Scottish fashion designer Jonathan Saunders is arguably the most influential new designer of the moment thanks to his legendary designs which fuse together hand-drawn prints and vivid colour. In the lead up to his highly anticipated London Fashion Week show, Jonathan put down his sketching pens to talk to us about his unique world.
Where do you find your inspiration?
The process is different every time. I tend to start with an idea about which colours are relevant and then research art. I have a few favourite bookstores that I love to go to. But then it may be someone that I meet while travelling that sparks off an idea for a character.
How much of your success do you credit to the colleges you studied at?
Glasgow School of Art was fantastic due to the crossfertilisation between art and design; Saint Martins was very different. With an iron rod, director of MA fashion Louise Wilson, made me identify with who I am as a designer. After all, it’s our points of difference as designers that make us relevant.
How close are you to other London designers?
What is unique about London is the closeness between us. We’re all confident in our own identity which minimises a competitive feeling between us. Also because we all started from nothing there’s a certain camaraderie between us. We probably see each other every week.
Where do you see your career going next?
I learn something new every season which helps with the focus of a collection and the identification of my customer. Developing the other lines, such as menswear and accessories, is on the top of our agenda.
Jonathan Saunders’ London Fashion Week show is at 7pm on Saturday, 17 September. Log-on to stylist.co.uk and follow @StylistMagazine for live LFW updates.
Picture credits: Rex Features
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