This week I caught up with the designers to see what they’re looking forward to this Spring/Summer.
Pip Jenkins, our womenswear designer.
Me: Hi Pip
Pip: Hey!
Me: So, tell me, where did you take your inspiration from for the Spring/Summer 2013 season?
Pip: My inspiration came from a number of places, from boating in Venice to travelling in the 50’s. Around this time period, the journey was as important as reaching the destination. I looked to the movie ‘My week with Marilyn’ and this transpired in the collection to cinched in waists, cropped body shapes and deep ribs to create a more fitted shape on the figure.
Me: What is your favourite piece from the new Spring/Summer ‘13 collection?
Pip: I love Alisa, a cotton sweater featuring a graduated stripe and I really like ‘Bella’ it’s a great throw on cardigan and a brill way to add a block of colour to your outfit.
Me: What is your favourite item of clothing you have in your wardrobe at the minute?
Pip: My green jeans, they’re high waisted and look great dressed up or casual with my converse.
Me: You have a forthcoming trip to Japan, what are you most looking forward to?
Pip: It’s going to be a very busy trip but we’re staying close to Osaka which is a beautiful place. I’m definitely going to spend a weekend in Tokyo to get some shopping in!
Me: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Pip: A scarf – the perfect accessory.
Me: What is your one piece of style advice?
Pip: Get a blunt cut….and always try and wear one piece of colour.
Gemma, is our menswear designer and has worked at John Smedley for 8 years. A playful Gemma talks us through what is hot and what is not this season.
Gemma Jackson, menswear designer.
Me: Hi Gemma
Gemma: Hello
Me: Where did you take your inspiration from at the start of the season?
Gemma: I was influenced by Ivy League styling for a preppy look and a nautical theme lead to a variety of stripes. We are known for our stripes so I worked to make a range of stripes to suit everyone.
Me: What is your favourite sweater from the SS13 menswear range?
Gemma: I’d have to say, Wesley. It’s a really playful stripe and I think its the perfect choice to inject some colour in to your wardrobe.
Me: What’s your favourite item of clothing?
Gemma: I love a good cardi. When you work in a 229 year old factory you have to be able to acclimatise, one room might be 1000 degrees and the next, freezing cold!
Me: What can’t you live without?
Gemma: Lip balm at the minute! I had loads for Christmas and instead of saving them up, I have about 10 open now. Today it’s raspberry crush, yum!
Me: Are you going to any gigs this summer?
Gemma: I’m going to see Skunk Anansie at Rock City in a few weeks time. I’ve seen them live before and they rocked, takes me back to my youth!
Thanks to Pip and Gemma for taking the time to chat with me.
* Please note the styles mentioned in this interview will launch shortly on the John Smedley website and at our Flagship store, 24 Brook Street, London W1K 5DG.
