6 model to enjoy fashion.
Q: Who are your favourite designers?
A: Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou
Q: Do you follow fashion trends? Which ones?
A: I do follow fashion trends, but I think its equally important to follow what suits your body shape and your personality/look. When it all works together you look fashionable, well styled and chic. Its about making the trends work for you; I always look for the latest prints and wear it with classic basics. This past summer I have loved the tropical theme!
Q: Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
A: Living in Sweden has taught me that less is more. I like to pick one main item form my wardrobe, then build the outfit around it to keep focus on one eye-catching piece. I want to look more understated and effortless (channeling The Olsen Twins) rather than cluttered and over-done.
Q: What would you never wear?
A: Harem Pants and Crocs shoes.
Q: Which would you be best at? Worst at? (stylist, designer, photographer, buyer)
A: I hope to be a buyer when I graduate so hopefully that! But I am currently saving up for a good DSLR camera (anyone got a suggestion of one would be appreciated!) so fashion photographer would be fun too.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: A buyer that gets to travel the world to report the latest inspiration and fashion trends.
Q: What are your other interests?
A: Photography, Blogging (Sassique profile!)
Q: How do you spend your spare time?
A: Socialising with friends, having days out and experiences, travelling when I can!
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