Beatrice and her graduate collection on ArtsThread

Q: Beatrice, briefly tell us what you are doing now / have done since the competition.

"After taking part in FAD, I was in other competitions including a 'Hand and Lock' embroidery competition, which I actually won. I also applied for and won a scholarship from the Framework Knitters Guild for my ideas and vision for the future of knitwear.

Currently I’ve been commissioned to design outfits for a new website called Not Just a Label, which sells one-off, unique items by up and coming designers. I’m really enjoying it and gaining a lot of experience. I’ve also been looking into undertaking an MA."

Q: What is important to you as a designer? Describe the style of your work.

"As a designer, perfection is very important to me. Perfection - not in the sense of a general perfection; but perfection as it is meant by the customer or expected to be. In this way each outfit is unique, which is also an important aspect of my designs. Part of my style is to make sure my designs are exotic yet unique.

Elegance and luxury are also important aspects of my designs. I am the type that goes that extra mile to make my designs not only look elegant to the eyes but also luxurious on the skin. Lastly, as every other designer, I try to create beauty with the customer and outfit."

Beatrice's graduate collection

Q: How did taking part in the FAD Competition help you, both professionally and personally?

"Taking part in the FAD competition helped me to understand the importance of business structure and planning. It also opened my eyes to designing for a specific target audience to cater for their needs. It showed me that, from the most extreme and avant-garde, I could still produce beautiful and inspiring wearable clothes."

Q: What made you want to enter the FAD Competition? How did it differ from other competitions on offer?

"I saw it as another chance to challenge myself; it was different from other competitions because it actually supports you in the business process, financial process and in the design process. It gave me a whole new exposure to some of the realities of fashion."

Beatrice designs in the 2010 FAD Competition

Q: How have you worked with FAD since taking part in the Competition? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

"I worked with FAD on a summer project for 15 year-olds in Lewisham, assisting teenagers who have an interest in fashion in how to design and use their ideas effectively. I also took part in a FAD careers workshop where I presented some of my work to a group of college students to help them understand more about fashion as a course and a career.

I enjoy volunteering for the love of doing what I enjoy doing (fashion). Also, helping others do their best allows me to work with and understand young people with different abilities, from different cultures and backgrounds."

Volunteering in FAD's Fashion Futures workshops

Q: What do you think of charities like FAD – in your opinion is there a need to support young people in this way?

"I think there is a need in many and various ways. FAD is providing for youth a very important experience in their fashion life. I learnt important lessons through FAD’s competition and I believe a lot more people are learning and benefiting from what FAD has to offer. There is always a need for FAD’s support."

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to FAD's Competition finalists what would it be?

"No matter how hard the road seems, continue to follow your dreams. There will always be something in your way; the more you conquer, the more you accomplish."

Q: Finally – what’s next for you?

"To explore, exploit and expand my boundaries…"

More about Beatrice...

You can now buy some of Beatrice’s beautiful, on-off pieces online at www.notjustalabel.com
FTape: Roar Talent
Dazed Digital.com
Arts Thread
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