Q&A with Liverpool John Moores graduating student Charlotte Conning

We asked Liverpool John Moores Fashion Communication students to speak to their peers in Fashion Design ahead of their upcoming fashion show. Here Charly Calvey and Jennie Blake speak with Charlotte Conning to find out more about her work

Feature by Charly Calvey and Jennie Blake | 01 May 2014

Name: Charlotte Conning
Age: 21
University: Liverpool John Moores
Contact: charlotteconning@hotmail.co.uk

Collection Title: Entangled by Darkness; Lifted by Light

The Skinny: Where are you from?

Charlotte Conning: Liverpool

What made you want to study fashion?

From school I had a strong interest in fashion, and was continually looking into designers’ collections. I think I became particularly interested after studying textiles.

Are there any particular designers you admire?

My favourite is Giambattista Valli and his unique attention to detail. I admire the way he uses feminine designs in a subtle way. I hoped to achieve this quality in my own collection.

Where do you find inspiration?

The everyday. I mostly find inspiration in nature and in particular the beauty of flowers.

What was your main inspiration for this collection?

I researched into the contrasting atmospheres of light and dark. I used light fabrics and floral shapes to express a feminine mood, and used the silhouettes of wintery trees to suggest the darker, more mysterious side of nature.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

I can’t remember anything in particular but over the years I have learnt to always stay true to my own personal style, and stay true to who I want to be as a designer. That has become my rule whenever I’m designing.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I would like to run my own label, in womenswear as well as possibly childrenswear, which I researched for my diffusion collection.

What has been your main highlight of this year?

Seeing my collection and my own personal style develop. The year has made me far more confident and I have begun to recognise my personal strengths and the designer I want to be.

Do you have other interests outside fashion?

I enjoy living in the creative city of Liverpool and always visit new exhibitions at the galleries we have here.

How would you describe your personal style?

I have a very specific taste so I just buy things I like as I see them and try to put them together in creative ways. I have quite a feminine style, which is also referenced in my designs.

Liverpool School of Art and Design Degree Show, private view (all welcome) Thu 29 May, 5pm-late, with the Fashion Catwalk Show commencing 8.30pm, by advance booking: phone 0151 904 1216 or email lsad@ljmu.ac.uk

Exhibition opens to the public 30 May–13 Jun, 10am-6pm, 12pm-6pm weekends

Held at the John Lennon Art and Design Building, Duckinfield Street, Liverpool

Charlotte Conning: @Charlottec_1993