This week I was doing some research and looking through an issue of FAKE Magazine from a few months ago and I stumbled across a piece on the emerging designer Sebastian Bird. His last collection for A/W 2011 was based on the idea of Phi and it’s influence on design. “The Golden Ratio is a formula defining ‘perfection’ in proportions throughout nature.” Sebastian focusses on accurate proportions in his designs and is influenced by minimalist work. His work was shown at last years Graduate Fashion Week and since has had much success working in the industry. I caught up with Sebastian and asked him a few questions to see how he has progressed since Graduate Fashion Week.
Katie: What is your design background?
Sebastian: I graduated from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in 2011 after studying Fashion Design for 3 years. Since graduating and moving to London I have done a few placements and internships at Markus Lupfer, Gareth Pugh and currently I am working with Lou Dalton.
Katie: Do you have a design philosophy?
Sebastian: Design-wise I am very interested in the human psyche and self-perception, how clothes have an effect on the wearer. Other factors that always influence my work are minimalist lines (something that fascinates me), reductionism and structure. Intelligent pattern cutting really impresses me. I want my clothes to bring a form of presence to the wearer, a kind of enigmatic strength.
Katie: What success have you had following on from Graduate Fashion Week?
Sebastian: Since GFW I have had a large amount of interest for my pieces to be used in photo shoots. Immediately after GFW I was offered a place from the London College of Fashion to study MA Womenswear there. Since graduating, I have been employed by DAKS as a freelance womenswear assistant designer. It has been a fascinating and exciting experience to see some of my designed realised into products that will be featured in forthcoming collections for DAKS in A/W 12. I also went to Paris to help backstage at Gareth Pugh’s show which was really interesting seeing the functionality for the final show.
Katie: How would you like to see your work develop?
Sebastian: I’d like to gain a stronger understanding of tailoring and master pattern cutting better. The more knowledge you have about a skill, the more you can accurately be inaccurate with it. I want to work on manipulation of form and structure with my focus always remaining on quality. I want to keep the beauty and simplicity of minimalism in my design.
Katie: What does 2012 hold for Sebastian Bird?
Sebastian: My application is currently being processed to study for an MA at the RCA, I’m interested in taking short courses to constantly push the boundaries of my work and ability whilst continuing within the industry hopefully as a design assistant.
Sebastians A/W 2011 collection “Phi” at Graduate Fashion Week
You can see more of Sebastians work on his website www.sebastianbird.com.
