School days Forward fashion
We speak to Camila Stanford, former pupil of St Gregorys Catholic College about school life and her appearance at Graduate Fashion Week
Q: How did St Gregory’s help you to develop your talents? A: Because the school specialised in the performing arts, such as fine art, music and theatre performance, we were generally encouraged to get involved in as many areas within the creative arts field as possible. Thinking back, this definitely influenced my decision in furthering my studies within the creative arts. Q: And did you enjoy school life? A: Like most moody teenagers, I had phases of absolutely hating and loving school, but overall it was all fun and games and I have a lot of fond memories of my years there. I think my fondest memory was the beautiful yellow and brown uniform that we had to wear (it was hideous)! Q: What made you decide to study fashion at university? A: Fashion was an art form I found myself enticed by because of my curious wonder of fantasy and imagination and my desire to translate these escapist ideas through shape, fabric, texture and colour onto a living body. I’ve always felt that fashion is such a compelling and creative way of rousing intrigue, controversy and impact. Q: Do you think that schools should be more open to creativity? A: I actually think a lot of schools nowadays push creativity a lot more than they used to and encourage students to get involved in all aspects of creativity. I think unorthodox ideas in creative
art could be pushed a lot more, and an encouragement for students to think outside the box and to push their own boundaries. Exploring and experimenting is the only way to really get the most out of creative art. Q: Who are your inspirations? A: The ultimate fashion fantasists – Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Jean Charles de Castelbajac are my big inspirations relating to fashion. I often look at Tim Burton’s illustrations and film for inspiration, as well as stop motion films from The Brothers, Quay and Jan Svankmajer. I am mostly inspired and intrigued by contrasting research elements. For example that of moving animated film, opposing surfaces, awkward and unconventional themes and concepts and clashing of historical costume eras. This results in a challenging yet greatly satisfying and original process for me to create a story for my own fashion pieces. Fashion photographers Tim walker and Guy Bourdin also greatly influence my creative
practice, as well as set designers Rhea Theirstein and Shona Heath.
Above: Camila’s designs are influenced by puppetry
Q: How was Graduate Fashion Week? A: Graduate Fashion Week is such a phenomenal platform for fashion graduates all over the UK to showcase their collections, I felt very grateful and proud to be there representing Manchester Metropolitan University. Q: How did you choose the theme for your collection? A: An adventure into the Museum of Childhood in London opened my eyes to the indulgence of toys. I focused on the construction of string puppets and the manipulative form by which they are controlled. This created conceptual ideas for my designs and prompted a light-hearted but creepy mood to the collection. 1900s children’s wear research directed my silhouette and fabric types for the collection, using silks, organdie and a mix of yarns. The subtle theatrical and naive feel to the collection is a
Camila was chosen to represent Manchester Metropolitan University at Graduate Fashion Week
reference to costume from 1700s. My final collection plays upon themes of puppet manipulation, restriction, and childhood nostalgia. Q: What advice would you give to students who want to break into the fashion industry? A: Well, speaking from my experience at university, you need to just stick to your guns and believe in yourself. Don’t change your style for anybody, but be open to new ideas, new methods and creating new and original designs for the industry. Q: Do you see yourself returning to the West Country when you graduate? A: I definitely see myself returning to the south. Studying in Manchester was great – it’s the most student friendly city I have been to in the UK and one of the most inspirational cities for art and design. It was also refreshing to escape Bath’s lovely but small surroundings and explore a big city. However, home is where the heart is and I’ve missed it a lot. BL
Read this article in full at
www.tom-brown.com – the only website parents need to choose a school
www.mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life 81
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