An Interview with Hannah Clugston, Editorial Assistant at Aesthetica

Aesthetica Magazine is a printed and online publication featuring contemporary art and culture from around the globe. Known for its diverse content, clean design and dynamic photography, it is a universal sanctuary for art enthusiasts. Editorial Assistant, Hannah Clugston speaks of her Aesthetica ascent, fuelled by hard work and vast supplies of chocolate. 

If you could give a brief description of yourself, what would it be?

I am petite and obsessively organised. Benjamin Franklin once said: “For every minute spent organising an hour is earned” – I am a firm believer in this. I am a passionate list maker. I am also surprisingly loud for my height. When I was a teenager I sang in a band and people would comment on my surprising ability to sing in relation to my size. I am not sure they were being complimentary!?

What were you doing before you worked for Aesthetica?

I was a student, finishing my degree in English Literature. I also did a lot of work experience in journalism, specifically fashion writing. I went to London Fashion Week a few times and I have a particular passion for ethical clothing. I produced a fashion show in York, where I went to university, to promote conscientious shopping. 

How did you get to where you want to be and has all the hard worked paid off?

I took every opportunity I was given. For example, I got some work experience on the news desk at the local paper in York, The Press, and while I was there I met the fashion editor who I kept in contact with. I ended up writing regularly for the paper and pitching my own features. I am pleased to say the hard work did pay off – I now have my dream job, working in the arts and writing everyday.

  

What inspires you?

 A piece of art that helps you to perceive the world in a different way. I recently went to see an exhibition of Philip-Lorca diCorcia’s work and he takes a lot of street photography where the subjects are unaware of his presence. It was just amazing to look at all of these faces of people going about their lives, faces that we see everyday and we never take time to consider. Second to that, and more importantly, the Bible inspires me. I have been a Christian all my life and it is the guide by which I live. It doesn’t mater what’s happening, as long as I have that to hand, I can’t go far wrong. 

Advice to your younger self?

Don’t worry so much. My Dad always says we spend too much time worrying about things that never happen. When I was younger I was always concerned about tomorrow, which meant I missed out on enjoying today.

Artists and exhibitions that you're enjoying at the moment? Any ones to watch? 

I love the photographer Alex Prager. We have her most recent series, Face in the Crowd, in the current issue of Aesthetica. This is the second feature we have run on her. She takes these beautifully glamorous photographs layered in suspense and detail. 

You're most happiest when...?

I am curled up on the sofa watching a great film with my husband and a plentiful supply of chocolate. 

An Interview with Alex Lester, co - founder of Tusk Journal

Tusk Journal is an online platform for exploring contemporary independent culture in the North West of England.  Founded by Alexander Lester and James Falkingham, Tusk prides itself on celebrating creativity, innovation and aesthetics. I chat to Alex about his journey, as he proves it isn't all grim up North. 

Firstly, thanks for doing this, I bet Tusk keeps you pretty busy?

It certainly does. I think that when you embark upon a new project, whether it’s a publication, start-up company or whatever, you immediately inherit the baggage that associates itself with ‘going it alone’. Whether it manifests itself in the form of a sleepless night, full diary or a weekend spent working, there’s always something to keep you from falling into the traps of mid-week lethargy.  

What does a typical day as editor consist of?

In ‘normal’ life, a routine can be the essential recipe when making it through Monday to Friday’s respective hurdles. My day starts with a coffee and ends with either a walk or a book. In the middle there’s a lot of emailing, meeting, phoning and writing. 

Up until January I worked in a local primary school in a bid to pay the rent – but as this was taking up too much of the valuable daylight hours, I decided to swap the 9-5 (PM) for the 9-5 (AM). Working in a bar can help alleviate the stress of running your own project and offer the chance to unwind (in a weird/backwards way). With office hours starting at 10am and finishing at 6pm, there’s normally a nice little window before work begins behind the bar, which can occasionally run on ‘til 1am. On paper it’s a really long day, but I’m pretty sure that sacrifice is essential if you’re pursuing a dream.

What did you do before co-founding Tusk and what made you set it up?

