Jessica Au, 23, British, Menswear

Where did you study and why did you decide to study there?
Ravensbourne College of Communication and Design. Because its location in relation to London, the space of the studio (it's open plan and really large) and I felt at home when I visted for the first time.

Which city do work in and for what reason?
I work in London because I love being part of a place which is always engaging moving and inspiring. For me London is a hub of creativity to draw on it’s the best location to work in this industry because you are so close to everything.

What films/books/tv-programs/moments and stories inspire your design now?
I’m not looking at anything particular I’m often just observing people on the street how they dress, style themselves looking at the details that sometimes get ignored. Bright adverts, a pattern on the wall, vintage fabrics. If I get a chance I’d really love to go see the Rothko exhibition because it's quite an intense experience to see so much of his work in life scale. I cant help but get absorbed by colour.

In your own words describe your last collection.
My collection was a unique twist on the Teddy Boy legacy and showed dynamic floral prints on very clean tailored silhouettes in  rich tones of purples pinks  and oranges.

Describe the moment you realised you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I don’t think there was a particular moment I’ve always been obsessed about colour and clothes although at first I wasn’t necessarily thinking about design until I watched  a fashion show and realised I wanted to be a part of all that.

Who is your all time fashion idol?
I don’t have an idol as such but there are several people I really admire for their work and style. I think someone like Tilda Swinton always dresses with such a brave and interesting choice of colour and really looks fantastic

In a sentence how would you describe your work/style?
I think my work has a strong sense of colour and has developed graphic prints and a clean minimal silhouette.

From the recent S/S 09 shows, which shows were your favourite collections, and why?
To be honest I’ve been working really hard on some new print collections and getting some experience in the industry I didn’t manage to see much of any particular deisgner.

Which new designers do you respect and why?
I think Christopher Kane is really making his mark now and has several seasons under his belt and showing everyone the breadth of his talents. He is continually innovative and refreshing in his approach to clothes. Jonathan Saunders is also someone I really love, although not necessarily a new designer, he has really expanded his brand by showing in New York and now has taken on the creative director role at Pollini. He has a very intelligent use of colour and print in his work and does not let them override the design elements of his collection, which can be a difficult balance.

If you could go back in time and experience any fashion moment, what would it be?
I think the 60s was the ultimate time for me with so many changes going on in fashion. It became available to everyone and people were really experimenting and moving in new directions that had to be very exciting.

If you were to shoot your campaign and you could get your dream team of photographer, stylist, and model and do anything you wanted, who and what would it be?
I would love to get a really interesting guy in front of the lens; someone like Nick cave or Jonny Depp are really dynamic characters and I think I would love to have Nick Knight to shoot the pictures; he creates such vibrant images and is very original.

Where do you see yourself/your label for A/W 09?
At the moment I wont launch my own label just yet as it is something I want to develop slowly and I’d like to work for other design houses first and broaden my experience

Where do you see yourself/ your label for A/W 29?
In 20 years I hope to have set up the brand and be successful with a strong line for both men and women and have my own store in London and New York.

Tell us any anecdotes about the making of your last collection.
It was a late decision to actually switch my design path from womenswear to menswear and changed my whole collection with 15 weeks to go. It was definitely a risky decision but one that I don’t regret for a second. The collection is stronger and more focused.

If you weren’t a fashion designer what would you be?
I would still have to be creative otherwise I would probably go nuts if I couldn’t draw or create. I would probably end up in interior design or as an art teacher - hahaha!