INTERVIEW

Look at this lovely email a student wrote to me:

Hello! 

My name is Noura Sultani, I'm currently in my final year at the American School in London and I just found out about you from F.Tape's website. I absolutely love your final collection based on transformation and I find the different shapes exquisite. As soon as I looked at the first few pictures I was just so fascinated. A few of my friends and I are starting up a magazine and would be honored to interview you for it, and even display some images of your work, if that's alright with you. If this is okay with you, I can send you an email with a few questions or maybe you can tell me a bit about yourself, whichever you'd prefer. 

I understand if you're too busy, so I will not feel offended if you are unable to participate in this.

Thank you!

Noura Sultani 

Firstly, where are you from? What's your background like, heritage, etc etc.

I am originally from a small town called Hitchin in Hertfordshire, it is very big on its heritage and still has a lot of Victorian History.


What inspired you to become a designer?

Fashion for me started at the very early ages of my childhood.

Barbie was my muse, my icon, my idol. I pushed all extremes and boundaries to

make her wardrobe the latest must haves. Mums curtains, bed sheets and kitchen towels

suffered the consequences to my experimental design process.

What aspects about fashion design interest you the most?

I like it when fashion contrasts itself and gives unexpected results or outcomes by manipulation or alternatives for fabrics.

Fashion is more enjoyable when you are a free spirited designer and you allow yourself to explore and break boundaries outside of a comfort zone.

For me fashion is art so I like to incorporate this element in my work.


Have you always wanted to be a designer? Do you think you'll continue with it, or would you prefer to move on to something different?

I am ridiculously ambitious and can never have my fingers in too many pies. But fashion is where my heart is at. Everything in the creative fields all link together, so even if I did branch out and did something different, fashion would always crop up somewhere, its part of our everyday lives.


Why do you prefer designing types of knits over other types of clothing?

For me knitwear is a challenge. Most people assume it is only for one season and consists of chunky knitted jumpers or socks.

I wanted to make knitwear seem beautiful and stylish with out it being associated with practicality. 


What's your biggest dream?

I aspire to have my own label and for my name to crop up causally in conversation on the front row at LFWor on Ugly Betty.

What other collections have you designed? Or are you in the process of designing one now?

I am currently working on a project for an up-coming celebrity who is due to make a comeback this year. She has asked me to design her a dress for the MOBO

awards. Other than that I work freelance at home creating and customising new pieces for fun.


Do you have any pictures you'd be willing to share? If so, could you include them in your reply?

I have attached a picture of Susie bubble wearing my personalised bracelets I made for her.....

you can also visit my blog: http://hayleylai.blogspot.com/
and view my collection on catwalking.com and ftape-roar talent.com