Author: Gary A

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Becki Ball

Posted on by Gary A

Becki Ball currently lives in Norfolk, Norwich, and since graduating from the Norwich University of the Arts last year, she launched her label BECCI. Her work is inspired by the contrast of ‘streetwear meets elegance .’ Her womenswear designs are heavily print-based, portraying a bold sense of confidence and empowerment. Femininity is key to her pieces, and this is highlighted with her sense of colour and silhouette. She has recently collaborated with fashion label SHEIN to create two collections, with her first curve collection launching in Winter.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Becki to discuss her journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I graduated last year from the Norwich University of the Arts, and since graduating in Fashion Design, I have been working on my brand BECCI. When growing up, I have always loved fashion, and during my time at Sixth Form before university, I studied textiles. I took part in local fashion shows for which I made my own clothing; I worked backstage at fashion shows and took on styling work experience when I could. During my gap year before going to university, I launched my brand, and from there, I started buying wholesale pieces. I really loved the marketing side to the brand and putting photoshoots together, collaborating with local creatives, and managing the social media side to things. When I started university to study Fashion Design, I realised that I wanted to design and make my own pieces to sell and be more sustainable- instead of buying general wholesale designs to sell to my customers.

What do you like most about being a designer?

I love how creative it is and that fashion is a form of communication and expression of how we feel, our personality, and who we are. The process of a simple 2D sketch becoming a final wearing garment is incredible; there is no other feeling quite like it, and that sense of accomplishment and achievement is so rewarding. I love styling my pieces for the shoots, learning new techniques, and meeting other creatives along the way.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

Probably the amount of time one has to put in to get ‘somewhere’. Fashion isn’t easy, and many people have a false conception that fashion is simple. Not many people see the hard work (and tears) behind creating a collection or project! The other downside to being a fashion designer is believing in myself- sometimes, self-doubt is the worst. There is no set path for becoming a designer – and I think that is what makes it difficult (but also great), as there is no one’ right’ way to become a fashion designer or easy path to follow.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

My most memorable experience so far has been the SHEIN X 100k Challenge. This was so incredible! I made it through to the top 30 of the competition, where I got to create my 3 looks and put together a look book for this in the space of about 3 weeks. Sourcing fabric samples, getting my fabric printed, sourcing final fabrics, making the patterns for the designs, sampling the pieces, creating the final looks- and organising a photoshoot was extremely hard work! However, on the day of the shoot, seeing the looks on the models and having everything come together was phenomenal! The late nights, endless work, and stress had definitely paid off! Then, not only did that happen, but we got to be part of the SHEIN X 100k Challenge show series that was aired on the SHEIN app! I was also awarded the SHEIN Choice Award for my collection!

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Probably my class members at university. The amount of talent and determination they have is amazing, and I love how different we all are! Everyone there had a totally unique design style and aesthetic, and for me, that was really inspiring. I loved hearing about their inspiration and what they were going to design next.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

I think budgeting is really important, and the SHEIN X 100k Challenge Shoot was the first project and shoot I got to do with a budget. I loved being able to pay my team for their hard work, but I think next time, I would have liked to manage the budget better and more equally. However, this is something I will improve on in the future. The most valuable lesson I think is probably just believing in myself, this challenge made me realise that I can do this, and even with an extremely tight deadline, it is still possible!

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Yes, they are; although they do not have any ‘fashion’ background, they always ask me about my projects (and sometimes are quite surprised at what I am working on!) My mum helped me prepare for the big SHEIN x 100k Challenge photoshoot late at night before the shoot, taping the bottom of the shoes for my models so that I could still return them!

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I think this is a difficult question; I would love to have not had the pandemic happen if this was something I could have stopped, as I felt like I missed out on a lot of opportunities that I was looking forward to for my final year at uni. However, because of the pandemic, I believe some of the opportunities I have met online and worked with SHEIN happened because of this. So I probably would not change anything as everything happens for a reason.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

I think being open-minded, always be open to learning. You might not do something perfectly the first time, but giving it a go and getting started is the only way you can progress forward.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I would like to launch more collections in collaboration with SHEIN and launch my own Ready To Wear collection. My overall goal is to have a successful fashion label I can live off, produce consistent collections, be part of runway shows, work with celebrities, and have my own team behind the brand! Outside of my career, I would love to move out soon and have my own fashion home studio.

