The Fashion Designer

Talk about turning a disastrous situation into a positive one - you were made redundant from what has to be one of the best fashion jobs in the UK just a few months ago and have now created a label from scratch that’s being incredibly well received in the fashion circles – making number five in the Grazia fashion charts in fact!

Wow... we want to know more!

What’s a typical day in the life of Suzannah the fashion designer?

I cycle to the studio and work on new styles or existing orders with the sample unit. At the moment I run a made-to-order internet business alongside wholesale, ( wholesale being a season ahead). So its quite tricky juggling all kinds of deadlines., production, design, customer service, bridal ....commision work - it goes on! There is hardly ever a quiet moment, well if there is I worry that there is not enough cash coming into the business, and get on the phone to drum up sales! I constantly speak to factories, my fabulous PR, the web support, suppliers, bank manager and friends in the industry. When you run your own business, you have to keep up with everything.

There’s clearly a vintage chic flava to your new collection, where would you credit your inspiration behind it?

Gallanos. He was a fabulous ready-to-wear designer from the states. He made amazing tailored coats and dresses. I bought a couple of coats from the 40's , from a vintage shop in LA, I was immediately hooked. The way he treated his ready- to -wear collections like couture pieces, just amazing and such an inspiration.

Sum up your new collection in three words?

• charming
• romantic
• fun

In your mind, what is it about the fashion industry that rocks and what sucks?

rocks,....constant evolution. So much great British Inspiration on every level, from graduate to designer. Sucks, ...everything is so expensive in the UK. I try to maintain a truly British brand with manufacturing here,...but it really costs a lot for expert tailored manfacture and is quite challenging to work within its parameters..

What qualities should a successful fashion designer have?

A discerning eye, courage, a close watch on their customer!

You’ve obviously got a creative eye when it comes to design, where do you go or what do you do when you need inspiration?

I normally take the day around London, I cycle from Mayfair through to Hoxton. I visit galleries, vintage shops, sit and people watch. I do love to go to Paris though, the vintage market there is extremely good, ....and if I can combine with a holiday my perfect haven for everything glamorous and inspiring is LA. Everyone is totally dresses-up even when shopping or mooching around.

What’s been the highlight of your career to date (including previous jobs)?

Not sure,... I think it may be to come. I have been involved with lots of fun stuff, press shows, catwalk shows, shoots, charity events etc etc. No defining moment as yet though.

If you could choose one fashion icon to design a dress for (dead or alive) who would it be?

Cate Blanchett

What’s the hottest item in your wardrobe at the moment?

I have the most amazing suede belt and metal belt, sculpted into a jagauar head. I bought it from Paul and Joe in Paris about 5 years ago. I wear it all a lot! One of those items which makes everything look amazing.

Gina or Jimmy Choo?

Jimmy Choo

Romantic night in or crazy night out?

Romantic night

The top three design houses you respect the most:

• John Galliano
• Bottega Veneta
• Chanel

What’s the future got in store for Suzannah?

To grow the brand and make the most inspiring beautiful dresses!
I have just found a tiny little flagship boutique in Little Venice, Maida Vale. It is my absolute dream. I would love to have a couple of boutiques, selling my collection and creating one offs for clients.

Finally, what words of wisdom would you give to anyone wanting to start out in a career in fashion design?

Target where you would love to be, and strive to get there. Try not to take any old job to get money, your career path determines you.

More about the brand... (in Suzannah's own words)

The brand specializes in dresses: casual cocktail dresses and sculpted tailored dresses being the favourite at the moment. Always starting with the most amazing cloth, we then manipulate and play with the cut of the dresses to give the most flattering fit, combined with a cheeky charm from the past. There are always vintage couture references, and a sense of endearing nostalgia. A silent sexiness is key, the cloth and cut need to make you feel amazing.