In 2010, Milton Keynes born fashion designer Victoria Bramwell, became the owner of her ‘self-titled’ fashion label. Her first collection ‘Wonderland’ showcased at the Midlands Young Designer Awards, winning the ‘Haute Couture Category’ and overall ‘MYDA 2010 title’ to then featuring main stage at the Clothes Show Live, Birmingham.
In 2011, VB launched her online shop and in 2012 her designs showcased on the ‘Alternative Fashion Week’ and Sky Living’s ‘Styled To Rock’ competition series. Now based in Santa Monica, California Bramwell is collaborating with LA artists.
Your fashion journey all stemmed from a vintage Disney China Bambi moneybox, why is this symbol so significant to your creativity?
The China Bambi is my creative symbol for where it all began. A vintage Disney china Bambi moneybox would sit on a dresser in my Grandmothers guest room. Every holiday she would save money in the moneybox for my sister and I to use on creative purchases. We would sit for hours sewing, painting, drawing, creating what ever we could think of. Ultimately this sums me up as a person – creative, family orientated, Disney cartoon obsessed and hugely sentimental!
We absolutely adore your Wonderland Collection! What influences idea’s for your unique prints and quirky designs?
I don’t follow trends, I love being inspired by every day things and unique subjects I see. For Wonderland I was inspired by the original illustrations of the Books Alice in Wonderland and Through the looking glass. I used the Disney interpretation as my colour and print inspirations. I screen shot the film and extracted the exact colours from the Cheshire cat and tweedle dum and dee.
You say VB Fashion prides itself on ‘appealing to people who want to stand out in the crowd’. Why is the concept of individuality so important to the brand?
I feel the high street is too samey, I often found myself wanting certain garments or unique special garments for events which I couldn’t buy. Or they would be hugely expensive and custom made. So I decided to offer this in my own brand, unique clothing for all to feel special and be able to afford unique pieces. Everyone deserves to be different and have their own style, I cater to those who want that style and individuality, not to be told what to wear.
Your creative skills have taken you from Norfolk, UK all the way to Santa Monica, California – How does it feel to now be collaborating and gaining experience alongside LA designers?
It has been an amazing experience, I found London hard to crack and to get anywhere you need the contacts and money to pursue free internships to get you places. I couldn’t do this hence setting up my own brand.
I set upon LA, which is full of creative opportunities and many friendly people who are willing to help you on your journey. I am gaining an amazing experience, meeting friends for life and having lots of fun. It is a place for talent not solely experience.
“I found London hard to crack and to get anywhere you need the contacts and money to pursue free internships to get you places.”
How would you describe the process of running your own online fashion store?
It was hard to get up and running, I set it up while working a full tie job in London, so I was constantly working through evenings and weekends. Now I have it all running its great! I love having my own site of creativity and adore VB Fans who send me their photos wearing my garments. I hand make every piece so its really special seeing the individual wear them. Its not as hard as people think having your own online store, it’s the stock and marketing which can be timely.
VB thrives on producing timeless limited edition garments opposed to disposable fashion, is quality an element that will always override quantity in your brand?
Yes, I will always stand by the quality over quantity. I set up my brand so people could feel special and purchase items they know are at the highest quality and will feel unique and special in them. They know they wont go to an event and be seen wearing the same outfit as someone else and possibly even the same trends as everyone else, it makes them unique and stand out.
One of your aims is offer a unique fashion experience to consumers; in one word describe this experience?
Wonderful
What advice can you give to a ‘Skool Girl’?
Always be yourself and don’t let anyone put you down. Follow your dreams and be strong. Life can be hard but if its hard and challenging you know your on the right path. Be unique and be individual, be yourself!
Get in touch with Victoria
Website: www.victoriabramwell.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VictoriaBramwell
Twitter: VB_Designer
Instagram: victoriabramwellfashion
