SG: What course did you study at UAL and what is your practice?
CS: I studied Fashion Contour and I am a lingerie and swimwear designer.
SG: What inspired the piece you submitted for the Tell us about it project and why did you want to take part?
CS: I created this a while ago, so the illustration shows the development of a woman’s body for a man and the garment’s gradually takes form to become a finished piece. To accompany this, I made an old bra as seen in the illustration on the paper. The reason for this piece is to represent the growth of self and how we can still feel fragile even when you appear to be strong. I just thought I wanted to make an impact in actuality, you know, be a part of the project.
SG: How has your practice developed since you graduated?
CS: By continuing to work on my craft. I have worked within the lingerie and swimwear industry for a few years and at the times when I didn’t, I would always be working on my own designs anyway so, practice, trial and error. As I intend to have my own brand it is good to work with companies to see how things operate.
SG: How has UAL contributed to your professional journey?
CS: UAL was a great place to connect with different creatives from other backgrounds. I have friends that work in similar, but different sectors. It is really inspiring that we can collaborate and create something different. Going to UAL boosted my confidence as I used to get nervous presenting to a whole class of people; the next thing I knew I was presenting to buyers in Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret. So, it is a very good lesson learned and experience that I gained as well.
SG: What advice can you give to students currently studying at UAL, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds?
CS: To soak it in as much as possible really and enjoy it; to have fun. Sometimes in the industry, it can become quite tedious where you actually work and you’re a very creative person. So, I think as a creative it is important to apply purpose to what you do because that keeps us driven.
SG: What has been your most memorable project so far?
CS: I worked in China in lace design for a year. I was fortunate enough to have my lace brought and worked into many lingerie styles in Calvin Klein, which is in the stores now, so I’m very proud of that.
SG: How do you keep yourself motivated?
CS: At times it is hard. Social media can be inspiring, but at times it can be the complete opposite. When I feel demotivated, I do surround myself around the things that inspire me or make me feel good, that could be cooking, music, art, family. Working in a field that isn’t solely my practice actually tends to drive me more to work towards my end goal because I am just using a different part of my brain a bit more.
SG: Is there a message you are trying to convey in your creative expression?
CS: For me, I have problems with my eyesight and I use my eyes for everything – I do a lot of intricate work so it can be very testing at times. I guess my message is to just not give up easily. I make with my mind, so I would like to convey that through my work.
SG: How do you reflect on your work?
CS: When I work on something, I have a break and it gives me a chance to think about different approaches and techniques. I am a perfectionist, so I always see where there is room for improvement – but that can also be a bad thing because you might not always give yourself credit for what you do.
