Exploring fashion faux pas from ‘the decade that style forgot’, injecting the colour palettes of Amish Lancaster quilts with the neon-fluro madness of 1980s streetwear, and analysing the novelty of Glam Rock’s famous garments; young London College of Fashion graduate Rose Irwin heaps copious tech-style upon the heritage of patchwork, with exquisite results.
As she looks to take her space-age update of ’70s big-hair nostalgia to the next level, we caught up with Rose, to discuss British creativity, European pilgrims, David Hockney’s fluro trees, and drinking pints…
Where’s your hometown, and where are you based now?
Woking is my hometown, I am very lucky to have always lived a 20 minute train ride from the city. I am currently based in Hackney, London.
Do you think location affects creativity?
Definitely, being in London you are surrounded by artistic and hugely individual people, full of diverse cultures. Cultural diversity is the key.
If we could replace the Queen on bank notes with one iconic British design, which would you choose?
The dogs in the pub! Actually I think that is by an American (Cassius Marcellus Coolidge; ed). So second choice would be prints from iconic decades; like art nouveau by William Morris, art deco architecture like the Hoover building, right up to an amazing Alexander McQueen crystal digital print.
What do you think the rest of the world’s view of British creativity is?
I think it’s positive and accepting. People from all over the world want to be part of it.
The Swinging ’60s, punk, Hacienda-era Manchester… is there one period of intense British creativity that you’d like to have been a part of, and why?
My collection was inspired by Glam Rock, so I think it would be criminal not to say the seventies, I am a huge Bowie fan. However, Joy Divison and the Manchester music scene post punk is where I think I would feel most myself.
Are there any quintessential British traditions that inform your work?
Patchwork, although seen as a crazy American hippy-family hobby, it was taken to America by European pilgrims. The earliest discovered coverlet was in Durham, England from the 17th century.
Where in Britain do you feel most inspired?
London’s fast pace is unbeatable.
The top 3 British creatives who have inspired you?
Jonathan Saunders, Michael Cooper and Francis Bacon.
If you could collaborate with one GB creative, from any field, who would it be, and why?
David Hockney… those fluro trees are really something special. I admire his way of working with new technology too, and I am also a fan of his huge scale of working.
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Yes, in the pub with friends.
If creativity was an Olympic sport, who’s the one person you’d want to represent Britain on the global stage?
Christopher Kane, I feel he has achieved so much at such a young age, his designs for me, are truly a reflection of the fresh diversity and creativity which is inspired by the spirit of London. His works are truly original and ambitious and capture a wide audience of women’s needs.
Which sport would you like to compete in at London 2012?
1500m, or maybe the relay race!
You couldn’t live without…
Friends and cheese boards (I guess family too!).
What makes you smile?
Friends and cheese boards.
The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given…
Never give up your own vision, and tutors are not always right! In a interview for the Mail on Sunday culture magazine, photographer Michael Cooper (photographer of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the most famous Beatles cover) talked about his student life at CSM and struggles with tutors who said he would never achieve. My mum cut the article out for me when I failed a unit in second year, and I have kept it ever since, and remind myself of his ambition when I am not feeling confident.
Fish and chips, Cornish pasties… what’s your favourite British dish?
Being a pescitarian… it’s always fish and mash!
We’re going to the pub and we’re buying, what are you drinking?
Pint of Stella (I blame my dad), or a gin and tonic if I’m trying to be feminine.
What’s next for you?
I wish to stay in London but I need a job first. Any takers?
