YOUR PIECES HAVE AN AIR OF FUTURISM VERSES TRIBALISM – ESPECIALLY WITHIN THE JEWELLERY – WOULD YOU AGREE THIS BEING AN ACCURATE STATEMENT?
- I do agree with the statement, although it’s not something I actively try to create or research it just happens, I guess this is just my personal handwriting and taste
WORKING WITH YOUR PIECES – WHAT FASCINATED MYSELF AND THOSE I WORKED WITH MOST IS THE DETAILING AND MATERIALS USED WITHIN SUCH A STRUCTURAL APPROACH – WAXED DRESSES WITH BEADED HEM LINES, FUR & FELTS WITH MESHED MATERIALS, SMALL BEADS WITH LARGE PERSPEX PIECES … WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES YOU WORK WITH SUCH, ALMOST JUXTAPOSING, MATERIALS?
- I like working with contradictions as I find that these always seem to have the most unexpected and interesting results. I like working within the construction too as I do think the design shouldn’t only just be on the outside of garments, it’s nice to let the wearer into a little secret (previous examples being tinsel in trouser waistbands and mini hinges trapped between T-shirt layers)
WHAT SORT OF CONCEPT ARE YOU TRYING TO CONVEY WITH YOUR CLOTHING – WHAT DOES THE KIRSTY WARD BRAND STAND FOR?
- The brand is about directional clothing and jewellery that is experimental yet still wearable, I also like to blur the lines between the garments and jewellery, and last but not least I want my work to have an element if fun in it!
AFTER GRADUATING YOU WERE SNAPPED UP BY ALBERTA FERRETTI, WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS DRAMATIC STEPPING STONE?
- Working for Ferretti I learnt more about adding a little femininity into my work, and how things worked in a huge company where they had their own factories too, that was really interesting
YOU HAVE WORKED ALONGSIDE DAVID LONGSHAW, WHO ELSE WOULD YOU IDEALLY LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FROTHING COMING COLLABORATIONS IN THE PIPELINE?
- Working with David is great so its nice that we have a collaboration that continues season upon season. For S/S 2012 I have an exciting collaboration with the underwear brand – mint siren, this will fit well into my collections as I always like working with sheer fabrics.
WHAT ARE WE TO EXPECT FOR THE NEW COLLECTION?
- For S/S12 I’m inspired by mundane offices, stationary, experimental cutting and suspended layering.
YOU ARE GOING FROM VAUXHALL TO THE SOMERSET HOUSE EXHIBITIONS THIS COMING FASHION WEEK – HOW HAVE THE PREPARATIONS DIFFERED?
- They will be rather similar, although I’m doing a short film this season so things will be more geared towards that.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A BUDDING DESIGNER?
- Know your shit, do lots of research (for your own work and also into other designers), always think about construction, always stay relevant.
WHAT ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS?
- Turning bad taste into something desirable, mundane everyday items – such as hardware
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2011?
- I am shortlisted for this years global fashion awards – the event is in October, so we will see what happens there, although it’s such an honour to be shortlisted, other than that just staying out of mischief!
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All pieces Kirsty Ward
Model Vasilisa Forbes
Photographer Matilda Finn
