©10/10/15

This Saturdays Q&A guest is the extremely talented 21 year old; Fashion Communications student…

  R O B Y N   S H A W

Inspiration: Grace Coddington

Celebrity crush: Olivia Palermo

Biggest cringe: Boys in vests! Vom.

Guilty pleasure: KUWTK

Most overused phrase: LOL

How would you describe your ‘awkward teen’ style? A mixture of hoodies, combat pants and mini-skirts (lol) until I finally found my own classically simple style!

How would you describe your style?

A) Edgy indie hipster,

B) Trend setter,

C) Tres chic,

D) Boho hippy,

E) Colourful and creative,

F) Crazy cat lady!

I would say the closest description to my style would be ‘tres chic’; I aim for effortless and elegant styles.

What do you think the most offensive trend in today’s fashion for young people is? Being brutally honest… people who don’t make an effort. 

Favourite high street shop? Zara. It is equivalent to what I imagine and hope heaven is like.

Favourite designer? Valentino, The detailing and hours spent on each garment is amazing. The elegant silhouettes and classic style is simply stunning, I only hope I’m lucky enough to own a Valentino garment one day.

Best ambassador for women’s fashion? Stella McCartney.

Heels or flats? Heels will never be out no matter what the occasion, but my personal favourite is a stylish flat in the day!

Your closets on fire- which three items do you save? Marks&Spencer Trench Coat, Zara City Bag, Zara Lace-up Flats.

Favourite exhibition at the moment? I got the amazing opportunity to visit the Alexander McQueen V&A Exhibition and it is by far the most inspiring exhibition or collection of work I have ever seen. I could feel and see the passion in all of his work and it made me emotional, I would have visited 10x over.

You’re a student at Leeds College of Art, how has this influenced your craft and taste? I have been studying fashion for 4 years and I only now feel like I’ve found myself and my taste. I get influenced by my work and the people surrounding me, the creative setting of Leeds College of Art is a constant inspiration towards my choice of clothing! 

What do you enjoy most about your degree? Everything! I am inspired to encourage and expand my ideas every time I am in class, it is an endless place for my creative inspiration! If you’re lucky enough to experience university I think you should make the most of it by working as hard as possible. If you love your degree as much as you should, then you will be having just as much fun as the party go-ers!

How do you think young people today treat fashion? I think a lot of young people are confused by what fashion is, and think that following the trends in the magazines or the latest styles the celebrities are wearing is fashion. To me fashion is about expressing yourself in what you’re comfortable in, taking an interest in to the industry and appreciating the fabrics, colours and workmanship it takes. Fashion can give you a confidence you didn’t know you had. If you have an outfit on that makes you feel good that will show in your personality and how you carry yourself.

Do you think the recession has impacted on their views on fashion and shopping? I think that a lot more people shop in charity shops now, you can pick up some really great things at an amazing price. Reviving the vintage style in the right way! 

Reverse age-ism is when young people are discriminated against, this can be common in the work place, how do you think young people should dress to be taken professionally? I always think presenting yourself well is very important but that doesn’t mean changing your style and trying to dress in something you think is the ‘correct’ thing to wear. I think if you’re passionate about what you do and show that in your work, then clothes become irrelevant.    

What are your views on gender ‘appropriate’ clothes? People should feel comfortable in their own skin, I don’t think gender defines the clothes you should wear; it’s all about experimenting!

What impact do you think the way that women such as Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian dress has on young women today? A huge impact. A large amount of people will admire celebrities and want to find a way to dress like them but on a budget. Both women represent very different things and I can see the appeal of wanting to be like them but each person is in control of how they want to look and be perceived by others. 

Media has a huge influence on young people, how do you think reality TV personalities have influence the general public’s fashion? I think it affects guys more than girls, many of them have the same style going on and look prettier than most girls, and it’s not cool… (Laughs)

Advice to any Tinder boys out there struggling to portray their style in just a few pics? Go all out! Catch someone’s eye with your quirky little traits!

What’s next? Third year is exciting and scary for me! I am hoping to organise the 3rd year graduation fashion show and really push my growing talent in the communications of fashion. In an ideal world after third year I am hoping to get an internship in London and finally step in to the working world!  

The best advice you’ve been given: Always remain true to yourself and don’t forget where you started from!