I was honoured to be featured in The Trend Boutique's One's to Watch section recently:

Graduate Profile: Jessica Hoareau, BA (Hons) Fashion

_{© Jessica Hoareau 2011}

Jessica Hoareau, a bi-lingual fashion student from Kingston University, has a keen interest in design and fashion forecasting and has a valuable portfolio of work experience including having worked for Marc Jacobs and Studio M. Her final year has involved collaborative projects with the likes of Burberry, Banana Republic, and French Connection.

What was the inspiration behind your final collection / project?
My final collection is based on Micro-Connectivity; small, inter-connected objects that make up a whole, organic piece.

Describe the key features of your collection / project?
I am very detail-focused. Braided chains connect the seams of a silk shirt, scattered laser cutting works as a link between two garments and photographs I took of flying starlings create the print featured on a dress and skirt. Key words are feminine, fresh and modern.

Have you completed any work experience or industry collaborations?
Last summer I spent a month in Paris working as an intern at Marc Jacobs. I had the opportunity to work closely with the designer himself and designed some intarsia patterns that were featured in the S/S 11 show. It was an incredible experience.
Other work experience has included placements with trend forecasting consultants Studio M and London embroidery company Hand & Lock, as well as helping young designers Dean Quinn and Aimee McWilliams.

What are your short or long-term career aspirations?
My short-term aim is to gain as much experience within the fashion industry, within both design and trend forecasting. Longer-term, I am interested in opening my own business.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you could pass on to 1st or 2nd year students?
It’s never too early to start thinking about your final collection. Obviously these ideas will evolve but the earlier you can start writing to sponsors, looking up fabric suppliers and collecting images the better! It may seem far away but it will come around much faster than you could possibly imagine!

© Jessica Hoareau 2011

Quickfire Questions:

What is your most treasured procession?
My wardrobe of vintage clothes. It includes a silk Lanvin shirt from the 70s, an Aquascutum trench, a yellow Pierre Cardin cardigan and a silk Courreges t-shirt from the 60s.

What inspires you the most?
I’m very inspired by nature; I am fascinated by the idea that as humans we cannot recreate its truly random shapes and patterns.

What is your must-have item for next season?
A classic silk shirt in a bright colour like yellow.

Your favourite film
“The Red Balloon”. I grew up in Paris and love old classic French films like this.

What is your biggest hope for the future?
To be proud of what I have achieved.

Your favourite location
The Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean where my father is from, a small island that is owned by the French. It has sunny weather, beautiful beaches and scenery as well as an active volcano in the centre!