“I have a mild obsession with skulls at the moment” – Antoinette Jordaine

From the age of about 13, I remember Antoinette’s designs. As my school friend’s glam older sister, on own clothes day I recall jeans with pockets covered in lace and pearls and cute little ribbons attached to knitted jumpers, and I envied the crisp shirts adorned with tiny rhinestones which she created for my friend, her little sister. In our pre-pubescent awkward phase and pocket money unable to stretch much further than a trip to H&M, this was perfection.

Antoinette has always been a designer, but sees herself as more of an artist. Born and raised in London, and trained in graphic design and fine art, her exquisite hand embellished pieces are inspired by everything from Karl Lagerfeld and travel, to classical pianists and getting her heart broken.

I was lucky enough to have a beautifully wrapped customised hooded jumper sent to me, and the women in my office flocked over and cooed over it, with its careful, intricate detailing – from the glittered stars to the fuchsia pink button attached with luminous yellow and blue thread onto the hood and my buyer immediately asked for the designer’s details. A friend of mine told me that she can barely walk down the road in her Antoinette Jordaine London jumper without getting accosted by passersby, asking where to get one.

The label is in high demand; from kids to hip hop artists to fashionistas & socialites compiling the waiting list for one of her hand crafted designs. Currently putting together her ‘Hate Humans’ line for her ‘Customised to a Tee’ collection, Antoinette takes time out to talk to Alex Does Fashion…

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I’ve always been a designer in my eyes. I have always been creative and wanting to make things look different or attractive for my own eyes. In fact I used to get told off even at primary school as I spent too much time in the presentation of my work, or I would draw doodles around it.

Who or What inspires you to create these pieces?

This is a good question as I am inspired mentally and physically. For example everything I see, like sometimes I look at the bricks on walls, or trees in the winter and my brain goes into over drive. In fact the other day I was on the tube and the multi-coloured patterns on the seats gave me an idea for a circle skirt. On the mental side, what I am mentally feeling at the time comes out in my work. For instance when I began sketching ideas for ‘The Break-Up’ collection, this is exactly what I was going through and expressed it by drawing broken hearts, and skulls with drops of blood. Though I do not feel it necessary to make these things dark and look dull in mood. I believe that there is always positive from negative. So I showed my pain by the opposite of what is expected e.g. brightly coloured broken hearts and skulls. I have a mild obsession with skulls at the moment.

Do you design anything else except jumpers?

I am a designer, not even necessarily fashion either. I think of it more as art. So I can design on anything. I studied Graphic Design, and Fine Art you see. But my chosen forms are fashion pieces. Before I even started Antoinette Jordaine London I actually only really designed dresses. Currently we are focusing on jumpers, t-shirts, and swimwear. However, if you request something else, all you would need to do is ask, we shall see what can be done.

What do you love?

My family. I’d be lost without them. Traveling to other countries, art and design, music – from classical (I adore the sound of the piano – it would be my dream to have the pianist Ludovico Einaudi play live at a show) to drum and bass and bashment. The smell of new books, dusk, love.

What do you hate?

What do I hate? Well my mother has always told me that hate is a harsh word and should be used wisely… However I have to say that I have a current dislike for human beings, which has now developed into a hate; and also now into a ‘Hate Humans’ line for my ‘Customized to a Tee’ collection. This is the only thing that I can really think of at the moment, besides people that show off and brag.

How do you work best?

I need to be in a zone and have everything on around me. I need to have a television on, whether I am watching it or not. Often it is on but I am listening to music sitting amongst chaos.  I also need to be alone.

WHERE TO BUY

Watch this space for Antoinette Jordaine London’s website, currently under development. In the meanwhile, for orders and enquiries, email: antoinettejordainelondon@ymail.com.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ajordaine | Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ajordaine

model: actress natasha sparkes

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