VINTAGE ROSE

Meet the designer who’s oldfashioned and proud of it

The epiphany came when I saw a man sweep up clothes that had been dropped on the floor in a fast-fashion store in London. They were being treated like rubbish, there was no value placed on them. It was horrible.

I had gone to London all gung-ho wanting to work in fashion and I left after five years so demoralised.

To me, getting dressed is the first lovely creative thing you can do in the morning. You can take on the world if you’re wearing a nice frock. My philosophy is you get to dress yourself for the day you are going to have. You may have a horrible meeting, but you can be wearing a fabulous dress that makes you feel so much better.

I love really beautiful fabrics. Your body can tell when it is wearing a synthetic fabric and you don’t feel comfortable. I love clothes that fit properly – anyone can look fantastic with the right darts and shaping.

I’m a true vintage and art deco fanatic; I love that there was time taken when things were made – the quality is amazing and you can’t replicate that with today’s clothes. Which is how I got to be immersed in vintage fashion.