MOST EXCELLENT STUFF FOR INSPIRER

Laura-Jo, a young 24 year old creative, presents her collection of jackets for both men and women. Her studded denim jackets are bang on the trend.

We got to ask her some questions about her brand.

What is your favorite piece in your collection?

Probably the Sexyback (The Remix) jacket, but there's some bedazzled ones I'm working on that I'm really excited about.

Your inspirations?

I get my inspirations from a bunch of different places, but they're all very specific. Being Jamaican is probably my biggest influence. The over-the-top, if you've got it flaunt it nature of everything, dancehall queens, bright hair; all really inspirational to me. The hair metal movement during the mid to late eighties and then the transition to grunge, I love that. Courtney Love circa '95 and Brody Dalle circa forever. I get loads of inspiration from 1950's teenagers, and old films like Sunset Boulevard and All About Eve. I love a well groomed woman.

 

What drove you to choose fashion design and specifically starting your own design?

I've never really been someone who was overly into fashion to be honest, it's something that I've grown into. The jackets started because I just became obsessed with having one and I didn't want to pay a ridiculous price for it, so I made one and it generated a lot of interest so it just kind of grew from there, really naturally. I've also always wanted to work for myself, and I love making things so it just made sense for me to try and push this as another career option.

Describe your style

I always find this question so hard! I think my style is kind of like glamourous grunge? I've always got a full face of make-up, usually including massive false eyelashes and red lipstick, long bright nails but I'll wear like a baggy t-shirt with multi-coloured leopard leggings and creepers, or a cut-up band shirt with a tiny mini skirt. I pretty much dress the same as I did when I was 18!

What are you most excited to wear this season ?

Every time summer comes round I'm itching to get my legs out. I love short shorts.

You'd never be caught dead wearing ... ?

Nothing! I don't think there's any such thing as bad fashion, anything can look good with the right amount of confidence.

One thing you couldn't live without ?

A pitch black eyebrow pencil. I'm eyebrow obsessed.

Favorite celebrity fashion icon ?

Kat Von D. We seem to have the same kind of influences, from her hair to her shoes I just love her. I'm desperate for her to start selling her make-up in the UK.

Favorite part about being a fashion designer ?

I love the freedom of working for myself, and getting to be creative every single day. I get genuinely excited everytime something sells. I'm such a loser, sometimes I can get teary eyed from good feedback!

What are other activities you enjoy doing besides designing (art, music, etc)?

Besides designing, I paint and I'm a make-up artist. I'm based in a salon here in Manchester, and do some freelance. I'm also currently obsessed with bedazzling things, the shop's getting full of sparkly phonecases!

Find her Collection on her Website

MOST EXCELLENT STUFF FOR INSPIRER