Catherine, what was the starting point for this collection?
Questioning form and the meaning of forms – especially form in social identity. My final ‘press’ collection is a further development of my final major project for my BA studies. In my final major project, I did a lot of experimentations to challenge form and construct it in different ways, such as moulding in resin onto fabrics, creating shapes in packaging patterns. When it came to applying metal rod into the construction, I related these techniques to the new concept I was using for my final collection. The research expanded into looking at movement of the body in modern dance, the moving theory of kinetic art, for example, Calder’s moving sculpture and recording movement in a 2D or 3D way. It is then about discovering how form balances on the body and how it relates to it, considering body is an object.
Finish this sentence, Fashion is…
…about digging and enjoying the creative process.
Where do you see yourself in this industry in five years?
I need more experience. I will be learning different skills from both studying and working in the industry. I would definitely like to work for a few fashion houses for a while. I also want to be able to do some art projects with creatives and experience working with teams. Eventually, I would like to take an enterprise creation course and start my own brand when the time is right.
If you could dress anybody, alive or dead, who would it be?
I would love to dress Jean Arp.
What’s the best thing about being a fashion student in London?
The challenge and diversity in the industry. London is a city full of opportunities, but you have to make the effort to get them. The most important thing is being an interesting person yourself. Fashion and art culture are extremely engaging. Fashion here is really about pushing the boundaries and challenging ideas. There is no right or wrong– it has really given me freedom to explore so many different areas.
Interview: Nada Abdul Ghaffar