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In The Beginning
I discovered my passion for fashion early on. I was educated in the Cotswolds. British born, I made my fashion debut in the 80's.
Coming from a design background I have a BA Honours degree in Fashion and Textiles Design, and History of Art. With an eye for detail and a passion for anything creative, fashion has always been intrinsically important in everything I do.
How did you get started in fashion design?
My fashion aesthetic and strong designs are qualities which have established me as a designer of the more innovative stylists. My strength is accessory design, and my first assignment was as a young designer for The Mulberry Company Design Ltd, before launching myself into my own successful fashion design business.
As an accessory designer I took my love and inspiration from the history and culture from Italy's Le Marche region. Le Marche is a land of ancient traditions and crafts manufacturing, here, are located some of the major brands famous all over the world. I feel in love with the shoe making district of Fermo and Macerata situated on the border of the provinces of the same name, where is still the largest concentration of footwear producing companies in Italy.
Current Expertise
Now, I have entered a new chapter in my career, writing/developing and designing courses, and helping budding young fashion designers with their first step up onto the catwalk of success.
Since 2009, I built my own brand and business with the lifestyle approach I had always envisioned, and spend much of my time between France, Italy and the UK, where I teach my youngest of four children the 'nitty-gritty' of the fashion industry.
I am passionate, energetic and a highly driven designer, able to think strategically with a creative mindset. I have wide-ranging knowledge and expertise in making collections for different clients and a deep ability as accessories designer. This puts me in the perfect position to inspire a new generation of young designers into the industry.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I really enjoy helping young people. I like knowing that someone's life is better because of what I do. With the help of the worldwide web and social media, I am able to give budding young designers a step on the ladder to their dream career, this in itself brings me great satisfaction.
As well as evaluating prospective students' portfolios. I also help students with important portfolio presentation.
When I'm Not Working
And when I am not working? Well, one of my passions is travel and when I am not discovering new areas in the South of France and Italy, I can be found sipping a Caffè ristretto at Caffè Florian in the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy's oldest Café. Here you can be seated in one of the café's frescoed rooms or outside listening to the orchestra in the Piazza, enjoying impeccable service and products of the finest quality!