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Tania Orellana Negrete

Posted on by Gary A

Tania Orellana Negrete is a 24-years-old fashion designer who hails from Irapuato, Guanajuato in Mexico. She’s an industrial designeer, but fashion has always been her passion. She initially started in the fashion world as a model, but then because she had a knack for fashion design, she decided to pursue this passion. This career was perfect for her because it opened her mind to the creative world – she started creating her brand just like a project for school, and to her surprise, it blew up! She’s only had a year with her brand, and she can’t believe how far she has come.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Tania to discuss her journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Well, I think when you want something, you will eventually attract it. Since I was in school, I talked and asked everyone I knew about my interests, and with time, the opportunities arrived. Eventually, with the support of all the people who love me, it prompted me to do what I love. Because of my interests, I ended up in school. And because of my school and teachers, I ended up in my first fashion job, and I was able to create my brand. And because of my brand, now I’m growing a lot, meeting a lot of successful people, and having amazing fashion experiences.

What do you like most about being a designer?

Each collection has a full concept and a history to tell. So it’s amazing for me to create and put together all the elements that perfectly create and express myself through my clothes because each concept is about my beliefs, future, and what I love.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

The fashion industry is so big and strong that it can put you off so easily if you don’t have an open mind.

>> It’s impossible to be creative all the time<<

It sounds crazy, and it was hard for me to accept that because” I’m a designer.” But it’s real. To be a good creator, you need to disconnect the fashion world from your mind and think beyond.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

I love everything about fashion. From the beginning until now, all the way has been memorable because it is part of what I am now. Of course, I had amazing experiences like NYFW and a collaboration with Shein. But the real thing is that the memorable experiences for me are the ones that nobody can see, like the launching of my first collection, the happiness of doing what I love, or knowing the right people in the right place at the right moment, who inspires me and impulse me to keep going and keep doing incredible things.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

In my last project in NYFW, I met three people that opened my eyes and inspired me a lot. They are the influencer Tania Rendon, the stylist Neto Soberanes and the fashion designer Ricarso Seco. Each one had a different life, but almost the same thinking – that for me is the key to their success.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The fashion industry is so big but so small at the same time. You can see big companies unreachable when in reality, they are not so impossible to reach. So the lesson is: go for all you want. Even if you think that it’s too much for you. Go for it because it’s incredible once you have it.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Totally. I’m so grateful to have all the support that my family and friends give me. The people who love me know what I love and what I want to achieve, so the real thing is that it is not just the support but the impulse to achieve my dreams.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I had an excessive production in my first collection because I thought that I was going to sell everything, and it was hard for me because it wasn’t… But you need to fall to learn, so I would not change anything. Just do all step by step and get better in my financial part.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Decree it, and it will be. Be sure of what you want, take action, and you will have it.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Now I’m going to move to Milano to start a master, grow my brand, and get closer to the luxury fashion world. So in the future, I will have a luxury and bigger brand with international recognition. And let will see what else happens on my way… I have my mind open!

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Yeaji Lee

Posted on by Gary A

Yeaji Lee is a 22-year-old fashion designer based in South Korea. She started her design adventure quite early; When she was eight years old, She was a gifted art student through the 20-1 competition rate at the Seoul Arts Center’s Art Gifted Academy.

When she was 12, she only prepared for four months and got into the most famous art middle school in Korea called Yewon School. And then, when she was 15, She entered Seoul Arts High School, Korea’s highest private art high school, in third place. During high school, she used to rank first and second in a major in design. Currently, she entered the Department of Fashion Design at Ewha Woman’s University and is taking a leave of absence. During her leave of absence, she worked as an intern in Münn Seoul, a high fashion brand in South Korea, for three months. After that month, she is preparing for her brand; the name is “it’s Yeah.”

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Yeaji to discuss her journey in the fashion world and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I got into the fashion industry when I was 20, only a few days after entering Ewha Women’s University. Until I was 19, I wanted to be a visual or space complex designer, and fashion never crossed my mind. So I never thought to get into this. But I didn’t get accepted into the department of design at the university I wanted. So I applied unintentionally to the fashion design department with my parents’ persuasion, and then I got in.
I was very depressed to go to the fashion design department first time. But there’s a twist! When I was in college, a few days later, my senior called me to help her at a major fashion event.
I became a helper for various brands during Seoul Fashion Week which was held in a huge complex Design Space, made up of fashion shows, visuals, music, and models. It was the perfect way to express all of the designs. The excitement of being part of such a world made me interested in fashion and now I’ve got my heart set on the fashion industry.

