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Auria x Margaret Bowman swimwear
Because: What's your background and how did you get into design?
DAH: I grew up in Ashford and moved to London 5 years ago. I went to Central St Martins for a 1 year Foundation Degree in Art and Design. After that I went to London College of Fashion and studied BA(hons) Fashion Contour. Fashion Contour was a brand new course to LCF the year i joined, so my class were kind of the guinea pigs. It is a degree that focuses on all things that essentially 'contour' the body. So lingerie, under wear, shape wear, swimwear and also lounge/nightwear. I also did a year out in industry where I worked for brands such as Fleet Ilya, and moved to New York for 4 months and worked for a luxury lingerie company called Kiki de Montparnasse.
Textiles and art were my favourite subjects at school. I remember when I was 15 we got the chance to do 2 weeks work experience. I ended up getting a placement at Zandra Rhodes in London. Getting this expeirence at quite a young age was really exciting and inspiring, especially working 1 on 1 with a fashion legend. I will always respect Zandra Rhodes for giving young kids these amazing opportunities.
How did this collaboration happen?
Margot was actually my house mate a couple of years ago. She was studiying graphics design at Central St Martins at the time. When we lived together she started doing these really cool, crazy and colourful illustrations that she is known for now. Because I wanted to do something with colour, I thought there couldn't be any better way than to collaborate with Margot! The swimwear is actually made from 100% recycled polyamide. we both share the same passion for creating something that is ethical in some respect, especially Margot as she is the creative director of the BFC Esthetica magazine.
What are you doing next?
I am concentrating on starting up my own clothing line. My graduate collection won the 'Fashion Innovation' award at the London College of fashion graduate show and I am developing this collection and expanding the range. It will be available for SS13.
