Louise Gray caused a storm with her Central Saint Martin's MA collection last year and now she's been named as one of this year's Fashion East designers. Female First find out just what all the fuss is about.
As a 22 year old Design graduate Louise moved to London from her home town of Fraserburgh in Scotland to follow her dream and study fashion at the infamous Central Saint Martins College.
Since then she has been familiarising herself with the ashion scene working with top names such as Lanvin Paris and hot new designer Peter Jensen and even selling some of her creations to Diane Von Furstenberg.
In 2006 Louise's quirky style and use of colour won her two top awards- the Lancome Colour Award and a prize for her MA collection from Chloe.
Vogue hailed her as the one to watch after her graduation show and the fashion industry is already getting excited about her debut London Fashion Week runway show in September.
Louise took some time out from preparations for one of the most important shows of her life to chat to Female First:
What made you decide to go into fashion design?
I went to Glasgow school of art, and studied textiles BA, and went on to Central Saint Martins, MA fashion textiles. Its always been something I wanted to be part of, I enjoy dressing and I wanted to do it forever.
Who were your biggest fashion inspirations?
Mary Quant I always thought was great. I went to a talk she gave when I first moved to London and loved it.
How does it feel to have the support of Fashion East?
Fashion East is an amazing support, it feels like a huge step into the industry. Its a wonderful opportunity and I am hugely happy to be part of it.
Are you looking forward to London Fashion Week?
Quite nervous about everything, but looking forward to it very much.
What can we expect from your debut runway show?
My initial inspirations were based on optical illusions, I spent a lots of time looking at Josephine Baker, you can expect lots of movement and bold colours.
Apart from yourself, which other designers do you think we should watch out for?
Annalisa Dunn's knitwear is really fun and Scott Ramsey Kyle does amazing embroidery for womenswear and also Pavel Invancic, womenswear is still to come.
What is your favourite item in your wardrobe at the moment?
My diamante moon brooches
London Fashion Week is make or break for all the best new designers but her brave and bold designs and admirable attention to detail are bound to guarantee that Louise Gray is a name that will be on everyone's lips this season and beyond.
Caz Moss- Female First
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Check out the Louise Gray MA Collection Gallery
to see what everyone's been talking about.
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