CELINE:
How old are you? 23
LE
CHICS: What
made you decided to go into fashion, especially footwear?
CELINE: From an early age I was very
creative and at school I loved art and design. When I reached high
school I knew that I wanted to work in the fashion industry but I
wasn't sure in which field. I went on to do a Foundation course at
the Surrey Institute of Art and Design in Epsom and it was here where
I realised that I wanted to be a footwear designer. Footwear design
is very specialist but enables you to be as creative as you like but
in a very different way and this suited me perfectly.
LE
CHICS: Although
it is not very common for women to go into footwear, do you think
there is enough market for upcoming Shoe designers such as yourself?
CELINE: I like to think so! It is so
difficult to get your foot in anywhere being a recent graduate but
I do feel that there is room in the market for new designers. There
are so many established brands known everywhere but I think more people
are looking to wear rarer pieces by less known designers. It makes
them feel like they are wearing something exclusive instead of something
worn by the masses.
LE
CHICS: I
read that you took a year off university for work placement at Dr
Martens, how did that go?
CELINE: This was the best move I could
have made. Not only for me as a designer but in terms of getting ready
to face my final year at university, it was invaluable. I learnt so
much from so many different people. I was lucky enough to be there
just as the hype surrounding Dr Martens was getting under way and
it was a really exciting time to be there.
LE
CHICS: Do
you think you would be designing shoes such as DR MARTENS in the near
future?
CELINE: If I'm honest, the style of Dr
Martens is not what I see myself designing. My style is more feminine
and elegant. However, I think it is very important for a designer
to be able to design more than one specific style and to be able to
show a wide variety makes for a great designer.
LE
CHICS: I
have seen some of your Shoe designs; I especially like the women’s
wear, what inspires you to design your Shoes?
CELINE: Inspiration can come from anywhere
and everywhere. From a dress on the catwalk to a skyscraper in an
unknown city, you never know what will spark your inspiration.
LE
CHICS: Would
you describe your Shoes as cutting edge designs?
CELINE: I don't think I would. I see
my shoes as classically feminine with modern touches. I like mixing
traditional and modern feels.
LE
CHICS: Who
are your target markets?
CELINE: The female professional aged
from around 24 to 45 years. I try to have something for everyone in
this age range. 