What do you like most about being a designer?

From the stage of coming up with creative ideas to the design process and the results, the whole design process is the most attractive thing to being a designer.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

The disadvantage of fashion designers is that the first starting point in the fashion industry is mostly passionate about pay and exploitation. These things are taken for granted. Also, I think it is not easy to grow into a fashion designer in South Korea. I hope there is strong support for designers in other countries.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

My most memorable experience was when the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2020 Fashion Show was held at the hangar of Incheon International Airport, South Korea, and I was contacted. I thought it was really a dream. Can a high-profile fashion brand really contact me who was just a helper without any connection?? Fashion and I are meant to be! As a result, on October 31, 2019, it was an opportunity to see and talk to the people behind a top fashion brand. Louis Vuitton’s employees, stylists, and local top models, as well as Louis Vuitton’s exclusive models. The scale of the fashion show and the production of the video were incredible – and I was only 20 years old so it was my most memorable experience and I’m grateful to them.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Currently, the most interesting and respected person I have met is Han Hyun-min, a creative director in Munn Seoul. He is a leader in our country’s fashion world. It is the first Korean brand to enter Milan and London Fashion Week and is recognized abroad. Before he majored in fashion design, he majored in graphic and photography design, and I also studied visual graphic design before majoring in fashion. I’m making him a role model because his life, style, etc. are my favorite directions and feelings. I’m currently working for his brand and I’m very happy to work for it.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or yourself.

In Korea, I took gifted art classes at the Seoul Arts Center when I was in elementary school, and went to Yewon Scool when I was in middle, and hen went to Seoul Arts High School when I was in high school, getting advice and valuable classes from excellent teachers and friends. It’s really hard to choose just one. But if I can choose the most valuable lesson, It might be a lesson my parents told me. They always said “do your best in everything if you want to succeed” and “invest generously in your major.” THIS would have been the most intense advice and help in my design life.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

My parents are fully supportive. They always helped me if things are related to my major. Without support, I would not have grown this much.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

If I go back to the past, I think I will continue to walk this path and I would have a more external experience like exhibitions, performances, and trips, not textbook studies. Oh, there’s an anecdote I remember. It was April when I was in my first year of high school. My family was supposed to travel to Dubai for a week. My parents told me to give up studying for the exam and go on a trip, but I disagreed. I said to them” I can’t go! I have to study. The midterms are important. This midterms grade is related to the university I wanted so I must study, and not travel around.” Except for me, my family went on a trip and had a great time (laughs), I didn’t go on the trip so I should get a good grade right? Nope! I didn’t do well on the test. Screwed up and had no sexual impact on going to college (laughs), I think I should have had more valuable experience since I was young and not studying school textbooks all the time.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Best advice, “You’ll be good at whatever you do. I’m always rooting for you.”

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I don’t want to succeed as a fashion designer. I’m very interested in directing that encompasses vision, hearing, and spatial. Right now, I took a year off from University. I want to work under the creative director Han Hyun-min, who I mentioned above, to improve my social experience and skills. I have a dream of making a personal high-profile brand or becoming a high-profile brand like Dior, McQueen-style creative director.

I want to be a career woman who is superb in the world.

How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress For Every Occasion

Posted on by Gary A

By Chi de Jesus

This item is uber essential that it deserves its own article. The little black dress, chicly known as the “LBD”. It’s little because it’s streamlined and advocates simplicity. It’s black because it’s elegant and yet accessible, mysterious and yet powerful. It’s a dress because it celebrates the female form and delicate nature. Everyone would always refer to the LBD made famous by international fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in her 1960’s movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but the LBD came much earlier – 1926 to be exact when fashion innovator Coco Chanel published a photo of a short, simple black dress on American Vogue dubbed “Chanel’s Ford.”

However, it’s not a maxi dress or a one-size-fits-all kinda item. It’s the concept of simplicity, elegance, mystery and accessibility that has shaped this fashion item from an “essential” to a “must-have” or even a “should-have.” So how do you now choose the best LBD fit for you?

Follow these steps and come out fabulous.

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CUT

This will mainly depend on your understanding of your body. Know if you are top heavy or bottom heavy – to know if you would need an empire cut or pencil cut, mermaid or flowy even asymmetric. Then work on the concept of highlighting your assets. This will give you an idea of what you would have to consider when it comes to the length of sleeves, depth of neckline, and the type of skirt.

