Image on the left shot by Toyin, styled by Robbie Spencer

Already featured in Dazed's October issue, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti has been making an impact with her Central Saint Martins BA collection that used foam constructions that have the look of paper cut-outs integrated with well cut dresses, shirts and trousers. This sort of flexibility has landed her a job with Valentino.

How old are you?
23

How long have you been designing?
Since starting in Central St.Martins

What nationality are you?
I am Italian.

Where are you based?
I am based in London but my home is in Rome.

How would you describe your work?
Jacques Fath couture after an electroshock.

Who do you make clothes for?
When designing my final collection I had in mind the idea of making a statement more than a specific customer or kind of woman. Though, I didn t want the collection to be made entirely of showpieces that nobody can ever wear, so, before inserting the foam artworks I worked a lot on the bases of the dresses, shirts and trousers to make sure that they are well
made clothes that women would want to buy and wear.

Do you think you have a style?
Yes, tailored silhouette with edgy details.

What inspired you for your graduation collection - what were you reading/watching/seeing?
The internship year I took before my final year has been really influential. Two things in particular are a research on lace and 16th century collars I did for Viktor & Rolf and one on paper forms and Japanese graphics I did for Valentino. I also developed my first project of the year that was based on the Fifties silhouette and sleeves.

Were you interested in fashion were you were growing up?
Not really until my teenage years, but I remember during my childhood I was knitting baskets and making jellyfish out of twisted wool yarns.  Also I was obsessed with puzzles and that s really clear in my pattern cutting today. I started
looking at fashion after a period of drawing Japanese Manga. I thought that Versace was the perfect designer to dress my characters and the first fashion image to go on my wall was Gisele Bunchen wearing the Versace palmtree print dress...

What is your dream job?
My own company.

Who are your favourite designers and why?
My favourite designer is Roberto Capucci because of the amazing craftmanship as well as the use of colour, structure, proportion. His creations are interesting from every angle and his fashion is the most inspiring I have ever seen. Every possible shape that one could think of today has been done already by Capucci 50 years ago and probably in a much better way. Going through any of his books is for me a journey into beauty. If I think of fashion today, I really appreciate the way in which the new Valentino and Prada are bringing italian fashion foreward and I wish that more Italian designers will follow their example. I also really like Viktor/Rolf and Giambattista Valli.

Who do you imagine wearing your clothes?
My ideal customer would be a young woman with a really good taste that would buy one of my pieces and style it with something else creating something for me unexpected. I really hate when girls wear an entire outfit from one brand, it shows affiliation and no personality which is the opposite of what my ideal woman would be.

Can we buy your collection anywear?
No, but you can find it on the window of Kokon To Zai (or you can order it)

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Big desk, big windows, big company.

What are your plans for the future/next season?
My plan is to find a nice first job to get started in the industry. There is the possibilty to come back to St.Martins to do the MA, but I think is better to get some experience first.