Meet our Designers.
In the lead up to the University of Edinburgh Fashion Society’s charity show, I got the opportunity to talk to the amazing designers. Learning about their brand inspirations, and their own personal style. So, before you go and enjoy the show here is an introduction to the designers!
Aarya Shinde
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: Hey, I’m Aarya Shinde, an Indian student currently studying in the UK. Fashion has always been more than just clothing for me—it’s a way to celebrate culture, craftsmanship, and identity. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by beautiful textiles, intricate embroidery, and a deep appreciation for handmade artistry, which shaped my design perspective. I admire Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who brings history and heritage into modern fashion, Rahul Mishra for his incredible hand embroidery and sustainable approach, and Gaurav Gupta, who pushes boundaries with sculptural silhouettes. Their ability to blend tradition with contemporary design is something I find really inspiring.
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: My designs are deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship but with a contemporary edge. I love working with traditional techniques—whether it's intricate embroidery, drapery, or handcrafted textiles—and reinterpreting them in a way that feels modern and wearable. I focus on structured yet fluid silhouettes, rich textures, and designs that celebrate heritage while feeling fresh and relevant.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A: I specialize in blending Indian textiles with structured silhouettes. I love working with intricate embroidery, tailoring, and draping techniques inspired by traditional Indian garments like saris and lehengas but transforming them into contemporary forms. Whether it’s layering textures, playing with fabric manipulation, or constructing a perfectly fitted jacket, craftsmanship is at the heart of my work.
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I am deeply drawn to handwoven textiles like Banarasi silk, Chanderi, and Kanjeevaram because they hold such rich cultural value. I also love lightweight fabrics like organza and chiffon for their movement. Indian textiles are so diverse, and they definitely shape how I design—sometimes, the fabric itself inspires the silhouette, whether it’s soft and flowing or structured and bold.
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: My personal style is a mix of classic and statement pieces, much like my designs. I love clean, structured silhouettes but always with a unique detail—maybe an interesting cut, embroidery, or a bold color. While my designs might be more intricate, my personal style leans towards understated elegance with Indian influence?
Q: Does any historical fashion inspire you or you utilise in your brand aesthetic?
A: Absolutely! Indian fashion history is a huge inspiration for me. I love the regal embroidery of the Mughal era, the elegance of draped textiles from ancient India, and the bold, structured silhouettes of the royal Indian courts. I also find inspiration in the textile movements of the Khadi revolution, which emphasize sustainability and handcrafted excellence.
Q: If you could meet any designer, dead or alive, who would it be? and why?
A: I would love to meet Sabyasachi Mukherjee. His ability to bring Indian heritage to a global stage while keeping the soul of craftsmanship alive is something I deeply admire. His storytelling through fabrics, patterns, and textures is incredible, and I’d love to understand his thought process and creative journey.
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: I’m proud of designs where I’ve been able to merge traditional Indian techniques with modern silhouettes. One of my favorites was a structured coord set using solapuri chaddar (Blanket), combining sharp tailoring with delicate touch of beadwork on it. I also love working with sari draping techniques and reinterpreting them into contemporary, wearable designs.
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: I joined because I see fashion as a platform to celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality. It’s exciting to showcase my designs in a space where creativity is at the forefront. Being part of a fashion show allows me to push my creative boundaries, experiment with ideas, and connect with people who share a passion for design. Plus, bringing Indian influences to an international audience is something I’m really excited about
Lucy Lambard
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: I’ve been really into Junya Watanabe recently, especially the way he plays with structure and fit, which is definitely going to peek through in my designs. I've always loved Vivienne Westwood and would probably say she was my main inspiration when I started liking fashion, although I used to sew clothes for my dolls with my granny as a kid (who is Greek, another inspiration for my pieces). Honourable mention to Kim Kassas, everything she produces blows my mind.
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: I feel like a lot of the things I create take everyday pieces and change the fit, structure, fabric etc to be more attention grabbing and interesting. Though this is still something I'm figuring out, which makes designing even more fun.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A:Honestly no idea, I’m still really experimenting with this
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I have always loved draping fabrics like chiffon, I think the way they fall is so stunning and unique to every piece and I love the feminine effect they give otherwise androgynous clothing.
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: My style is more streetwear oriented than a lot of my designs, which I would say are often more feminine than the way I dress day to day.
