Chelsea-based designer Emilia Wickstead is clearly one to watch. Only two years after starting her own label, the young New Zealand-born designer has already become our First Lady’s favourite (who, incidentally made her debut on Vanity Fair’s international best-dressed list this year). Here the high-flying designer talks to us about her new collection, her plans to expand and who the Emilia Wickstead woman is.

1) What kind of woman do you have in mind when designing clothes?

I always have my clientele in mind : elegant, timeless and chic. A woman with sophistication at the same time as looking effortlessly sexy.

2) What is your design philosophy?

I wouldn’t say I have a definite philosophy. I just love to create confidence. To see someone put on a dress and transform is an amazing feeling, with pieces that can carry you from day through to night and from year through to year.

3) How would you describe your Autumn/Winter 2010 collection?

The emphasis is on hourglass silhouettes alongside immaculate tailoring – all pieces are timeless and effortlessly chic.

4) What were your inspirations for this collection?

New York City in the 1950’s : again a classic and timeless era with understated beauty and glamour. Smokey Jazz Clubs complimenting its guests in soft yet heavy silks, voluminous organza, luxurious cashmeres and wool.

5) How does one get ahold of an Emilia Wickstead creation? Tell us about the way you work with your clients…

The Atelier on the corner of Cadogan Place and Pont Street (SW3) carries Ready-to-Wear and Made-to-Measure collections. Ready-to-Wear pieces are available to purchase on the shop floor in contrast to the ground floor, which is where all Made-to-Measure appointments and client fittings take place. A client’s personal choice of colour, fabric type and style can be made during their appointment at the Atelier, after which each client is offered a fitting for each individual piece and a final completion date for all garments . All garments are completed between 2-3 weeks, including fittings.

6) What can we expect to see from you in the future?

To open further Ateliers in perhaps New York and Paris, and to create the same service that we offer to our clientele here in London.

7) Finally, it must have been terribly exciting to work with Samantha Cameron. What are the particularities of dressing the Prime Minister’s wife?

It was extremely exciting working with our First Lady. Samantha is such a wonderful person who carries herself with such poise. She was a dream to work with! It was important to reflect the great stature she has within the country.

www.emiliawickstead.com

By Alexia Jaquot