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brendaLondon College of Fashion graduate Brenda Slot has teamed up with students of Kingston University to showcase the designs of her brand L’AKOT at the ACS Kings and Queens inter-university beauty pageant.

brenda1What are your thoughts on the event?
I did it last year and applied again, so that should answer it for you.

How would you describe the style of the clothes you make?
Couture, ready to wear, evening attire, and women’s wear.

How would you describe your personal style?
Sleek, chic, sexy, tidy, unique.

If you could pick a famous model to wear your clothes who would it be and why?
Gisele Bündchen.

How did you get into fashion?
I was and still am a model. From the age of 16 I was always involved in fashion in some way.

What makes your designs stand out from the rest?
There’s that element of freshness, sophistication, and independence in the style. I believe women should always feel sexy, admired and treated with respect so I try and design to that nature, with the use of colours, and contoured shapes, that emphasis on the woman’s natural shape.

Who is your favourite designer and why?
Versace, because of the same reason why I design the way I do, I have always admired the shapes they create, with that strong element of an independent, sexy woman who knows what she wants. The use of colours, shapes and prints is just to perfection.

Do you have a muse?
Victoria Beckham.

What is most challenging about your work?
The unpicking of mistakes made on a garment, then having to re sew the same area.

What are some of the perks of being a fashion designer?
I can draw and sew so the world is my oyster. It’s the most fun, seeing a creation made from a dream. The rewards are huge, and can be bigger.

If you weren’t designing clothes, what would you like to be doing?
his is my destiny; I will always be a designer. I went to the best university for what I believe is my career and hobby so there would have never been any other option as I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist from the age of 12.

What are your favourite hobbies?
Creating new designs, drawing, reading about history and myths.

What would you say to someone thinking of getting into fashion?
If you really want it, go for it, you have nothing to lose, and just be prepared to be rejected a few times. The more rejections the closer you get….well that’s what I believe as it opens doors for things you really need in your life.

Tell me about the contestants/students that you are working with to win the competition?
They’re a very beautiful couple from Kingston University. Willing to work hard and achieve their best, I think I have the best team.

What can we expect to see at the ACS Kings and Queens event?
A collaboration of art and music from all over the UK. A professional showcase that provides a platform for up and coming designers etc. Fun and light, a place also to network with the professionals.

What would it mean to you if you won?
A lot, anything I win means everything. It drives me to keep it moving, and makes it possible to achieve more. The thought that someone out there believes in my work, really inspires me to do more.

What’s your end goal in the fashion industry?
To be the most influential black female fashion designer worldwide.

Do people recognise your designs?
Sometimes yes, but I have only taken things to the next level last year, so now people are aware of what I’m all about.

Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion?
It’s an expansion of my dreams displayed on the human body.

What do you think about fashion industry? Is it as bad as they say?
If you are destined to succeed in any career you will survive the negative feedback, and the critical feedback. I don’t believe that anyone who wants to succeed should even care; you live once so someone’s opinion, that isn’t relevant, should not be taken too seriously. And if there is criticism then, it means that person cares about what you have to offer so every advice should be taken with a pinch of salt, because only your guts will tell you if something is right or not.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Keep it moving, no matter what happens in between, keep make believing.

www.africanartandheritage.co.uk

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