I tried being ‘an adult’. I hated it. 

I graduated in 2012 and headed straight into a job as a Teaching Assistant – but as was the case in high school, I soon discovered that I hated teachers and the politics that reside within school corridors and classrooms. I was working the 9-5 and wearing a shirt and tie, and whilst the kids I was working with were fantastic, the lifestyle of ‘living for the weekend’ did not sit well.

After a few months of morning commutes and 10’o’clock bedtimes, I decided that I wanted to pursue something outside the relatively safe world of teaching. As a result, I started writing and found myself teaming up with Liverpool-based graphic designer (and friendly companion), James Falkingham. Together we formed a ‘typically post-grad’ blog and soon discovered what it is we wanted from our 20s.  Rather than settling for a ‘wage’ or selling our souls to 9-5 devil, we decided to start working on Tusk Journal – an online journal highlighting all that is great and good about the respective towns we called home (Manchester & Liverpool). 

We’d always had a bit of friendly banter whenever we saw each other, with James hoisting the colours for Liverpool whilst I flew the flag for Manchester. It didn’t take long for us to see each other’s point of view – both cities were awesome and needed celebrating. We’ve lived in both cities for roughly 5 years, but it wasn’t until last year that we felt the distinct winds of cultural change echoing around the region. We’re passionate about where we live and want to share that passion with other likeminded people throughout the region – it’s a steady process, but rewarding in its entirety. 

Any challenges along the way?

I recently delivered a speech to a host of third year students at MMU regarding the question of ‘challenges’ that a post-grad (especially in the arts) is likely to face. Rather embarrassingly, I found myself quoting JK Rowling’s speech to Harvard University in 2008. In this speech, I emphasized the role that failure inevitably plays when embarking upon an entirely new project – and how important failure is in regard to character building and the development of an individual’s persona. 

There’s naturally a tendency to take the ‘safe’ route in life and I think that, although I perhaps tried this safe route myself, there’s something quite tragic about that. Of course there have been failures and challenges along the way but it’s these failures and challenges that have made James, Tusk and I who/what we are today. 

Do you prefer an online format to print?

Even in the earliest stages of Tusk’s formation, when all we had was a basic website and hazy philosophy, the ambition and desire to head into print was always in our minds. We’re both huge fans of printed media and always felt that we could add something to the market we love so much. There’s so much out there at the moment that’s fantastic: both Intern and Cereal have been great to us over the past few months and there’s a real community spirit in the world of independent magazines. It’s a great industry to be getting involved in.  

People are naturally skeptical about our venture into print, but that’s understandable. We realize that there’s been a huge boom in online/digital publications of late, but there’s still something quite romantic, renaissance-esque and beautiful that enters the mind when opening the fresh smelling pages of a printed magazine. 

What can we look out for next?

We’re currently working on Vol.1 – our second run of Tusk Journal in the form of a printed publication – set to launch in May. I don’t want to give too much away – but Vol.1 will basically be an extended version of Vol. 0 (released in Dec’13) with more content, interviews and artwork for our lovely readers to get their teeth into. 

We like our Journals to hold a steady element of longevity, offering a documented account of the region’s changing landscape whilst celebrating the artists, baristas, companies and galleries that reside within Manchester & Liverpool. 

As well as the launch of Vol.1 (May)  & Vol.2 (November), we’ll be working away on our website, www.TuskJournal.com, throughout the year – delivering the finest goings from throughout the region to our beautiful online audience. 

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! 

The Heartbreaker

Arguably, The Heartbreaks are the best thing to come out of Morecambe since potted shrimps and Eric & Ernie. Forming in 2009, The Heartbreaks have toured with Carl Barat, Morrissey and Hurts and have been described by The Manic Street Preachers as 'one of the most exciting bands in the UK today.' 

Lead singer Matthew Whitehouse possesses many accolades; cheekbones carved by gods, a vast array of poncy shirts and the title of  '2008-2009 North West's Under 21s Fastest Soft Serve Ice Cream Pourer,' where he won £35 of WHSmith vouchers. Word. We chatted about life in and out of Morecambe a la mer. 

