Interview with knitwear designer Lisa Maria
Posted in: Interviews | 26 March 2010
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Cliche but true, from a young age I had wanted to be a fashion designer - that or a film star! My first exposure to fashion was a 12 month foundation course at Ravensbourne College (a college renowned for fashion). It scared the living daylights out of me and I decided I wanted to study textiles instead. It was a safer option and I got to indulge with yarn and material. It was fun!
I embarked on a degree in Textiles and ended up specialising in knitting. Little did I know that I would become a knit wit! My final show was a play with knitted ladders, printed rubber and cut outs. Funnily enough it ended up being very fashion-based and my tutor suggested that I apply to do a Masters in Fashion Knitwear at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London.
I applied and was accepted. It was the most difficult thing I have ever undertaken but to this day I am proud of my final show. Looking back, it was a good path to take, as I became knowledgeable in knitting and different knitting techniques before I then applied that knowledge to fashion.
Why knitwear?My Nan was a great knitter and brilliant at crochet. It just seemed right. I love the way something such as the yarn you choose, to the gauge and size of the needles you use, can transform a garment! I also love the fact that you can create something amazing from nothing!
Where did you work before Sussan?While I was in my last year at Central St Martins, I started working with a designer called Sophia Kokaslaki who now shows in Paris but at the time was starting up her own label and showing in London. I ended up working with her for 3 years. I worked closely with Sophia, creating and designing knitwear, crochet and macrame garments to complement her collection. It was my most creative time.
After 3 years and various other projects for different designers, I decided I wanted to try something new. I decided it would be a great challenge to design and create fashionable knitwear that the masses could enjoy instead of pieces that were selling in Harrods for $600 and only a few people could afford to enjoy.
My first job in the High St was for a big department store called Debenhams. I decided I was much more suited to this industry and really enjoyed it. Debenhams was good as I worked on the labels Designers at Debenhams with designers such as Mathew Williamson and Julien McDonald. I also did some consultancy work for Top Shop. My last job before moving to Australia was working for a brand owned by Arcadia called Wallis.
Why Sussan?When I first arrived in Australia I originally wanted to live and work in Sydney but after seeing the job advertised on the Sussan website, I knew that I would be a good fit!
Sussan is a great company to work for and as a brand it is moving in great directions! As a brand we cover all of our customers' needs, from fashion to lifestyle. This means, in terms of knitwear, that I get to work on a variety of styles and shapes, from pretty cardis to wool zip hoodies. It's my job, with my partner in crime Annabel, to develop new yarns, analyse the catwalks, travel to Europe and research new trends and then bring all that info together to create the best knitwear collection I can that is modern, fashionable and still affordable. Who wouldn't love that!!
What are your greatest achievements?I would have to say Kate Moss in Vogue and Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City wearing one of my designs.
Also, walking Machu Pichu in Peru and climbing a Volcano in Chile. Before my trip to South America I refused to walk anywhere! Typical Londoner!
The Missoni collection this year was one of the strongest and most influential of the AW catwalks. As a result it is all about cocooning and layering knits. Wear a knitted pullover over your skinny jeans, with a gorgeous textured knitted coat, layered with a snood and an extra long scarf. Knitted tunics are also key this season and anything with a zip.