I was recently given
the opportunity to interview Sheila Toor, Senior Designer for the Therapy Brand at the +House of Fraser The Therapy line aims
to interpret catwalk trends, being fashionable, but not too fashion forward at
an affordable price.
Here is what I asked:
That’s when I knew that fashion design was the career for me. Even today, I’m still as passionate about crafting clothing as my eleven-year-old self was back then. The only difference is that I now steer clear of those dodgy fabrics!
Personally, I would love to see a revival of 1940s fashion. The era’s flattering, feminine dresses perfectly enhanced a woman’s hourglass shape, while the beautiful floral prints were just to die for. Ladies always looked effortlessly elegant and, of course, drop-dead gorgeous!
I live by the mantra that as long as you feel great, you’ll look a million dollars. Choose items you like, prints you adore and clothes you feel comfortable in. After all, confidence is the most important part of any outfit.
Here is what I asked:
What
inspired you to get into fashion design?
From a young age, I
have always been fascinated by clothes. My love of fashion design, however,
started when I was 11 years old, after I made a pair of jodhpurs as part of a
project. I made them from a horrible scratchy fabric but I didn’t care — I was
so proud and I thought I looked great! That’s when I knew that fashion design was the career for me. Even today, I’m still as passionate about crafting clothing as my eleven-year-old self was back then. The only difference is that I now steer clear of those dodgy fabrics!
If you
had the chance to be able to dress anyone, who would it be and why?
Now this is a really
difficult question! I’m always most excited to dress those who are similar to
me and have a real passion for fashion. Someone who has their own unique style
and whose eyes light up as they spot the rail of clothes are the most enjoyable
to work with.
Vintage-style prints and shaping are becoming ever
more popular. What trends from the past
would you like to see return and which do you wish had never happened?
I think we’d all
rather forget the questionable styles of the new-romantic era in the late
1980s. I mean seriously, what were we thinking!?Personally, I would love to see a revival of 1940s fashion. The era’s flattering, feminine dresses perfectly enhanced a woman’s hourglass shape, while the beautiful floral prints were just to die for. Ladies always looked effortlessly elegant and, of course, drop-dead gorgeous!
The
plus-size market is quickly growing momentum with more people than ever wanting
the same fashion available to them as the straight-size ranges. Do you think more fashion brands should
incorporate a plus-size range?
Totally! Ladies
should be able to express their individual style however they choose and should
not be limited by something as silly as a garment’s size label. As attitudes
change, I’m certain we’ll see more and more brands including plus-size clothes
in their range as standard.
There are many rules that women obey when it comes
to fashion, especially when you are a size 16 plus. Do you believe that fashion rules should be
obeyed or is your own sense of style more important?
I’m all for
individuality and the beauty of fashion is its versatility. Life would be
boring if everyone dressed the same, so I definitely rate individuality over
style rules. I live by the mantra that as long as you feel great, you’ll look a million dollars. Choose items you like, prints you adore and clothes you feel comfortable in. After all, confidence is the most important part of any outfit.
