‘Its a Lovelace Thing’ is a Pop up Fashion show in London which gives new and more experienced designers a platform for their work. I recently caught up with creator of the show Samantha Lovelace for an overview of this essential creative encouragement as well as chatting to each individual designer about their work and the inspiration behind their designs.
First Samantha can you tell me about your history in Fashion and what inspires you?
I come from a fashion background qualified in fashion clothing. I’m inspired by a mix of old and new, glamorous and timeless. Most of my inspirations come from culture.
Can you tell me about ‘It’s a Lovelace thing’ and how the company was created?
It’s A Lovelace Thing is an online platform for Emerging Fashion Designers, Creative individuals, Artists and Crafters. I wanted to build a hub where designers have their own boutiques to connect with buyers. As a designer myself I know first hand how costly it can be to create each collection and I felt many platforms were being devised with high prices for designers to showcase their collections. This is when I decided to launch ‘Its A Lovelace Thing’ The name is formulated from my surname Samantha Lovelace and my Husband Kevin Lovelace together we work as a team.
This show is a platform for emerging Brands and designers. Can you tell me something about the variety of designers you have here?
We have a variety of designers from Haute Couture Gowns, Bespoke Jewellery made from zips, Ascot Hats to leather masks and harnesses. All hand made.
Who are your fashion inspirations?
My fashion inspirations would be my mother who is very glamorous and speaks her mind no matter what a very strong female. Another personal inspiration would be my god mother who is the queen of vintage, she is eccentric and a fierce business women.
What do you have planned for the future?
Future plans is to continue what I’m doing, growing the business, mentoring designers and showcasing collections.
Terri Moir (Pretty Peculiar)
How do you feel about being a part of the show today?
It feels amazing and quite surreal to be a part of the Lovelace team and to be alongside Samantha and such amazing designers.
Samantha has gathered everyone together today she must be a big help and inspiration can you tell me about that and how you came to work with her?
I came to know Samantha because of a friend of mine models for her. Samantha had a masquerade coming up and my friend showed her my masks. She liked them and that’s how it all started. It was such a wonderful moment to have someone like Samantha believe in me and my designs this way. Without her taking me seriously I would not have started taking this as seriously and be a part of amazing shows and have cool interviews with people like yourself.
I am flattered! What are the main themes of ‘Pretty Peculiar’ as a brand?
My main themes are literally from the pretty to the peculiar. I have a hugely eclectic range, from skull masks and goth styles to whimsical flower-covered fairy styles
Is Venice a big influence on you?
Venice and history altogether has been a big influence on my designs. 17/18th century Venice would be one of my first stops in a time machine
Are the masks comfortable to wear?
I try and make all the masks as comfortable as possible because who wants something uncomfortable on their face. The harder papier-mâché masks are always fitted with a spongy nose rest as they are the only comfort complaint I’ve had so far.
Is there any inspiration here from Fifty shades of Grey?
I must be the only person that hasn’t read/seen ‘Fifty shades of Grey’ but I have had similar customers to the main character couple. Wink wink.
Your masks cross the boundaries between Fashion and Theatre who are your customers and do people buy the masks as pure artwork?
Because of this, I have such a diverse range of customers. One day I may plan a custom mask to match a dress with a masquerade ball attendee and the next I will be making a mean-looking skull mask for a festival attendee. My customers so diverse it’s hard to pinpoint. And yes, I have had a couple of photographers buy masks for the art of them after shoots. which I find the most flattering, to be honest.
How do people’s personalities transform when they wear a mask?
Transforming the way people feel in a mask is one of my favourite things about making them. This happens the most with custom orders, I think there’s something special about wearing a mask that’s so personal to you. I’ve been a part of turning a shy anxious girl into a confident Mrs Sassy and that feels amazing.
And finally what else do you have planned for Pretty Peculiar for the future?
The future for Pretty Peculiar is big, quite literally. I want to make the masks bigger and the designs bolder. This all started as crafting fun for me but I’ve become so obsessed with them that my knowledge on them and design ideas have grown immensely. I’m currently working on some big things for the next show!
Rochelle Melbourne (Forever Devine)
How do you feel about being a part of the show today?
I was very pleased and honoured to be a part of the show. The Organiser is absolutely amazing and shows so much support.
Samantha has gathered everyone together today she must be a big help and inspiration can you tell me about that and how you came to work with her?
Samantha is a such an amazing person so when I was asked to join the platform I did not hesitate at all. She truly is an inspiration and a gift sent to all of the designers on her brand.
