N.O.A

Agatha Hambi loves the darker side of fashion, and I don’t just mean her choice of palette. Edgy lines and simplistic values run deep in her collections. Having had celebrities such as Mother Monster herself wear pieces from her graduate collection, it’s safe to say we can expect great things from this young designer.

What is it that you love about fashion? What inspired you to get into design?

Fashion is ever-changing. It is something that evolves. It is used to be a prominent change from decade to decade, now it is from season to season. What is in one week, could be out the next. That is why I love timeless and classic pieces. I was always fascinated by the different eras of fashion and the culture that comes with them. I have always loved creating and from a young age, I had a fascination with style and how things were carefully put together, to create something beautiful. I used to love dressing up and being or portraying a character, playing the role that the clothes and the jewellery created.

Is there a certain element or aesthetic that you hope to bring to every collection?

My garments are a modern take on a classic look. They have more than one wear to them and can be interpreted differently to every individual. I design my garments in a way that allows the wearer to interpret and accessorize them in their own way.

How would you describe your creative process?

I start by focusing on an era or a mood to inspire me. I then draw on my own personal experiences or feelings that I have had, in order to create a story as a starting point. As my collection develops and the story evolves, I put a lot of emphasis on not only the garments themselves but the overall aesthetic and how they will transfer into a more visual outcome, through photography and video.

Lady Gaga has previously worn pieces from your Graduate Collection, what did it feel like to get such recognition early on?

It is something I really never expected after my graduate collection and is a huge honour. The whole point of being a designer, is wanting people to wear your clothes. So when Lady Gaga wore my dresses, it gave me even more confidence and drive, to do what I love to do.

What other designers inspire you?

Right now I am in love with the designs of Inbor Spector. Her dresses have a dream-like feel to them. I love the techniques that she uses, as well as the colour palettes. She pays attention to detail and her dresses remind me of a fairytale.

Where would you like to see your collections stocked?

I would love to see my collections stocked in Dover Street Market, as everything there has been carefully selected. It has tasteful collections from more well-known designers to newer, up coming designers and it would be amazing to be part of that. I would also like to sell to high-end boutiques both in London and internationally.

What clothes are you usually found in?

I will always be found wearing my evil eye ring, it’s a part of me and I rarely take it off. I like to feel comfortable and don’t like to over complicate my look. I like combining different eras within my outfits, which changes depending on my mood.

What do you have in store for Spring/Summer 2013?

I am still designing with my trademark use of dark colour palettes. The starting point of this collection, was looking at the ‘hip hop’ culture. I looked at breathable, comfortable materials and how the garments could make the wearer feel free. Hip hop is about the freedom of expression, being who you want to be, seeing what you want to see. I want this idea to be apparent within my garments. 

What do you find alluring?

The mystery within a person. I get intrigued and captivated, wanting to know more. I am fascinated by the unknown; but that’s the fun of it, creating stories for the things that you would never know the answers to.