Text by Kat George
Fflur Owen’s graduate collection is like lighting out for the territory- a mix of native spiritualism and natural grace. Laser cut leathers, leather fringing, over sized accessories and buffalo motif conjure up images of an American Indian landscape where the spirits of ancient animals roam freely. Owen talks toKat George about her mystic, textural homeland in Wales, her inner cowgirl and creating crazy headpieces for her Barbies…
How old are you?
Fflur Owen: 22
How long have you been designing?
Fflur Owen: Ever since I was a tiny little thing, I've always been crazy about designing. I always keep books in my bag incase I have a brainwave! When I was young, I use to design everything from crazy headpieces for my Barbies, to tree houses that I managed to persuade my father to build back at home in Wales.
Where are you based?
Fflur Owen: Right now I'm based in Chiswick.
How would you describe your own style?
Fflur Owen: My style depends on my mood, but I must admit that I'm a real cowgirl at heart. I LOVE cowboy boots!
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Fflur Owen: Hm. that's a hard one; there are so many amazing designers out there. I'd love to collaborate with Manish Arora. I adore the way he embellishes everything! He creates really interesting silhouettes.
Who do you have in mind when you design?
Fflur Owen: Well, I wouldn't say that I have a specific woman in mind when I'm designing, but I would love to see Kasia Struss wearing some of my designs, I think she is so beautiful.
What inspires you at the moment?
Fflur Owen: Everything and anything! I take inspiration from things that I come across every day, everything from buildings to bugs! I love traveling too; the most amazing place I have visited is Mexico. It was just amazing; I was fascinated to see the creativeness of the local people. They managed to create beauty out of rubbish- creating jewellery out of old tin cans and things like that. All though I love discovering different cultures I must admit, when I really need to get a special kind of inspiration boots, I tend to head towards the hills, and go home, to the countryside in Wales. I find the textures of the land so inspiring; you will often find me trying to recreate different finishes to the fabrics in my designs to portray different terrains.
Who are your favorite designers and why?
Fflur Owen: I have so many favorite designers; I love them all for their very different styles and qualities. I am a big fan of Manish as I mentioned before, he appeals to the inner child in me. His use of bright colors and themes always stand out and makes me grin. I adore Vivienne Westwood, and I would also love to get the opportunity to work with her. I'm also a fan of Bill Gibb. I love theatrical costumes, and really big showpieces with glamorous headpieces; the work of Jean Paul Gaultier is always very inspiring.
Were you interested in fashion while growing up?
Fflur Owen: I have always wanted to do something on the creative side. On the way to finding where my true passion was, I experimented with numerous different materials, I dabbled in creating jewellery, accessories, shoes, and even a bit of pottery. I think that is why I am always combining different fabrics together within my fashion designs.
What are the difficulties faced being a designer today?
Fflur Owen: Having enough time to create all my visions. And also making sure that the right people see your designs. I must also admit living in London is expensive, and finding the finances to create my pieces is some times quite tricky!
If you weren't designing, what would you be doing?
Fflur Owen: I really don't know; I was born to do this. I live to create.
What are your plans for the future?
Fflur Owen: I'm just going to carry on doing what I do best, creating and designing. I would also love to get more experience working with high-end designer. I was very lucky to work for Alexander McQueen in London and Paris recently, I learnt so much there, and I would love to get some more experiences like that. It was such a buzz working in that kind of demanding environment.
But in the long term, I would love to have my own label, creating show-stopping pieces.
Can we buy your collection?
Fflur Owen: Yep, just give me a call! I can even create bespoke pieces.
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