SHANNEN MARIA SAMUEL

Where did your journey with fashion designing begin?

My journey of fashion designing started as an accident. I took an art foundation year after Alevels as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had always been very boyish and uninterested in materialism values - basically the complete opposite of a 'fashionista'. Then low and behold I took fashion pathway and haven't looked back - I think it was my outsider view and guerilla approach to creation that both drove pursue and challenge the fashion industry. That was 9 years ago now!

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability means closing a loop. I think the most powerful thing you can do as a creative is address a loop that needs closing DIRECTLY and straight to the source. For example, finding out that tights are the single use plastic of the textiles industry and starting a 'circular' donation system to create clothes. You address something directly and actively in sustainability - it shouldn't just be a word to make you look better.

Why do you think it’s important to create clothing sustainably?

Because it's the only way forward. We have been conditioned with low consumerist values to expect clothes to be cheap. It's so important to keep riding this wave of sustainability and fighting it's importance, as the fashion industry is such a massive culprit for waste. For me, as an emerging designer and born into a family big on recycling, it's great as it keeps my costs low whilst also acting as a form of activism. It's also revolutionised how I personally feel about clothing - coming from a non-fashion orientated background. I'd now rather own a couple amazing one of a kind pieces from fellow emerging designers, than buy anything from a normal retailer (and the world's a brighter, more exciting place this way)

What inspires you and your designs?

I am heavily influenced by my mystical Manx roots. It's taken years of me living in London to step back and appreciate my islander life on the isle of man. Essence of folklore, racing and fairytales run consistent in my collection - giving way to my eerie, playful punk aesthetic. I also love throwing back to my childhood (I'm such a hoarder, still have all my school planners, diaries and tamagotichis *RIP!*) which gives away to my Throwbacks & Throwaways ethos. But I also consider the ever changing material to play a part in the creation and inspiration of my designs. Moving from tights to motorbike leathers - sustainable designers have to think outside the box, causing them to be even more creative with their practices.

What advice do you have for other young designers out there?

Stay true to your roots and values. Find out what makes you tick, is it social, political environmental or all of these things? Don't just jump on the latest bandwagon, because trends die out. And stay true to your roots - never forget your journey and let it speak through your designs.