Interview: Clara Martin – fashion designer

Why did you choose menswear?
I feel as though there isn’t enough playfulness in menswear and want to help break that stereotype. I’m obsessed with making men feel liberated when they dress and I think it brings about a new form of confidence that is different to what a conventional suit can bring.

Why fashion design?
I also looked at menswear and thought there was too much formality and rules, which of course is part of its beauty, but I was curious to see what would happen if I discarded the rule book. There is a lot of development being made in menswear at the minute, but I still think we have so far to go.

What fabrics used for the A/W’14 collection?
For A/W’14, I used a lot of neoprene, which I made myself with Lycra and much thicker foam you’d usually see, along with wool, brightly coloured yarn and digitally printed cotton. These fabric choices came about from sampling many different knitting techniques, printing, laser cutting, construction and panelling techniques.

What techniques used?
Fixated on the process of translating an idea from a thought to 2D into 3D and sometimes 4D with my pop out elements. I always want to grow the idea structurally to make more of a visual statement and to bring home the view on the new mindset of menswear.

Why the idea of childhood nostalgia?
I’ve always been expressive and never really want to lose that when I design, and for most people, they were their most expressive and true selves as a child – my fondest memories come from my childhood and there is a lot of inspiration to be taken from that time, for everyone.

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