Rob started out studying IT and working in hospitality, but soon found his dream studying fashion at PCA. Rob graduated from Plymouth College of Art 3 years ago after a challenging time, yet still producing some fantastic work. Rob specialised in creative pattern cutting, although he hated this when he first joined the college! His first collection was called dunes of desire, and was inspired by the waves in sand dunes.
His second collection – still dreaming, was designed for women over 40. He incorporated many one-piece garments and removed the side seams from most items. His final collection was Le Jardin Noire; this collection was bases on sensory feelings you get when you walk through a garden. To create the dress he used 90metres of organza to make individual roses, which were sewn onto the dress. It took him 6 months to complete and involved a lot of time management, juggling college and working 12 hour shifts at a restaurant!
Following this collection, Rob came 4th in a competition run by Italian Vogue and Musse and was named one of the best upcoming designers. Rob also went on an internship to Emanuel Ungaro and Giles Deacon, doing internships gave him great insight into the industry and how it works – whilst there he worked on his pattern cutting and draping skills.
During his final year at PCA rob sent many letters and emails to one place in particular that he had always of working at, that place was Alexander McQueen and shortly after graduating he achieved that dream. Whilst there he met many fantastic people and gained a huge amount of experience.
During his final year at PCA rob sent many letters and emails to one place in particular that he had always of working at, that place was Alexander McQueen and shortly after graduating he achieved that dream. Whilst there he met many fantastic people and gained a huge amount of experience.
Next Rob started working for Marios Schwab; his designs are aimed at 25-60years and sell at places such as Selfridges and Harrods. Rob currently works there 3-4 times a week, leaving him time to continue with his own personal projects. Rob also works for designer Lucian Matis, a Romanian born designer who now has a studio in Canada. Working with these designers’ means Rob gets to mix creative pattern cutting with his newfound love, draping.
In Rob’s own private practise he is currently working on an embellishment technique called tambrin beading – this is where you work on a frame and each bead is individually sewn on. This is an old technique but Rob feels that these should be brought back and used more often. Rob is also working on Oribotics – this is origami with fabric!!
Here is a link to a video on youtube which shows this being done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQnGmnCmuZI
Another project that rob is passionate about is called The Dualism – these are a series of 3 books each featuring 37 photographers from all over the world who produce work around the body. The images are strong and provoke a lot of thinking. Rob would like to become more involved in this focusing on the conceptual side of fashion – so keep your eyes peeled for what he does in the future.
Here are more images of Rob’s final collection at PCA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQnGmnCmuZI
Another project that rob is passionate about is called The Dualism – these are a series of 3 books each featuring 37 photographers from all over the world who produce work around the body. The images are strong and provoke a lot of thinking. Rob would like to become more involved in this focusing on the conceptual side of fashion – so keep your eyes peeled for what he does in the future.
Here are more images of Rob’s final collection at PCA:
Rob: “As long as you have a passion, are driven and can make sacrifices, you will go far”