I head to Shoreditch to catch up with esteemed designer & creative David Longshaw.
The quirky ‘anything-goes’ atmosphere of the London Borough of is a location which does well to sum up David Longshaw and his designs. Since his graduation from the Royal College of Arts in 2007, David has gone from strength to strength, making footprints in many aspects of the creative world of design, from his own eponymous label to his own collection of illustrated books revolving round a fictional fashion mouse and editor-in-chief of Maudezine- ‘The future fashion bible.’
It is this publication which not only ensues his natural artistic talent, but which also inspires many of his designs. In-fact these fictitious characters have featured in many publications, such as Italian Vogue, and other novelty installations, including a huge collaboration with Matches.
His aptitude for creativity stemmed right from childhood, where, apart from a brief childhood fantasy of becoming a number one rugby player for England, or football player for City, he has always wanted to be a designer. He explained to me how he “always liked the idea of creating things from scratch” and he can remember drawing up numerous little designs from tops and t shirts to books and homeware. Secondary school further worked as a catalyst for his enthusiasm, where he became more interested in the technical work and ideas behind a creation. He took inspiration from prestigious figures like Galliano, Dior and Givenchy and paid homage to their own fashion journeys to help decipher which path he had to take to reach such a stage in his career. This led to his 14 year old self arriving on the doorstep of Central St Martins for an open day- where he knew than in just a few years time he would be walking up the same steps to start his qualifications there.
He showed me through his AW collection, as well as introducing me to Maude and the other characters of his book, then I began to find out what a vastly interesting and inspiring man he really was.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
Not so much myself, but I’ve always loved the idea of the design. I love seeing the entire process- from concept to seeing it in shops and all the nitty gritty bits inbetween. Although I am more interested in women’s fashion, Mens fashion is becoming more intrinsic. I once designed some mens scarves for Harrods and enjoyed the creativity I come inject to these. Eventually I would like to do more men’s wear.
In terms of fashion design, I have always like ho experimental and interesting it can be. It’s great how you can have design as your main thing but dabble in other things too. Such as theatre. I would just love to do that- it’s very creative.
Have you collaborated with anyone before?
I have collaborated with brands like nails inc- I designed a packaging for a special edition of their nail varnish (which you can buy in Debenhams and ASOS.) I also worked with Matches, designing their windows display for London Fashion Week. I have a few interested collaborations lined up for the future too so watch this space!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
In terms of my own collections, I get inspired from my own characters. For example, this season I had a book out at the same time as my London Fashion Week collection- they worked both together or alone, the collection and the book tying together. This Autumn and Winter I decided on a lot of bright colours. I do have some black pieces, but I thought I would like to offer something different.
Do you have a staple item of clothing?
I often wear high tops, often black jeans which are my main staple. And jackets too. When I’m designing and things I don’t want to wear something too intricate as I spend a lot of time kneeling on the floor creating my pieces and will just get them dirty!
Proudest Moment?
Different times in my life have presented different proud moments. For example getting into St Martins then when there, getting to royal college of art, the RCA, where I won quite a few competitions .
Having my own label was another extremely proud moment for me. I also love just seeing people wearing my designs when they are walking around on the streets, that will always be a proud moment. Having my books published was another, and seeing my pieces in Vogue and other fashion magazines is always exciting!
Tell us a bit about your books
I would describe them as fashionable children’s tales for grown ups. They are illustrated in a style which could be interpreted as childlike, but then I have characters such as foul mouth house mouse! They are really for anyone in fashion and who loves fashion. They poke fun at different things and are just enjoyable to read. ( You can get them on Amazon and some boutiques.) They are an accessible way to get what I do. As all my scarves etc. are printed and made in England, so these books are on the more affordable price range. The characters are really part of the collection- they even wear my garments and things too.
One piece of Style Advice
Wear what you want to wear and what you think suits you. Some people try too hard to wear a certain brand or style so they can say “oh im wearing [this brand]” as it’s a big brand people know or it’s in Vogue. It’s too easy for people to be sheep whereas people look more interesting if they wear what suits them and what they love.
Who would you most like to see wearing your designs?
It changes all the time! I think one pivotal moment was when Isabella Blow at Tatler called me in when I was at St Martins and she was wearing my designs. I just get excited when I see anyone wear my things- particularly in store events I see a wide range of people. My designs appeal to a wide age range and it’s more exciting seeing the general public wear my pieces as they are people who love it enough to buy it themselves as opposed to a celebrity who has borrowed it.
Have you had any fashion fails yourself?
Probably constantly! The thing with fashion, is that at the time you and everyone else thinks its great. Give it year or two and then you look back and think it’s horrid. give it a year or two and its cool again. I dont remember ever really thinking “Oh no, what is that.”- I did have a red velvet jacket phase but I dont really regret that one!
How long does it take to design pieces?
It varies. I can be indulgent and take my time, but if it’s needed, I can design a collection in a day as I’m used to it so much now. However it can take months from design to seeing the pieces in a shop. It is so rewarding seeing it at the end from just a drawing. It is one of those things where you cant quite believe it.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Whether five years or ninety, I always want to be creative and just expand on what I do. I would like to do more of the same but bigger and better! More interesting projects. Hopefully in five years, I will have designed more cushions, chairs and homeware. I would love a homeware collection.
You can read more about David Longshaw on his website here.