STEP 2: LENGTH OF THE DRESS

The term “little” might have been used loosely since the LBD may come in different lengths – case in point, Audrey’s Givenchy. It may be daunting but you have to face the mirror once again and understand your proportions. If you have a longer torso and shorter legs, having a long dress might not be an option. The same goes if you are not so tall.

STEP 3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC

I do understand the term “suffering for fashion” but if the decision is solely up to you, comfort may be the best way to go. Given your country’s climate and the possibility of using more in certain seasons, you might need to choose a versatile fabric that can not only give you comfort but also the functionality.

STEP 4: FINALISING THE DESIGN

Remember that one of the key elements of having a little black dress is its simplicity and elegance. A streamlined design will work to your advantage as it will complement you and not overwhelm your look. If you are thinking of an accent, choose one element of the dress with the same concept – a belt, translucent sleeves, an off-centre flowing fabric, or even a laser-cut detail near the face.

Always remember the rule of thumb – if it doesn’t highlight who you are, it may not be the right dress for you. People would want to see you and not just your dress. When you find that LBD meant for you, it might just be the best thing you’ve ever worn.

Source: The Australian Filipina

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

4 Surefire Tricks to Look Better in All Your Pictures

Posted on by Gary A

Posing can be a struggle both for the model and the photographer. This is because some of the less-experienced models tend to wait for the direction of the photographer before striking a pose. They normally freeze in front of the camera and are mostly clueless about what to do. This situation makes it difficult and troublesome for the photographer to produce good photos.

The preparation for any modeling job starts even before the photoshoot. You need to be aware of what kind of shoot it is. You can start looking at the related fashion magazine on the type of pose that they are doing. Not all of the tips here will work for everyone since the right kind of pose will vary in every genre.

1. Your Mirror is Your Friend

Stand in front of your mirror, take a pose and see how you highlight the shape of your body. The mirror is an ideal tool to show you the thing that the camera can produce. Consider the features and things that can be seen depending on the angle. For instance, in case you put your feet closer to the lens, then there is a possibility that your feet will look larger in the photo.

2. Create a Space on Your Limbs and Body

Squashing your limbs closer to your body will make you appear to look fat. Separating your limbs from your body will also create a slimmer appearance. This is a tiny cheat in the modeling world that can make a huge difference.

3. Understand the Light

For instance, in case you raise your arm on the light, it will basically look brighter compared to your face. There is also a possibility that it will cast a shadow on your face and body. A simple way to counteract this is by using your other arm. You may also adjust your arm backward to avoid the casting of the shadow. Having an understanding on how the lighting falls is a basic necessity in modeling. Ask the photographer about the key light and think about how you can work with it.

4. Elongate the Neck

In order to show class, poise, and height, elongating your neck would be a great solution. It is also one of the most difficult things to remember when modeling since this action feels a bit unnatural. Look in front of the mirror and stand in a normal position. Let your face come forward by rolling your shoulder backward. By now you have seen the huge difference in the neck’s width. You may even advance your pose by popping the jaw in front of the camera to create a shadow that will highlight your jawline.

Hopefully, the modeling tips that we provided above can provide some help for our aspiring models. These are just some of the tricks that most professional models wish they knew when they were just starting out.

Meet The Stunner Behind The Cover Of The August 2021 Issue Of Sassy & Co Magazine: Kristina Menissov

Posted on by Gary A

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Kristina Menissov began her career as a model in Los Angeles back in 2017. Since then she has worked with several famous designers such as Robert Cavalli, Michael Ngo, Michael Costello, and Jovani Dresses. She has also graced the runway in Los Angeles Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, not to mention starring in Tyga’s “IBIZA” music video, modeling for Chris Applebaum’s YouTube Channel, and appearing in Model’s Talk. A former Italian-trained Opera Singer, Kristina has parlayed her modeling career into a blossoming singing career. She recently signed with the famed music producer Andrew Lane who is known for such superstars as the Backstreet Boys and Irene Cara. Her first single, “Taking Over LA” was released last summer to rave reviews. She will soon be releasing another hit single with Italian DJ Marzia D’orlando entitled “Breakout.” When not working, Kristina loves playing the piano and spending time with her 4-year-old son.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Kristina to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what went down:

How did you get started in the music industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?

I was so lucky to meet a great and talented music producer Andrew Lane, he is the one who believed in me and still guides me and we are preparing many more hits together.

What do you like most about singing?

When I am on the stage and performing I feel alive. When I sing at the studio or practicing at home it’s like a meditation to me. I connect with myself. I breathe the right way. And everything becomes so bright and beautiful.