Is it satisfying that you can say you actually ARE big in Japan?

I don’t think anyone believes us. If you’re so big in Japan, what are you still doing in Morecambe, eh? Well, the ice-cream is better here, for one thing... 

How does Morecambe compare to some of the places you've visited? I bet the chips aren't half as nice anywhere else. 

We have a story in Morecambe about a local man who went on holiday to India and took a sightseeing trip to the Taj Mahal. It was sunset and, as the other tourists stood in awe at one of the most spectacular sights on the planet, the man turned away and sat with his back to the great Mughal structure. “Why don’t you want to look?” asked the young Indian tour-guide in disbelief. “Why would I?” said the man, “I’m from Morecambe. I see the sunsets like this every night”... This man was an idiot.

How do you spend your time when you're not touring and modeling for Burberry?

Honestly? I don’t do a huge amount outside of being a Heartbreak. It’s not really something you can clock in and clock out of... If I really have to do something, I like to read, I like to play miniature golf and I like to drink coffee at The Hall on China Street, Lancaster (I also like to receive free coffee for promoting local cafés in my spare time).

The most bizarre modelling experience and the most surreal experience you've had whilst on tour?

I find all modeling experiences surreal. In terms of surreality on tour, I guess receiving a knock at our dressing room door in Berlin and finding Morrissey stood there must be top. I was halfway though rearranging my bag at the time and remember spending the duration of our conversation thinking about how close he was stood to my boxer shorts. 

You're quite rightly actively against the NHS cuts, could you say a bit more as to why? LOVE the 'Born in the NHS' shirt by the way. 

Because I think it’s important that people are aware that the motivation behind the cuts is ideological rather than fiscal. The NHS was founded in a period of financial austerity. Britain had been at war for six years. It had been bombed and blitzed, it’s infrastructure shattered, but the political will was still there to provide a good health care system to all, regardless of wealth. If it is simply a matter of finance, collect the billions in unpaid taxes currently being kept offshore. Do not rob us of a National Health Service.

I hear you're into writing, what sort of things do you like to write about and would you ever consider trying to get published?

I've just had some writing published in a men's fashion magazine called HERO, funnily enough. A piece on the DIY/cassette scene in California. It's certainly something I'd like to do more of in the future.

Favourite authors/books?

So hard. My favourite book is probably F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night. The best I’ve read this year is Taipei by Tao Lin.

Your due to tour with Kate Nash, aside from getting her to say 'bittarrr' and 'fittar,' what/where are you most looking forward doing/going?

I find Kate really inspiring. She’s vocal in her feminism on stage and I think she performs a great service to women in music and female solidarity in general. I wish more people put themselves on the line like she does.

Listen to The Heartbreaks latest single below, follow them on Twitter, and enjoy. 

Meringue Girls

I think it's time we all come clean and be honest with ourselves. We are living a lie. You know it, I know it and deep down, the perpetrators know it too. Initially we all conformed, it was only natural to be drawn in; but no more! Wipe your frosting filled mouths, begone cupcake tins; bakers revolt!

Stacey O' Gorman and Alex Hoffler are our pioneers, leading us far from cupcake conspiracy and into the brave new world of the magical meringue. Tickling the taste buds of L'Oreal, Alexander McQueen and Harvey Nichols, the girls have truly done good, showing there's more to baking than Paul Hollywood's bulging biceps. 

Nice try, Paul. 

I present the Meringue Girls and their stand against mediocrity.

Firstly, thank you for the emergence of the meringue on British High Streets, I am rather bored of stodgy cupcakes which I believe to be a conspiracy against the humble fairy cake! Would you agree?

We feel like cupcakes have had their time - now is the age of the meringue! Our meringues are cute, they're bite -size, gluten and fat free, and they come in an amazing array of beautiful colours and Willy Wonka - esque flavours - making them unique with limitless possibilities - something cupcakes do not have!

Your meringue sculptures on Instagram are incredible feats of cuisine and construction. What are your dream creations and what is the most fantastical creation you've ever made?

