EMILIA WICKSTEAD

The majority of our clients are British. They want to wear things time and time again.

It's about having that nice balance. I think that's the answer to today's modern girl who is on the run. She's throwing on something before she goes out, but I still believe in the glitz and the glamour of everything and making that come to life.

I attended speech and drama classes with a nun to help me gain confidence in speaking without my face turning red each time.

Skincare is incredibly important. I try to look after my skin as much as possible because I'm always inspired by women who age gracefully and naturally.

There is nothing more beautiful than personality wrinkles.

I was so young when I started, my taste has changed and developed, and I've gone from being a little bit safe to trying different things.

The AW14 collection is inspired by Film Noir. Elements of masculinity and femininity were reflected in the fabric, tailoring, and features.

If I'd really known how hard I was going to have to work behind the scenes to have any kind of business, I think I would have stopped.

It's a huge achievement to have anyone wearing your clothes, and when they are in the limelight, it's the best advertisement for your brand.

To escape and sit quietly on the beach - that's my idea of paradise.

My autumn/winter 2011-12 collection embodies the bold and beautiful while reflecting an innovative style and passion for immaculate design. I believe that this collection radiates modern femininity and beauty in its purest form.

I was very aware of the fact that I was a young designer, and I didn't want to fall into the trap of 'mother of the bride' dressing and 'occasion-wear.' I wanted to make sure that girls my age were wearing it and that there was a cool factor to my clothes.

My clients can choose their own colours and fabrics to have something unique in their wardrobes.

I think I'm starting to be a little bit more appreciated or a little bit more noticed in the industry.

We do have a lot of personal relationships with people who will come to our store or showroom.

My grandmother has strongly influenced my approach to beauty. She has always cared for her skin by cleansing and washing her face with warm water in the morning. At all times, she has lipstick on and her face is immaculately powdered - she follows the same routine to this day and looks great at 94.

I would've loved to dress Diana Vreeland. I just loved her work as a creative woman and as a business woman - unpredictable, exciting, fun, and very, very clever.

There is so much talent in British fashion: a real cookie jar of different aesthetics with designers like Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, Christopher Kane, J. W. Anderson, and Simone Rocha.

We're creating a brand image which didn't exist in the beginning, and I want to grow that. And in the way that the clothes and services we offer are a luxurious niche, I want to be doing that with accessories.

I wore one of my own designs on my wedding day.

I feel like British designers are having a real moment; there's a lot of freedom to be different, and I think that that's what so unique. There's no expectation of what you're going to see at London Fashion Week, and I think that's why you get such a mixed bag of sweets.

I don't like the word 'ladylike.'

I love everything I design.

Old images and films are my main source of inspiration.

I love the idea of a dress or a coatdress rather than a suit with a jacket.