Showing tomorrow Sara Shimasue

Sara Shimasue

Sara Shimasue is a Swedish born designer set to wow spectators on Fashion Week this September with her beautiful and unique designs from her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Raised by a Japanese father and Swedish mother in Stockholm, it was only upon moving to London that she realised her true calling as a fashion designer, leading her to study at London College of Fashion where she received a First Class Honours degree.

Following her graduation, Sara has been nominated as ‘The Next Big Thing’ in a competition launched by Westfield Studio East. Alongside this she has worked with designers such as Mini Market, Jens Laugensen and Fashion Fringe winner Eun Jeong. Sara has also realised her dream and launched her own women’s wear label which creates distinctive, well-made and strong yet feminine designs which have an overall goal of creating a mood as opposed to simply interpreting direct influences.

I caught up with Sara Shimasue at the Fashion Mavericks event prior to the showcase of her Spring/Summer Collection. With a fascinating story of events that led this designer to enter into the world of fashion; it is evident that Sara has a raw talent and passion combined with a subtle edginess that sets her apart from other designers.

Can you tell me a little bit about what you will be showcasing on Fashion Week and the inspiration behind it?

I will be showing my Spring/Summer 2011 collection. This collection is inspired by the idea of spending time in a foreign country during the summer in the countryside, where everything is unfamiliar. It focuses on the idea of time passing and how this makes things beautiful, in particular looking towards inspirations from moths and rust.

How did you decide to become a fashion designer?

It was actually quite a long process. My father was an artist and throughout my upbringing I watched him struggle to get by. Therefore, despite the fact that I was also a very artistic person I thought perhaps it was not the right path for me as I wanted to make money. I had various jobs over the years working in shops and in television; however I felt that there was always something missing.  I have always sewn and drawn throughout my life and I have always loved fashion, so it seemed as though everything just fell into place. I realised that I have a real talent and eye for fashion design.

What do you think sets you apart from other designers?

I’d say that I don’t really follow trends as such. I like to create my own stories and concepts and I really experiment a lot. I feel I have very unique ideas that really make me stand out.

Why did you decide to collaborate with Sally-Ann Provan for the showcase of your collection?

Sally and I were both showing at the Fashion Mavericks event last season and we both instantly liked each other’s work. We use very similar techniques and colours, therefore we thought that if we worked together we would really complement each other and it would be a good show.

Describe the type of person who would wear your clothes

She would be strong and confident. She would like a slight edginess; however she would admire the wear-ability of my designs as they are not too over the top.

After showcasing with Fashion Mavericks during Fashion Week in February, why did you decide to return again this September?

The location is great! Alongside this, the fact that Sally and I had wanted to do something together. Thus, the Fashion Mavericks event seemed the perfect place to do this.

What are your future plans for your label?

I would really like to expand my line and get more stock. I would like to have more unisex pieces and eventually have a menswear line.  In future I would like to do a diffusion line, and eventually open a flag ship store.

I find this designer with utterly captivating sense of quirkiness, raw talent and passion which coincides with her outstandingly beautiful garments. Therefore comes as no surprise that her collection was incredibly well received at the Fashion Mavericks event this September.