Designer profile - Cait

Here's a profile of English designer based in Scotland, Cait.

What were your earliest fashion influences?

When I was younger - between the ages of seven and twelve - I always used to go to a family friends house on a Saturday morning while Dad was at the gym. She loves to shop so we would often head down to the local shopping centre and have a rummage through the sales. As I grew up I would go off with my friends at the weekend and spend my pocket money on clothes and accessories. 

Which designers inspire and continue to motivate you?

While I have a general style that I go by - the designers from which I seek inspiration range from Tommy Hilfiger to Zuhair Murad. I love the tomboy style of Tommy - the baggy jeans and oversized sweatshirts really fit well with my personal style. The consistent use of two solid colours in his collections makes the clothes instantly recognisable - and of course the heavy use of branding. While not everything appeals to me - his vintage stuff is iconic. At the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Zuhair Murad with his intricate detail and use of soft, fine fabrics. I particularly adore the use of floral appliqué on neutral coloured fabric. The effect is so unique and just makes the whole dress look beautifully elegant. 

How did you get into designing?

I’ve always enjoyed buying clothes and styling myself but I had never considered making my own. That was until my Advanced Higher Art project came around. We had a choice of subject areas to explore, one of which was Textiles. I decided to go for it as I was so intrigued to learn how you make your own clothes. My aunt had some previous experience in making clothes so she taught me the basics and I went onto study Fashion Design and Manufacture at college.

Who inspired your personal style?

I wouldn’t say there is one person in particular. I follow a lot of accounts on Instagram that inspire me, for example Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Sarah Snyder and Alice Catherine. Asos Marketplace as well, their Instagram features a huge variety of designers and boutiques. A lot of their stuff is vintage so they’re quite unique pieces which I also love.

Did you consider other jobs in the fashion industry?

I have a real interest in photography. Whilst on a recent holiday to Kenya I fell in love with photography all over again. Our rep said to me “you love photography but you just don’t take it seriously” and that will stick with me because he was so right. I would love to explore it more and see where it could take me.

What was your route to develop your career so far?

During my time at college, I featured in Jacki Clark’s Checkmate fashion show as both a model and a designer which I really enjoyed. I also organised and featured in (as a designer) a fashion show at the end of college which was a perfect end to a brilliantly insightful two years. I completed my HND in June 2016 and have since been working in fashion retail but continuously find myself wanting more and hope to leave soon.

What are your plans for the future?

Ultimately, my goal is to have my own clothing line. I have designed a collection which I’m very excited about - however I need to continue to work on it to make it the best it can be. Once I’ve made the clothes in the collection I hope to either model or photograph them and then get word out about it and see what happens from there. I would love to showcase my clothes at London Fashion Week one day. It’s a huge goal and at the moment seems very far away, nevertheless I’m a firm believer in you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.

What's the most important advice you can give to emerging designers?

Don’t listen to people who try to change you. No one knows your style more than you so if you like it, stick with it! Fashion is a form of art and art is very subjective, if someone doesn’t like your particular style it doesn’t mean it’s bad or wrong. Be honest with yourself and you won’t have any regrets. 

Follow Cait on Instagram.