Daniella Christina Timms is a local Brighton designer who makes beautiful, vintage inspired clothing. Her new collection, Made in Britain: Brocade Parade, has just been released and is available to buy on her brand-spanking-new website. The collection oozes with quality. A combination of 1940s - 50s silhouettes and British heritage fabrics.
I caught up with Daniella a few days ago to talk about her new collection, new website and to try and find out a little bit more about just where her inspiration came from.
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Hi Daniella. So, the new website has launched and along with that you have designed your second collection, Made in Britain: Brocade Parade. Tell us about it...
The new website has been a work in progress for sometime and I've been lucky to have very talented, creative friends that have helped me launch the site (Matt - Southern Retro). It's like a baby that I am very proud of!
The new collection is inspired by British heritage and 1940s-50s silhouettes. Reflecting back to vintage 'Balenciaga', the designer's elegant design style captured the decade. Balenciaga designed a collection of evening gowns in 1952, with floral fabric, sculpturing the faminin shape of the time
I like the fact your dresses are made to order, does that give customers a bit more flexibility with the design?
Yes, customers can choose from a selection of fabrics and designs.
How did Daniella Christina Designs start and what was the initial idea behind it?
The label started with support from The Prince's Trust organisation, helping young people start up in business, which I think is really the only thing left these days to support the new generation. The idea for the fashion label had been with me from a young age, I was always fascinated by 'old' Hollywood films and icons. Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich looked so elegant and charismatic, so I wanted to design clothes inspired by them for the modern day woman.
What were your aspirations as a child? Did you always want to work in fashion?
When I was younger, I was always creative and intrigued by fashion history. My mum was studying Economics when I was a child so I would always get dragged along to the library, where I found myself immersed in fashion history books.
You seem to be involved in a lot of things: running a local magazine, designing your own label and also assisting amazing designer, Joanne Fleming. How do you manage your time?
What time, haha! I work about 12 hour day, leave one job and start another but I love my career, so every moment is a pleasure.
What advise would you give to young designers who might be looking up to you right now?
Work hard and have faith in your dream. It sounds cliche but people don't just wake up one day and have their dream job, you really do have to work for it.
What's been your favourite moment in your career so far? You've worked for some pretty big names (Burberry, Gresham Blake and American Apparel). Anything you're still aiming for?
I had some great experience and some bad ones. Working in the industry can be hard but this just makes you appreciate the good opportunities. My best experience so far, would have to be working for 'Preen' fashion label at London Fashion Week and launching my first collection.
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Like what you see? Well, Daniella is giving away a full-circle skirt
from her new collection to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of
winning visit this page on Daniella's blog and share it on Facebook and Twitter. The winner will be chosen at random on 30th May 2014.
I think Daniella shows real promise with this new collection. The tailoring is exquisite and the fact that each piece is made to order means that the fit will always be flawless. With a label and magazine under her belt, it's wonderful to see so much success in such a passionate young woman. You can follow Daniella on her journey on Facebook and Twitter
Ta ta for now!
ALL IMAGES WERE SOURCED FROM DANIELLA CHRISTINA & SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT
PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING!
THANK YOU
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