Can you tell us about your song Breakout?

It’s an EDM song with the Italian DJ Marzia Dorlando. When we were writing this song with her it was after our conversation about how much we want to have our breakout moment. That we are ready for it. So all those thoughts inspired us to create. And we love our creation.

What sort of person is going to love this song?

Someone who loves EDM music, someone who loves to dance, and if you need to hear that message that’s it’s time to do that next step you should check it out.

What inspires you to be creative?

It could be everything, I am feeling happy? I’m gonna write a song. I am feeling sad or depressed, I am gonna write a sad song. The way I feel today will inspire me to do so.

Is there anything special that you do to get into a creative mindset?

When I don’t feel like doing anything or creating anything but I have a deadline or an urgent need. I say this: you don’t have to be inspired to be functional. And creativity comes when you start doing something.

What message, if any, do you try to put into your work?

I want to inspire people. That’s definitely what the “BREAKOUT” song was about. On my first single “Taking Over LA” I wanted to show the realistic moments of all the models that live here. So my message is: inspire to create and don’t forget to have fun.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

Making my first music video “Taking Over LA” I did almost everything myself, starting from location scouting and production ending with styling my outfits. I had a great videographer Maxim Puchkov and amazing and talented HMUA Tetiana Kazak. It was so fun to learn how to do it all. But I hope in the future I can have more help and a bigger budget to have the whole team.

Do you ever find yourself unable to express your creativity to the fullest? What kinds of things inhibit you?

I have ups and downs just like all of us. Some days I would have an idea and without even properly thinking about it I would criticize it so much and put it aside without even giving it a chance.

So answering your second question I would say that the biggest things that inhibit my art are my insecurities and self-judgment mentality.

Who is your greatest influence?

I can’t really think of one specific person who would be a role model for myself, but I definitely had quite a few examples of who I don’t want to end up like, so I tried to do everything the opposite of what I’ve seen they did.

Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?

I feel like we’ve chosen each other. Since I was a little girl looking so different growing up in Kazakhstan so everyone would always say that this is what I should be doing, so I grew up and chose to do it.

If you hadn’t chosen your field, what would your alternate field have been?

I would’ve been an attorney and fight for human rights.

433What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I am aiming for a Grammy in the nearest future.

The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:

1. Last good movie I’ve seen: The Mauritanian.

2. What do you consider beautiful and why? The way a loving mother looks at her child. Because there is nothing more touching and pure than that.

3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I didn’t buy a dogecoin 6 months ago.

4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” parachute jump.

5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My stubbornness.

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Erick A. Lemos

Posted on by Gary A

Erick A. Lemos is a fashion designer who hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At a young age, he has always been very curious. He has always liked creating things with his hands and experimenting in all branches of art itself. His first introduction to the world of fashion was in 2012 when he saw a Comme des Garcons show and since then it has been an adventure. But in 2017 was when he got his big break because he was able to break into the fashion industry after working backstage at various fashion shows and appearing in several editorials for magazines.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Erick to discuss his journey in the fashion industry and here’s what went down:

What do you like most about being a designer?

What I enjoy the most is the creative process behind a collection, researching and creating everything from scratch, like textiles and silhouettes. Also, the connections that can be made in the creative industry.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

I don’t think there is a downside, only that it is a very competitive industry, but on the one hand, it is good because it requires you to give your best.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

I would say to be part of fashion productions in magazines and runaways with wonderful people. But also having met my classmates who have become more than friends.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

All the people I have met have been interesting and important in my life. I have learned many things from them and I will always be grateful.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

“All hard work has its rewards” no matter if it is in the fashion industry or outside of it.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Yes, they have always been, regardless of what I have dedicated myself to. From taking art classes to playing the guitar. I can say that I am lucky.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would travel back in time to tell myself that I must be more aware of the moments that I have lived and appreciate them a little more.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“If it fits in your mind, it fits in your world,” meaning; if we trust in ourselves we can achieve many things.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it

The first thing I want to do is work with some established fashion brands, to get more experience and then start my own brand. I am clear that the future is uncertain so I will let it surprise me.

Emerging Designer To Watch Out For In 2021: Introducing The Talented Isla Campbell

Posted on by Gary A

Isla Campbell is the designer and maker behind Studio_icampbell.

Studio_icampbell is a small and sustainable fashion studio based in Cornwall. Her core principles are to produce high-quality garments designed with the functionality of workwear whilst upholding style and comfort, and she deliberately designs and develops her garments with time, care and consideration.