We have created many weird and wonderful things out of meringues, including a meringue teepee, meringue graffiti, a rug! Anything is possible! Right now we're looking into making an edible meringue wall...

My last dessert was so atrocious that my boyfriend had to dry it with a hairdryer, minutes before it being served at a dinner party with his parents. What has been your biggest kitchen disaster?

One of our enormous industrial mixer machines falling from the bench, scaring everyone and breaking into pieces!

Soggy bottom...

  

As well as soggy bottoms, I am famed for making a meringue so chewy it has been known as an alternative method to root canal surgery. Any special tips for beginners?

Our cookbook gives beginners step by step instructions and techniques and fail proof recipes so that everyone can master the perfect meringue! It is super important to follow the ingredient measurements accurately, and to make sure your oven temperatures are exact - this should avoid the overly chewy middle!!

Rainbow Meringue 

Any pearls of wisdom for bakers looking to go pro?

Bake what you'd actually like to eat, and never be put off by being new to it, practise makes perfect!

The highlight of your careers so far?

Our first cookbook, and talk of potential TV show are for sure amazing achievements for us!

What do you both do to unwind and de-stress from egg white overload?

We like to go to yoga to practice our downward dog! We like to swim in London Fields lido and take our Meringue Girls Boston terrier for daily walks!

When you're not in the kitchen, whipping up happiness, we can find you...

Probably walking the dog! ...seeing friends and family, eating out of course!

Meringue Barbie Brilliance

Olive & Frank

Too many hours of grooming the internet has led me into some pretty dark corners, of which I definitely want to forget. Stumbling upon the little gem that is Olive & Frank however, was a much more pleasant experience. 

Peppered with simple statement pieces and those which balance 1 part pretty with 1 part elegance , O & F seemed right up my alley. Quiet yet dignified, their new website www.oliveandfrank.co.uk  offers a selection of good quality clothing that both your Mum and fiendishly fashionable friends will compliment. 

Intrigued by how this pearl came to be, I quizzed the CEO and founder, Chloe.

So, Chloe, how did Olive and Frank come to be? Was it an easy process?

Olive and Frank Is something that has evolved over the years. I originally started off selling vintage clothes on ebay, it was something I enjoyed but didn't really think of as a career. A couple of years after that I looked more seriously into creating an online business and that’s when I started Olive and Frank. Originally it was a jewelry boutique and then about a year into it I expanded to clothes, shoes and accessories. I wouldn't say it was an easy process, there was a lot of trial and error (there still is) but I am doing something I love so it’s all good fun - I enjoy going to work!

How did you ensure your ideas became reality?

I just started really small. I didn’t have huge amounts of capital so I had to learn how to do most things myself and slowly it grew from there.

A slow burning idea can often be the most effective as it consistently builds over time, rather than flogging and burning out. Were you always encouraged to just go for it?

I have been very lucky to have huge support from my friends and family. I have also been fortunate enough to have the support of the blogging community which has been a huge help with launching Olive and Frank.

And now you must be pretty happy, right? Especially with a new website launch and a following which is growing day by day!

It has taken a lot of hard work and long nights, but I couldn't be happier with the new site! I pretty much love all the pieces on the site, ( it’s a perk of the job!) however I have been wearing my Emilio Stripe Cardigan a lot recently in this horrid weather! 

How often do you think up new ideas? 

I am always thinking about ideas and inspiration, I have a big notepad on my desk where I jot ideas down and I carry a little notebook around in my bag for when inspiration hits!

Favourite music to work to?

I usually go for something like Ben Howard or Mumford and Sons or even just the radio as background noise!

Words of wisdom for girls wanting to do good in this field of work?

I would just say keep going. I think it’s so important in life to do what makes you happy and I really believe if you keep working at it you can achieve whatever you want. I plan to build on our existing collection creating more new pieces and spreading the word about Olive and Frank worldwide!

