Ever wondered what it takes to become a fashion designer? Well, we caught up with emerging fashion designer Lucy February, as to find out exactly what it takes! Here’s what she had to say:

The Fashion Guise: Tell us a bit about your background, – How did you get into fashion?

Lucy February: I have gained a BA (Hons) degree in Womenswear Fashion Design at Westminster University, from which I graduated this summer. I have interned with Christopher Kane, Stephen Jones, Markus Lupfer, Alexandra Groover, and I have also done some fashion styling for some short films. It was all great experience, even the tough times, because I just love fashion!

TFG: When and What encouraged you to become a designer?

LF: I think that it was always in me; at 15 I was customising clothes, wigs, experimenting with hair colours, and experimental make up. At that time, I just wanted to do whatever I wanted, and not think about the commercial viability of my creativity, so, it took me a while to realise that I really should aim for a career in aesthetics, as I was so mad about it.

TFG: What would you be doing if you didn’t work in fashion?

LF: I would be making money somewhere to fund my passion, label, and wardrobe, – preferably a job that didn’t involve standing up all day, or talking to the general public.

TFG: Do you have any other side projects?

LF: I started a style and beauty blog when I left University, as a memo for my style, and for fun.

TFG: Describe your own personal style?

LF: People say that I have a unique style. I’m quite eclectic, but I guess I would describe it as glamourous, yet odd, edgy sometimes, but sometimes frilly and sickly feminine. I guess I’m looking for style that excites me rather than a specific pigeon hole, – experimental fun, and a  story which never gets old, that’s what spurs me on.

TFG: What’s your favourite style tip?

LF: It’s not where you get it from, but what you do with it! (Money can’t buy style, you have to be clever and make it work)

TFG: What item of clothing couldn’t you live without?

LF: A vast wardrobe.

TFG: Do you have any style icons?

LF: Lots! I love Siouxsie Sioux, Marchesa Casati, Lene Lovich, and Dita Von Teese; anyone fabulous with a varying degrees of freakishness to keep it from being dull.

TFG: Who are your favourite fashion designers?

LF: McQueen, Westwood, Riccardo Tisci, Nichlolas Ghesquiere, Alber Elbaz, Mary Katrantzou…there are just so many wonderful talented people out there, whom I admire as designers!

TFG: So, tell us about your label?

LF: I am working towards starting my own label. I could hope for it to kick off in the Spring, but we’ll just have to see how quickly my pocketbook can bankroll my ideas. I am working on a piece at the moment, which requires hour upon hour of my own hand work.

TFG: What advice would you give to those who are currently trying to
become fashion designers?

LF: You have to want to do it more than anything in the world. Fashion is such a tough nut to crack, that you need the determination of irrevocable passion to see you through.