She’s inspired by the natural world and the people she meets to produce artistic yet functional workwear.

Her designs start as simple line drawings in a sketchpad, then morphed into patterns laid out on linen, in such a way as to minimise material wastage. When meticulously cut from the cloth and sewn together, these garments, made to last, may begin their life full of love and adventure outside the studio. The sustainable fabrics and earthy colours that she chooses are particularly important to her work as they inform her design process.

When you buy a piece from Studio_icampbell you can be assured of the quality and sustainability of my practice. The nature of the fabrics is such that it will change with time to embrace the uniqueness of the wearer’s body and its movements. So, as you live and change so too can your clothes. In this way, your clothes gather your life stories and become more fitting, more ‘yours’.

As another important element of her sustainable approach to designing workwear clothes, Studio_icampbell offers a bespoke mending service where you can bring your favourite pieces back to where they were made to be mended.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Isla to discuss her journey in the fashion industry and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Since GCSE’s I have always known that I wanted to be working with my hands and so I did work experience in both Interior Design and PR for Fashion Brands, working in the behind scenes of fashion I was able to go and work at LFW on three separate occasions. It was there that I saw the team of sempstress’ sewing before the show that I knew then I wanted to be the one making the garments.

What do you like most about being a designer?

Being able to design clothes that I myself would wear and then seeing these 2D sketches come to life when created in a unique fabric

The downside to being a fashion designer?

The downside is that it really never stops, I love keeping busy but as this is my own business there is always something to do…especially the business side and making sure that everything will run smoothly.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

Definitely when I went to Amsterdam having differed a year of uni after my second year to intern for 8 months for the couture designer Iris Van Herpen.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Other creators, I believe that collaboration is an integral part of my process and so I’ve worked alongside a number of really creative designs to create something totally unique.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

To trust yourself, that everything is a risk, whether it’s buying a roll of fabric for £200, it’s super important to know that no matter what you’ll make it work. And also to keep going, no matter what!

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

My mum and sister and brother are very supportive. My sister actually just got engaged this morning and she’s asked me to make her wedding dress.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would have looked for my own shop from the start, and also do a business module…but there’s still time for that.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

From my experience in Amsterdam, I was told to never be scared to ask questions or ask for help.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

With this upcoming new shop, I hope to make a name for myself as a slow fashion Designer in Cornwall. I would really like to move more into creating unique bespoke clothes that are made to measure and continue to explore sustainable fabrics. I also really want to move into menswear clothes as most of my designs and fabric choices are gender-neutral.

 

In Photos: Here’s Looking Back At The 2021 Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival

Posted on by Gary A

The (AMFF) Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival brought together the modelling and fashion industry last March 2021 at the luxurious PIA Grand Auditorium. The magnitude of originality and fashion design excellence at this event definitely stayed with us.

Everyone walked away from the show with a new respect for the diverse cultures and their innovative designers. Each of the remaining highlights were riveting to partake in and further enhanced the AMFF experience. This event was brought to you by AMBN (The Australian Millionaires Business Network), The Millionaire Alliance, The Multicultural Business Centre, StarCentral Media Group powered by the Poperty Investors Alliance, Aland, Deicorp, Villoni Boutique, Lepou, Lux Modelling & Fashion Academy, International Fashion & Beauty, Model & Mode magazine, Sassy & Co magazine and The Australian Millionaire Magazine.

These were the highlights of the night: Fashion Show featuring PIR CEO Fai Peni’s collection – Lepou, Villoni Boutique, Leatheron, Visage Boutique, Belle Epoque, and The Silky Lane.

Designer Spotlight: Make Way For The Talented Rozalia

Posted on by Gary A

Ever since she was a child, Rozalia continuously developed her passion for fashion. In her creations, you’ll be able to celebrate the beauty of nature and the wonderful architecture of your body. She feels inspired and attracted by the “modern,” but always with faith in love for traditional reasons, and the handmade embroidery, which makes your special outfit unique. She believes that women are designed to shine and be admired. But women’s sensual way of being is indeed empowered by what they wear and how they wear it. This is why she allows herself the challenge of complimenting your truly complex architecture. Some of her greatest accomplishments are NYFW, Abu Dhabi, Bratislava, Beijing(with the price for The Most Creative Designer), Paris, and she also has plans this month to open her own showroom in Timișoara, Romania, Iulius Mall Locațion.