L A Y L A

Okay, it's confession time. I've been a bit of a Jose Vanders' super fan since I was about 16. I remember stumbling upon her Myspace page (see how long ago?!) and falling in love with her sweet voice and lyrics about chocolate buttons and juicy peaches. I may even have posted it on my profile, along side photos of me sporting that old time classic, the emo fringe. Please forgive me for my former sins, I am not worthy.

Like my fringe, Jose (as in Josephine, not José) has moved on and now records under the name LAYLA. 

There must be a copy of your CD somewhere which I remember copying to my huge iPod and playing on repeat. Without wanting to sound incredibly gushy, your older songs really related to me at that age, and do even now. It must be a very odd yet rewarding feeling to know how yours songs affect people - would you agree?

I am always very humbled when someone tells me that they have been moved in some way by my songs, thank you. For me, the process of making music becomes completely enlightened when you realise that what you are doing has the power to really soundtrack people's lives. It's the maddest, most inexplicable feeling, but one that undeniably keeps many musicians going. Music is an emotional crutch for so many people, and I am blessed if I can in some way do what I adore to help people get through their day, on whatever level.

How important is writing your own lyrics and could you tell me a little about your process?

In all honesty, the songwriting process is still magic to me, and I can't quite work out how I write the best songs. I do know that writing my own lyrics is definitely important, because I need to feel something when I perform or record them. In terms of processes - it varies. 'Yellow Circles' for example, was written on a guitar about ten minutes after I had my breakfast, and I saw my dog lying down on the carpet with a diamond of sunlight streaming through the glass onto his head. And then the song popped out in about 4 minutes. For me certainly, the creation of lyrics isn't always a conscious thing, but I would never write about something I didn't believe in.

Has this changed since you've got older and more mature? Do you have any regrets? If so, what advice would you give to a younger you?

My writing process has definitely changed! I have worked with a lot more people and had time to hone my craft. I now have less fear that I am getting it "wrong", because I finally understand that in songwriting - or indeed, the arts in general - there is no right and wrong. That said, I am more self-aware than ever before, and consequently sometimes crippled with doubt. I guess, the more you learn, the more you realise there are countless ways of doing things and it's easy to lose sight of YOUR way. 

With regards to regret...  I don't believe in it. Nostalgia for the past and wishing you had done things differently completely detaches you from what you have achieved in order to be where you are NOW. If we didn't make mistakes, and miss opportunities (both of which I have done in spades), then you would never learn or understand what it means to fail; or indeed realise an opportunity when the next one comes your way. 

I would encourage anyone starting out in the music world to completely ignore anyone that says do it as a hobby and pursue something more 'real'. Fuck them. Being creative for a living is as real as it gets. If 'real' is following a path where you will be miserable for the rest of your life, don't do it. Do things for the right reasons, not for someone else's reasons. 

Both the song and the video for Mother Theresa Can't Drive (2010) went viral, well done! Did you expect it and how did it happen? 

I'm not sure Mother Theresa Can't Dive went viral?! Did it?! Faces Going Places did wayyy back when, which was mad. I didn't expect it, and it happened very organically. I think people buy into real, raw talent. I just uploaded a video of myself in my pyjamas. 

Well, maybe not 'Charlie Bit My Finger' but over 24,000 views on YouTube is pretty impressive! Tell me a little more about LAYLA and Yellow Circles, how has this changed from your former solo work? 

LAYLA to me, is a new headspace and forum to create the music that I never thought I could make. This is what Yellow Circles is about. The song is about seeing nuggets of gold everywhere around you and realising that you can actually be anyone you want to be. For me, the new stuff is a result of learning to share and work with other people. I have entered the scary world of production and realised that it's actually all a big experiment. I never thought that I had found a "sound" - I was a girl and a piano, and I could hear lots of things in my head but had no way of getting them out. Working with other people on a highly creative level has been such a blessing, and allowed me to explore!

How much involvement do you have with the video production, as there's a definite thematic style which is just lovely. 

