GC: How did the brand started?
SARA ASPINALL: Out of necessity to do something with myself after I enrolled in art school then dropped out after 1 week- student life wasn’t for me I decided…
GC: Your first collection was based on using sustainable goods such as found leather jackets, metal & chain, does sustainable fashion play an important role in your brand?
SARA ASPINALL: I hate to throw things away, I keep all the leftover bits after I’ve cut up a jacket or shirt or jeans, one day I may patch them all together! I don’t think I’m a model for sustainability, but probably more I like the attitude our grandparents had. You use what you have, you don’t throw things away, you fix them, or turn them into something else. Old school sensibility. We are such a wasteful society now. I don’t like that.
GC: What does Company of Strangers consider as the essential element when designing a product?
SARA ASPINALL: Can you wear it? Does it work? Is it comfortable? So FUNCTION!
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GC: How did the brand started?
SARA ASPINALL: Out of necessity to do something with myself after I enrolled in art school then dropped out after 1 week- student life wasn’t for me I decided…
GC: Your first collection was based on using sustainable goods such as found leather jackets, metal & chain, does sustainable fashion play an important role in your brand?
SARA ASPINALL: I hate to throw things away, I keep all the leftover bits after I’ve cut up a jacket or shirt or jeans, one day I may patch them all together! I don’t think I’m a model for sustainability, but probably more I like the attitude our grandparents had. You use what you have, you don’t throw things away, you fix them, or turn them into something else. Old school sensibility. We are such a wasteful society now. I don’t like that.
GC: What does Company of Strangers consider as the essential element when designing a product?
SARA ASPINALL: Can you wear it? Does it work? Is it comfortable? So FUNCTION!
GC: Let’s talk about your A/W 2010 Collection (eg. influences, or any memorable moments during the time of creating this collection)
SARA ASPINALL: Almost having a nervous breakdown trying to get it ready!!!! I got tonsillitis and was bed ridden 2 weeks before fashion week. We were in the middle of moving house so I was a bit manic.
I like to think the range has this dark twin personality going on because of this, with the chain hidden in the armholes and necks of the dresses- so you can feel you’re wearing it. Jackets that fold backwards, mesh sleeves that creep across your back. I really just wanted to make what I felt like, with no rules. I was inspired by me and my limbo life at the time.
GC: What’s your favourite item from this collection?
SARA ASPINALL: The shirt jacket as you can wear it a few different ways, I love the soft leather lapels. And from the leather line the babysitter satchel, it’s made from 2 different vintage leather jackets, one acid grey one black. You still have all the collar and pocket detail from the original jackets, and it’s so big you can fit your laptop in it!
GC: Tell us about your creative process..
SARA ASPINALL: I’m always op shopping, and seeing great details on old things, I love using those details in new ways. I am heavily inspired by motorcycle clothing and culture mainly because my partner Bill is obsessed with motorbikes and is pushing pictures in my face constantly! I love the ‘60’s style of leather denim and chrome. I find it easy to transfer that into bags and leathergoods.
GC: What is the happiest moment in your fashion career so far?
SARA ASPINALL: When I worked for Margi @ Nom*D she sent me to Paris to do the menswear buying for her stores, I got to go to Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Number Nine and Masion Martin Margiela. I was a complete zombie the whole time in awe of everything.
GC: Are there any designers’ work you admire very much?
SARA ASPINALL: Rick Owens is amazing, and Haider Ackerman, but fav would be Ann Demuelemeester.
GC: What time of the day do you enjoy the most?
SARA ASPINALL: The morning, I make myself get out of bed after 6am and go for a run along the beach with my dog Iggy, the sunrises are so beautiful and I plan all the things I need to do for the day.
