Katie Eary’s To-Do List

Fashion : News

24 October 2016

Not many people can boast a success story that resembles Katie Eary's. To start with, the designer’s 2008 graduate collection was picked up by British Vogue, worn by Kate Moss and photographed by Mario Testino for a shoot. "Nothing could have prepared me for the attention my work got after graduating from RCA," says Eary. "It was totally surreal! I went from working 18 hour days, locking myself away from everyone to get the collection made, mad exposure and crazy clothing requests within days of graduating. When I think back to age 22, I could not have imagined my life panning out this way."

With an MA in menswear, Eary shook things up with her vibrant prints, colours and a love-it-or-hate-it quality. She then added womenswear to her line in 2011. Menswear might be having a moment right now with a surge of new designer names, but Eary isn’t as impressed as everyone else is, "I hope something happens soon. It's become over saturated and sensationalist for sensation sake.” Informed by Saville Row, Eary’s garments are always tailored to perfection but never too traditional.

Katie Eary

One of Eary’s big breaks came along when Kanye West emailed her saying her bejewelled designs "made him happy". The rest, as they say, is fashion history. The two started collaborating together on the rapper's Yeezy line. "Working with Kanye is an otherworldly experience," says Eary. "He really is quite something. I’m not sure how it has impacted my career. I got to work on some amazing projects with him across the last 6 years. For me, its not about what will I get from this? It's who's on the team, what magic will we create, which country will be we doing it in. I have been lucky enough to make a lot of cool shit.” Does Eary have any other memorable moments that stand out? "Meeting artist George Condo was and will always be a real highlight."

A look from Katie Eary's Spring Summer 2017 collection

Eary’s sources of inspiration are as eccentric as her designs. Her last SS17 collection was based on The Blade Artist by Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, and more specifically, the protagonist Francis “Franco” Begbie. Stripes, stars and barracudas made an appearance and, although it was all fun on the outside, there were subversively dark undertones, a signature characteristic of Eary’s work. What would the designer do if she wasn’t making clothes? "I think I would have been an artist. To some extent I feel that is still true to me, but I execute that art in my print."

The designer gives us a glimpse into her world and weekly routine.

Monday: Violet Cakes (47 Wilton Way, E8 3ED)

Most Mondays I like to switch up my routine, find a gorgeous place to plan my week and to write my 'to do' list - most importantly - to the beat of 2 strong coffees. I let the anxiety commence, then to top it off, l like to add an amazing sugar high to the rush. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to start the week with a BANG.

Tuesday: House 76 (76 Dean St, W1D 3SQ)