Thank you! I have a lot of involvement. I produced 'Yellow Circles' myself, and the video was directed by the amazing Daniel Broadley. I had a clear concept in my head of what I wanted it to look like - I chose all the colours, painted all the plasterboards myself (the day before I was up until 4am with tubs of B&Q paint flying around my kitchen), chose my outfit, designed my make up (which the amazing Bella Murchie brought to life), and had a heavy role in the editing. It was an amazing team of people that helped me make it become real, and I am very grateful to them. 

Your voice sounds like it's mellowed a lot and is a lovely mix of soft, honey tones with a punchier tonality. Would you agree?

Well thank you! I couldn't really say. All I know is that they say you hit your vocal prime at 30, so I am looking forward to that... 

Can we see you at a venue near us any time soon or will we have to wait until a single/album release? 

I will hopefully be touring early next year after I release the next EP! The live show is going to be really exciting and I want to ensure that when I go out on the road I am completely ready and in control.

Who/what are your current influences and does travel affect this? 

My influences are the people and places around me - more than ever. Travelling is amazing. I love that you do things you never would at home, even if it's sitting in a cafe and writing for a few hours. People do and go and say whatever they want when they are away from their normal lives. It's so liberating. I actually wrote some of the EP whilst I was in Amsterdam. I rented a piano and an apartment and wrote. What a treat! You are completely yourself, and not dictated by anything or anyone else in the world. Bliss. 

Happiness is... doing what you love with the people you love. All day. Every day. 

Success is.... doing what you love and achieving a sense of accomplishment/recognition.

Failure is... not doing what you love. We should all follow whatever our insides are telling us. Always. 

Life is... all about exploring, taking risks, going on adventures, meeting lots of people, persevering, learning and being brave!

You can listen to LAYLA here; /http://listentolayla.com/  and be sure to check out her video too, they call it mellow yellow...

Mary & Milly

Sweet and stylish, Mary & Milly is an up and coming independent label named after the founder, Poppy's grandmothers. Aiming to capture their classic, elegant ensembles, I chat to Poppy to see how she's kept their styles live and kicking.

So, where did the idea for Mary & Milly emerge from and how important was creating the brand?

The idea emerged from my love of fashion as I studied fashion and marketing and wanted to set up my own business when I was older. Initially, I wanted to go into buying, which I did in the final year of my degree in a buying department in Manchester. When that came to an end due to a temporary contract, I decided to make my dream a reality and set up on my own. 

Mary & Milly has a lot of meaning to me as I was very close to both grandmas. It was so important to follow my dream - I always think if you enjoy what you do you will naturally work even harder at it.

Was it an easy process and what kept you motivated along the way?

It wasn't an easy process as such but, I had a lot of support from my family, friends and boyfriend, which was very important in helping me have the courage to set up! I think the business name itself has kept me motivated and still does - I want to make something of my grandma's names.

Have they been your influence in terms of style? Although very stylish, I don't think mine, 'Willowmeina and Majorie' would have the same ring to it!

Yes! My business is based on their style with Mary being more classic and Milly, more vintage. I loved both of their styles and would often wear/use their scarves, jumpers cardigans and handbags. I would get lots of compliments too which was nice! I have entwined this vintage and classic style into the business, yet have sourced everything from new, myself. My style icons would be Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham and Keira Knightley, who have influenced how I select items.

Surely you must have had the odd fashion faux - pas?!

Oh yes, it has to be a red shirt and black tie combination when I was younger and experimenting with my style. It makes me cringe but style evolves and I would definitely not wear that now!!

Shirt and tie combos aside, what would your advice be to others wanting to pursue similar paths?

To others I would say enjoying what you do is one of the most important things - work is a big part of your life and will be for some time - you might as well enjoy it! My life motto is seize the day.

What are your plans for the future?

My own website is currently being developed, so waiting to go live with that, which is exciting! Then growing the brand so that is is widely recognised and loved! There's potential for a menswear range too, so look out boys!

Where can we see your lovely stock?

You can come and see us at pop up shops all over England. We are currently at UCLan on Mondays, Edge Hill University on Tuesdays and Lancaster University on Thursdays. And, of course if you can't make it, you can shop 24/7 worldwide on ASOS Marketplace, www.maryandmilly.co.uk, or you can even book your very own home party!