With your label ‘Forever Devine’ you create stunning designs is there a strong 1920’s influence?
Thank you so much. For my AW 19/20 collection, I was inspired by the 1920s/30s era which I added my own twist to, this then brings the designs into the modern-day.
Who are your main design inspirations?
My inspiration is Christian Dior especially when John Galliano was the creative director. I loved how he mixed old vintage glamour and made it fresh young and edgy but still sophisticated and elegant.
Are you inspired by any movies and what movies could you visualise your designs appearing in?
For my latest collection, I did get inspired by The Great Gatsby film and I am currently being inspired by the 18th century with The Tudors, Elizabeth I which I m researching for my collection for 20/21.
Can you tell me about your experience during London Fashion Week?
My experience during London fashion week was unbelievable. Of course, I was nervous as I had only just graduated 6 months before but I so glad for the experience and it has taught me a lot more on why I want to achieve for the future.
What occasions are your designs suitable for?
My designs can be worn for evening parties, dinners, weddings and any formal gatherings. I do some ready to wear which I will be showing a lot more of next year.
Rochelle Melbourne (Pretty Golden children’s wear)
How do you go about creating couture for kids?
My daughter inspired me to create the kid’s line which is also named after her name meaning in French. She wanted to model for my adult’s line but she is still too young, So I decided I would start the kids so she could be apart, she also helps with the designs and fabrics.
How do the children respond to wearing the couture?
From what I’ve heard they enjoy wearing the line and are always smiling or spinning around in the garments like little princesses which is also a joy to see.
Are children more discerning customers than adults?
The children customers definitely know what they are looking for and are more willing to go a little crazier in designs but at the same time they understand if something has to be pulled back to create the right look.
Do most kids already have their personalities fully formed and know what they want?
Children today are very much more open and aware of their personalities and it is a joy to work with them through the process. You do have some shy children but as they see everything coming together their confidence comes out.
What kind of fabrics do you use in your designs for kids and are there any special requirements?
With the children’s designs I use softer such as chiffon’s, soft tulles, silk and satins. With the younger children, I do have to make sure that any fastenings are safe and not so many embellishments are added for health and safety reasons.
What is the ration of choice between children and their parents? who gets the final say on the design?
I would say with clients that I have had with the children’s wear that the child has been the one to make the final decision. If any adjustments are needed then the parents would then say.
Lastly, what are your plans for both labels for the future?
My plans for both brands is to eventually become an established British label with hopefully my own fashion house. Next year will be one of my biggest collection as I am bringing both brands together which I’ll be shooting in France. I always like to push what I do and come up with new ways to target the public with being more adventurous and creative with each collection.
Naomi Danilewicz (Rose Corps)
How do you feel about being a part of the show today?
It’s an amazing feeling to meet other designers, we’ve got so much in common and at the same time, there is so much to discover. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such positive people.
Samantha has gathered everyone together today she must be a big help and inspiration can you tell me about how you came to work with her?
We’ve met on Facebook what feels like ages ago
Rose Corps is unique in that each piece is designed created and photographed by one person. Can you tell me about that?
It’s the couture that got me so inspired in the first place. I was admiring all traditional embroidery techniques and luxurious fabrics, but they seemed too excluded from everyday life. That’s why I decided those embellishments and hand-finished ornaments belong on the streets – in casual, edgy and modern style. That’s how Rose Corps was born, this fusion of two aesthetics created our signature pieces.
Who are your favourite designers and greatest inspirations?
There’s one designer I will always admire and fell for every season and that’s Delpozo. I’m always in love with their vision and purity of their designs, it radiates beautiful energy.
Can you tell me about the individuals that have designed for you? and the differences in the designs?
Rose Corps has and always will have only one fashion designer, however, we’re working with several pattern designers and illustrators on fascinating new pieces, you’ll be able to see our collaborative projects coming out next year and I believe they all are so very unique in their form. I love that about working with other visual artists, we get to brainstorm and indulge in absolute creative madness.
How would you describe your typical customer?
Rose Corps’ customer is a person who doesn’t take fashion too seriously, our clients are true individuals and our products allow them to stand out without losing what makes them unique. Women who shop with me radiate confidence, their strength is so inspiring. In the age of fast fashion, I believe there needs to be space for products with personality and story to tell, so I always believed in the power of things handmade. I used to be very anxious about my work, that’s why I mastered so many different disciplines – to be able to exclude what’s unfamiliar from the process. Things changed a lot since the beginning of Rose Corps, but I still do most of the things myself – I own it now. :)
