T d l M :: What do you enjoy most about being a designer?

Agnese :: I love the whole process of creating a collection. It begins with personal research, creating an idea and a mood. After that I make drawings, create the silhouettes I want and in the end, after the sewing of the actual garments, I have transformed my idea into two-dimensional drawings and then into actual clothes, a three-dimensional concept. I decided to become a designer because I wanted to express myself and experiment with new shapes, techniques and fabrics.

T d l M :: How did you become a part of the T d l M ‘Nonpareil’ team?

Agnese :: I study fashion design at IUAV, which is a school in Venice. One of my teachers is English and studied at Central Saint Martin’s here in London. She had this contact and arranged an interview with Chris for me. I started in September and when we are done with Nonpareil I will return to Italy.

T d l M :: What did you bring to Nonpareil?

Agnese :: Chris makes all the designs, he knows what he wants. I follow him and his ideas, but sometimes when there are problems or difficulties, I suggest practical changes. I tailor some of the garments and also helped create the window display for Wolf&Badger in Notting Hill.

T d l M :: What did you gain from the Nonpareil experience?

Agnese :: I learned everything about the production process of a real collection. Everything has to be done in time, there are deadlines, because you work with suppliers and customers. Also, everything around the collection, the creation of a look-book and the shoot of the film were new for me. I learned new sewing techniques, learned how to change and fit garments and a lot about pattern cutting. It is really good to work here, because I work with the designer himself. It’s not like a factory or a big label, where you basically don’t know the designer. I can talk to Chris and he shares his creativity with me.