Last week Spitalfields market was buzzing with fashionistas, models, photographers and people trying to catch a glimpse of the many catwalk shows that went on at Alternative Fashion Week. The range of collections was extensive, from men in modern day kilts or ‘skilts’ by Richard Evans-Lacey, hats inspired by Alice in wonderland by Chloe Haywood, and a range of brightly coloured womenswear by Kimberely Sartup which incorporated toys inspired by her childhood and injected a bit of fun and playfulness into the show.
The collection, which really stood out from Tuesday’s line-up, was a range of womenswear designed by Tanya Smith. After having been inspired by a trip to Kew Gardens Tanya has clearly placed a strong emphasis on structure and form which was evident across all of her pieces. The collection was dynamic, the silhouettes slick, and models highly professional on the catwalk.
I caught up with Tanya to ask her a bit more about her work and what inspires her:
How did you get involved in Alternative Fashion Week?
Every time I see a website that has anything to do with fashion design I sign up. One day I randomly got an email about this fashion show in Spitalfields market so I decided to apply because it sounded like such an amazing opportunity. I had to send through designs of my current collection and I got in!!
What themes and influences inspired your collection?
My mum received a bunch flowers and amongst them was an anthurium. I started designing from this flower and decided to take a trip to Kew Gardens to find some more inspiration. I got so many ideas from all the different shapes, colours, contours etc. I love playing around with silhouettes and structure which is why nature was the perfect theme.
What do you enjoy most about being a fashion designer?
I love thinking up new ideas. I enjoy the challenge. I love playing around with silhouettes. I enjoy the expression and being inspired by anything and everything. I just love it!
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is classic with an edgy twist, coming from extravagant shapes and interesting accessories.
Where are your favourite places to shop?
Oxford/Regent St area is the best for shopping! One of my favourite shops is Cos because of the shapes and fabrics they use. My other favourite shop is in Belgium/Holland called Cora Kemperman which my mum introduced me to as it is her favourite shop and I agree… It is amazing. She’s so innovative with her designs!
What’s the look for this season?
Big, bold and beautiful. So long as you love it, anything goes!
Who are your favourite designers?
Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Hussein Chalayan, Junya Watanabe, Viktor and Rolf (to name but a few… the list could definitely go on)
Where we can we see your work in the future?
At the moment everything is still very new to me. I am looking into starting my own brand so watch this space.
That’s all from me at Alternative Fashion Week – keep an eye out for it next year and in the mean time you can check out more of Tanya’s work on her website, she will definitely be one to watch out for in the future!
Photos courtesy of Saci Marton (backstage video and more photos available on her website and Tanya Smith)
