This morning we feature talented fashion designer Ruan Kitchener. Ruan has interned at a number of prestigious labels including the well renowned House of Holland, after which he was offered a full time position as a junior designer. On browsing through Ruan’s work, it’s clear a lot of thought and conviction goes into each garment.
“Originally from Cornwall, I studied fashion and textile design at the Salisbury campus of Bournemouth University, and it was really there that I fell in love with the craft. I showed my work at graduate fashion week where It was then selected for their prestigious gala show. If I was to say I had always been interested in fashion since a tender age, I would only be telling half a lie. I considered it purely a pastime until I became aware it was possible to forge a viable career from it.”
“For my personal work I choose to seclude myself away from others and delve into a blank sketchbook. I initially like to work with collage before doing hundreds of mini-sketches, paintings and watercolours before transferring them onto a human figure. Film is one of my biggest inspirations as it’s a medium that can really encompass other art forms like music and photography. It can create a whole world within seconds. I’ve been constantly fascinated by love stories since a young age, both tragic and traditional. My graduate collection was very much based on the theme of heartbreak, and in particular, the anger you have with yourself for viewing a failed relationship with rose-tinted glasses and for viewing romanticism with a child-like outlook.”
“Upon graduating I moved to London and interned for some small labels including Martina Spetlova, Lipop London and the lovely Minna. Each designer taught me a lot and I thoroughly relished my time at every placement. Each label was instrumental in developing my skills to an industry standard. After leaving Minna, I then went onto to intern at House of Holland before being offered a full time position within the design team as a junior designer. My main role is to develop the jersey range, the occasional solo project and general office duties. I’m currently working on finding agency representation as well as pursuing projects to develop my portfolio. One day I hope to eventually do a master’s degree, but generally I just want to see what wonders the future brings. I’m sure it’ll be great.”
You can follow Ruan on Twitter @RuanKitchener, Tumblr & his portfolio of work on Coroflot.
