Birmingham’s award winning designer Stephen Arthur, is the Creative director of his own Women’s apparel. As well as winning ITV’s national TV fashion competition in 2012, Stephen has showcased collections at London and Sweden Fashion Week and the Mobo Awards.
Aged 22, Arthur has successfully secured a John Lewis Partnership to have his ‘Perfect Party Dress’ sold online and in stores across England. Now the Central Saint Martin student has established a global brand with designs even worn by celebs on the red carpet.
Describe the general process you go through to conceptualise and design a garment.
I first generate all my ideas, chosen materials and inspirations on to my mood wall. Then I sketch my ideas into actual designs and reflect them on materials that I have chosen for my collection.
When did you realise your desire to become involved in the fashion industry?
I realised it when I stared at my design, which was featured in the John Lewis, Oxford store in London.
What elements do you believe make your designs unique?
The styles of patterns and array of materials I use, you won’t see designs I create in most retail stores.
Photographer: Kelvin Krash
How would you define the Stephen Arthur style?
Signatory, classy, timeless, and empowering.
”you won’t see designs I create in most retail stores.”
Who are some of your favourite brands / designers and why?
Alexander Vauthier is one of my favourite designers. His designs are amazing, they are very red carpet and incredibly eye-catching. Another designer that I admire is Tom Ford, because of how he presents himself as well as his brands image. He has really perfected the art of exclusivity through his label as well as accessibility and this is something that I aim to achieve.
From personal experience, where are the best places to gain fashion / design skill, knowledge and understanding?
By travelling to different countries and learning about different cultures, this opens your mind to do more creative and collaborative things. Certain people around me heavily influence the collections I create as well.
What advice do you have for aspiring designers?
Gain as much experience as possible within an established fashion environment and do a course in business management. This could help you fully understand the business side of working within fashion, which is totally different from the creative side.
For more information on Stephen Arthur:
Website: www.stephenarthur.net
Twitter: @stephenarthuruk
Facebook: stephenarthurIntl
