Livingetc Discovers: Mother Of Pearl

HOW DID YOUR CAREER IN FASHION BEGIN?

I began at Mother of Pearl fresh after graduating 12 years ago, starting out studio assistant and progressing to a partner and creative director. Before this,I interned at Giles Deacon just as he was becoming a big name.It was an incredible experience and taught me huge amounts.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MOTHER OF PEARL AESTHETIC?

It’s a real balance of playful and serious. The brand philosophyis serious quality and ethics balanced with playful visuals and tone of voice. My designs feature masculine silhouettes with feminine detailing, juxtaposing references such as the work of socialist photographer Nick Waplington and royal Tudor dresses. The key to the clothing is that it appeals to our different emotions; I have days when I want to hide under a giant hoodie but also days when I feel more adventurous.

HOW DID THE INTERIORS COLLECTION COME ABOUT?

I’m always inspired by maximalist wallpapers, upholstery fabrics and curtains, so when I started to renovate my house, I couldn’t resist a Mother of Pearl interior range. Who wouldn’t want to match their outfit with their cushions?

DESCRIBE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME.

It has a minimal backdrop of ebony flooring and white walls, giving me a blank canvas to lift with lots of plant life and scatter with coloured florals, prints and hints of dark green including Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. It’s a Victorian housebut I’m obsessed with Georgian proportions so I’ve cheated with tall, double Georgian style doors into my living room.

WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PRINTS COME FROM?

It usually comes from old Dutch florals or old paintings such as Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?

Sustainability is my major passion. We have just launched No Frills, a core collection of everyday pieces made with a low-carbon footprint and using organic materials, as well as a sustainable capsule collection of evening wear.