Clean, white, layered looks tumbled down Westminster’s graduate show catwalk last season, designed by Catherine Bell, the steezey seamstress fronting stark style.
A straight up converse and leggings kind of girl, womenswear designer Catherine Bell likes to keep her look simple and her lipstick bright. A dreamy seamstress with a vivd imagination, Catherine’s graduate collection took audiences on a polar ice white ride via her imagined crystal ball. Blankets, mirrors, wools and exquisite embroidery work knitted together an ice cool collection, themed by a clashing techno runway soundtrack. Experimental yet classic, Catherine’s collection was inspired by nature and communicated a serenity that resonates directly from her. Here she tells i-D
What are you wearing right now? I’m in my bright acid yellow mohair jumper, that’s malting everywhere, and some Levi’s high waisted jeans. I feel like a fluorescent cat.
What has been your best outfit ever? At the last Secret Garden Party I wore a 20s long white silk dress with beautiful white work and embroidery on the front, paired with a Lu Flux hat I got while interning at the label.
What kind of woman do you design for? For the woman that exudes femininity, someone you’d look twice at if you walked past them in the street.
Tell us more about the textiles used in the collection? Touch and texture was a big influence on my collection, I wanted to entwine the dresses with ice like free hand embroidery and pleating, to give the impression of frost. In contrast the coats were made from blanket-like wools, covered with beading, swarovski crystals, bits of mirror and embroidery. All of the work you see on the dresses and coats is hand embellished, I’m pretty sure I can embroider and bead with my eyes closed!
How do you feel when you get ready for the day ahead? Like I haven’t had enough sleep. I’m not a tea or coffee drinker so maybe that’s something to do with it.
What have you been working on for the past six months? Bits and bobs, researching, finding new loves, growing my hair and working with stylists on shoots with my collection.
What was the last book you read, text you sent and tune you played on your iPod? Book: The Great Gatsby, awaiting the film! Text: ‘I’m home you lemonhead’ to my best friend Jess and track: Clash by Caravan Palace.
What three things could you not live without? Sleeping, CURRY and my cat, Sooty.
Text: Milly McMahon
Styling: Kalina Pulit
Hair & MUA: Aga Dobosz
Film Director: Charlie Sarsfield
Photography: Anomalous Visuals
Music: Bonobo – Silver
Styling Assistance: Yarden Lawson
Studio Assistance: Harrison Brooker
With thanks to: V&A Alex, V&A James, LCF Nathan, Storm
Models: Ava Roeg, Elite, Carola Wisny, Storm
