Claire Acton

For some, the highlight of their university degree may be winning a drunken game of  Beer Pong. However, Claire Acton holds a sell out high street collection as her biggest accolade; bet you wished you'd spent a few more hours in the library now?

Whilst studying Fashion Design at the University of Central Lancashire, her final collection showcased at Graduate Fashion Week 2012, leading to a host of admirers including Lady Gaga. Acton's work has been featured in Vogue, I-D Magazine and many more. She currently has another collection available from George at Asda, bridging the gap between high fashion and high street. 

You've done incredibly well throughout your studies and even better upon graduation! Did you think when you were beginning UCLAN and London College of Fashion that you would get this far?

I still don't believe it all now to be honest! All I knew when I was beginning at London College of Fashion was that this was the only thing I ever wanted to do, I have always wanted to be a fashion designer so I have just worked really really hard.

Your work appears bold, daring and versatile and has attracted some big name audiences, including Lady Gaga?! That's a bit too cool and slightly terrifying! How excited were you and after you've gained a strong reputation, is there a pressure to produce consistently high standard pieces?

I think I just love what I do and people seem to like it, all I can do is just stay true to myself and who I am as a designer and the rest just builds from there. 

How do you manage that pressure? Is it important not to be swayed by what is popular and stay true to your intuition?

I think you're just in the zone. It's definitely important to know your own mind, go with your intuition and not just what's popular.

What was the best piece of advice you were given and what would you pass on to someone in a similar position?

The world is a lot smaller than you think so give everything a 100% effort and who knows where it will lead. Just to never give up; you never know what's around the corner so be sure to just say yes to all opportunities.

Your recent work for George at Asda seems like a very different audience to more high end fashion clients. Was your aim to make your high end style available and accessible to those with a smaller budget? Is that important?

Yes, my collection for George was a high street version of my collection which meant all my friends and family could buy and have some of my designs, they could buy the entire collection if they wanted! 

My personal favourite is THAT eye print shirt, it's instantly memorable. Your collection seems to have a strong 60s vibe, with lots of fun oranges and classic cuts. Is that correct? Are the 60s a big influence?

Thank you, the eye shirt has been a massive hit, I love that shirt! Yes my collection is defiantly 60s influenced. I love the 60s and always will so can't help being inspired by that era. It's so fun and colourful yet forms simple, clean silhouettes. From 60s make up to the fashion to the music to the 'icons' of that time, I love it all!

Any tip offs as to where we may see you popping up next? 

For now, just my second collection I designed for George at Asda, which is available to buy now and is brand new out! It's all a bit sparkly! Let me know if you buy anything, send me some photos. I love seeing how different people style my designs! 

               

Your can visit Claire's website, follow her on Twitter and Instagram (claireacton), and be sure to send her a photo if you buy anything from her collection!