We believe that most creative people are deep thinkers and extremely curious, therefore our aim is to stimulate your minds and go inside the minds of creative go-getters that we are inspired by....
A few weeks ago we posted a blog about Bestow Elan the fashion line of the talented Erzumah Ackerson. We asked her a few questions and picked her brains to find out information about living life in fashion and any advice she could offer to anyone who was considering fashion as a career or just anyone who lives, breathes and sleeps fashion like us...
Happy reading guys and dolls...
AEA: Do you feel your formal fashion education at London College of Fashion helped prepare you for working in the industry?
EA: I studied at London College of Fashion only to Foundation level, but did short pattern-cutting courses along the way. I think at the time I felt a bit discouraged because my designs and ideas were often misunderstood and misconstrued, therefore it left me feeling as if my only option was to conform, and to do what was considered ‘fashion design’. Being self taught – which I consider myself as being is another experience. It gives you the scope to be more experimental and to try out many of your ideas - some might argue it’s a longer process to getting to know where your strengths lie, but I don’t agree. You’re not fed outdated ideologies and processes; you can create your own business model and gain more practical experience through your hands on experiences.
AEA: If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
EA: I would probably be working within the arts or a writer – I think once you’re a creative, your actual skill is transferable to whatever craft you choose.
AEA: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
EA: Start small and slowly. I experience a lot of designer who come straight out of University and spend thousand each season creating collections that aren’t particularly saleable, because they are certain they are ‘The next Best Thing’. It’s a very expensive business, so always remember that it’s a business.
AEA: Where do you get your design inspiration?
EA: My biggest inspiration is structures. I tend to translate my own style through shape and colour. I’m also influenced by both vintage and classic aesthetics.
One of my motivations to design is the knowledge that many people may never become aware of their god given gift, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to express myself through one of my gifts, it’s very humbling.
AEA: What is the best perk in being a designer?
EA: I didn’t realise there were any perks in being a designer, LOL … I guess you can be flown across the world to show your collection. I think an advantage would be you are not likely to be at a party wearing the same garment as anyone else.
AEA: What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label versus i.e. design, production, sales, finance and advertising?
EA: The most difficult reality is until you are able to afford to outsource your work; you’re going to have to be multifaceted. This usually entails you being a designer, pattern-cutter, sales and marketing person - as well being able to keep your head above water. Most designers think their first collection is going be their making, but I think they need to maintain a realistic mindset and think for the long term as opposed to the now.
AEA: What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?
EA: When you’re starting out in a fashion business, you get a lot of conflicting information. Often enough your lack of experience is going to inevitably result in mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn’t the industry where you have a lot room for error. Simply because there’s a large financial outlay before you’ve even started getting to market, which can, if you don’t get it right first time, be very costly. So if there isn’t the financial support to repeat the process again, you’re out of business. Try to set up your infrastructure first.
AEA: What trends do you see being big for 2011 and 2012?
EA: I’m not really influenced by trends, but I think block rich colours will continue to be trends, as well as very floating romantic silhouettes.
EA: I studied at London College of Fashion only to Foundation level, but did short pattern-cutting courses along the way. I think at the time I felt a bit discouraged because my designs and ideas were often misunderstood and misconstrued, therefore it left me feeling as if my only option was to conform, and to do what was considered ‘fashion design’. Being self taught – which I consider myself as being is another experience. It gives you the scope to be more experimental and to try out many of your ideas - some might argue it’s a longer process to getting to know where your strengths lie, but I don’t agree. You’re not fed outdated ideologies and processes; you can create your own business model and gain more practical experience through your hands on experiences.
AEA: If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
EA: I would probably be working within the arts or a writer – I think once you’re a creative, your actual skill is transferable to whatever craft you choose.
AEA: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
EA: Start small and slowly. I experience a lot of designer who come straight out of University and spend thousand each season creating collections that aren’t particularly saleable, because they are certain they are ‘The next Best Thing’. It’s a very expensive business, so always remember that it’s a business.
AEA: Where do you get your design inspiration?
EA: My biggest inspiration is structures. I tend to translate my own style through shape and colour. I’m also influenced by both vintage and classic aesthetics.
One of my motivations to design is the knowledge that many people may never become aware of their god given gift, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to express myself through one of my gifts, it’s very humbling.
AEA: What is the best perk in being a designer?
EA: I didn’t realise there were any perks in being a designer, LOL … I guess you can be flown across the world to show your collection. I think an advantage would be you are not likely to be at a party wearing the same garment as anyone else.
AEA: What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label versus i.e. design, production, sales, finance and advertising?
EA: The most difficult reality is until you are able to afford to outsource your work; you’re going to have to be multifaceted. This usually entails you being a designer, pattern-cutter, sales and marketing person - as well being able to keep your head above water. Most designers think their first collection is going be their making, but I think they need to maintain a realistic mindset and think for the long term as opposed to the now.
AEA: What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?
EA: When you’re starting out in a fashion business, you get a lot of conflicting information. Often enough your lack of experience is going to inevitably result in mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn’t the industry where you have a lot room for error. Simply because there’s a large financial outlay before you’ve even started getting to market, which can, if you don’t get it right first time, be very costly. So if there isn’t the financial support to repeat the process again, you’re out of business. Try to set up your infrastructure first.
AEA: What trends do you see being big for 2011 and 2012?
EA: I’m not really influenced by trends, but I think block rich colours will continue to be trends, as well as very floating romantic silhouettes.
AEA: Who is your style icon?
EA: I have really grown to like Solange Knowles’s eclectic style; she maintains chic fun looks, whilst still staying true to her self.
AEA: Where do you love to shop?
EA: I like Reiss and shop at Spitalfields Market, East London/City
AEA: What your favourite item of clothing?
EA: At the moment, I’m really into skirts, long maxis, my own toga style skirt and pencil skirts.
AEA: What’s your mantra?
EA: My mantra has to be ‘Life Is For The Living’. This may sound obvious, but it always reminds me to really enjoy life, you have to consciously participate in it.
EA: My mantra has to be ‘Life Is For The Living’. This may sound obvious, but it always reminds me to really enjoy life, you have to consciously participate in it.
AEA: What’s next for Bestow Elan?
EA: I think the next episode includes breaking into new International markets and a few new collaborations.
EA: I think the next episode includes breaking into new International markets and a few new collaborations.
Hope you enjoyed reading and please let us know what type creative individual you would like us to go inside the mind of next time.
Stay creative, inspired and fulfilled beauts x x
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