With the addition of shoes, bags, and accessories, explain your thought process about building a complete lifestyle brand.
Well, when I design I kind of think about a complete look from head to toe, so for me the addition of all accessories makes sense. One, for accessibility and two, for larger ranges, room for diffusion and capsule/collaborative collections.
In an era of fast fashion, why is it important for you to champion craftsmanship and the atelier model?
This part is very important. It's a skillset that needs to be passed on. Too many newbies don't have the skills needed. They have the talent in buckets, but the knowledge and implementation is lacking. I am also a firm believer in apprenticeships so that they learn on the job under the gaze of someone who knows.
How do you see the role of the designer evolving in a world driven by speed and trends?
Today's designer has got to be flexible; there's so much more involvement needed and so many levels to practice upon. It also depends on the level that one wishes to put out.
I think you find your lane and speed, master that, then always be ready to pivot and expand. Fast fashion will never go away, and luxury fashion the same. It’s the middle that will change, the high street fashion, sustainable fashion, online fashion. Those are the big guns that will drive it forward. Fast fashion will always be cheap because we are a capitalist bunch. Luxury fashion is aspirational from many and normal for those who can afford it, so they will move with the times. The in-between and independents are the ones who will affect the changes.