Q: Does any historical fashion inspire you or you utilise in your brand aesthetic?
A: I absolutely adore menswear and taking historically masculine silhouettes or pieces and giving them a feminine angle. This doesn’t shine through much on this collection but some of my future projects focus on this so stay tuned!
Q: If you could meet any designer, dead or alive, who would it be? and why?
A: Vivienne Westwood. I adore her. She invented punk. what an absolute fashion legend
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: In this collection I think my Hera inspired piece might be my favourite, just because of the Vivienne influences and the more intricate details.
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: I've always sort of created every now and then and never given myself the space to allow for building my designing identity which I'm starting to realise I just love doing. There's nothing more fun than conceptualising and coming out with a physical manifestation of an idea.
Kira Margolis
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: I started KMD during Covid in 2020 after trying to find a new pandemic hobby. Crochet really spoke to me not just because of its meditative effect but because of its slow fashion techniques and ability to merge old crafts with new styles.
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: I would describe my items as versatile - my goal is not only to create something unique but also something that will last in your closet for a long time.
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I love high contrast patterns which feature heavily throughout my work. I also love experimenting with different patterns, textures, and aesthetics so there is always something new to discover.
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: I think my personal style is very different from my designs. My friends often joke they never see me wear colour yet my garments tend to feature a lot of different colours and patterns. Opposites attract!
Q: Does any historical fashion inspire you or you utilise in your brand aesthetic?
A: Because crochet is a relatively old technique, I get a lot of inspiration from previous eras; however, I love experimenting with new ways to interpret old craft.
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: This is my third year with the Fashion Society at their show. I went from being the only designer to being one of many and it has been such a wonderful experience to watch them grow. I cannot wait for this year’s show!
Orin Annand
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: My design style exists at the intersection of avant-garde fashion, sustainability, and conceptual storytelling. My work aims to challenge convention, while inviting wearers and spectators to enter the dystopian world of ODA, where fashion is not worn, but lived.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A: Through bold deconstruction, upcycling, printmaking and handcrafted textile manipulation, I aim to transform garments into immersive narratives - reflecting themes of climate crisis, societal decay, and resilience.
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: Each piece from this collection is a fusion of experimental art and traditional craftsmanship, with the goal being to create thought-provoking fashion while centering sustainability, diversity, and queer identity at its core.
Órla Ní Eadhra
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: My name Órla, I am a designer from the Highlands. I'm a language-turned-fashion student who loves sustainable fashion and pushing myself with sewing. I started sewing in school and really got into it over lockdown, and haven't stopped since!
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: My designs are usually very conceptual and individual - I like making one-off designs for fun rather for the sake of it.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A: My speciality is my use of unconventional materials and techniques, I love using 3d wire and second hand materials to give my outfits more intrigue! I will try any silhouette or style as long it's teaching me something new.
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I love anything weird and fun, as well as my favourite colours which are greys and greens (as well as a pop of orange!)
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: My personal style is quite subdued, so I love to show my creativity through my sewing and projects
Q: If you could meet any designer, dead or alive, who would it be? and why?
A: I would love to meet Craig Green, I love his designs
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: I am the most proud of my designs from last year's charity fashion show, as I really pushed myself with using materials such as bicycle chains and cables, and old ties!
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: I wanted to be in the Fashion society charity fashion show as I love to support a good cause through my sewing and art, as well as pushing myself to create new designs and learning new skills through fashion!
Matilda Snowdon
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: I was christened in a ruined abbey, and thus condemned to a gothic aesthetic within days of birth. I've always leaned into the overdramatic and living in rural Yorkshire my main exposure to subcultures was through music and the Whitby goth weekend. As a child I found my great grandmother's sewing chest fascinating, it was perfectly preserved from the 1910s. I learnt sewing and lace making through it, then gradually paired those with my leather working and silversmithing.
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: To me clothing is both protective and expressive. I take inspiration from gothic Romanticism, historic works, and designers such as Carlo Nason, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A: The most recognisable feature of my work is probably the colour scheme; dark with metallic details. I try to contrast natural forms and drape with man-made textures or harsh angles.
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I personally prefer to work almost exclusively in natural fibres both for environmental reasons and for the quality of the final piece. I source my materials from fabric recycling centers, industrial offcuts, and reclaimed antique pieces.
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: I'm not sure I could be described as goth from a modern pop culture standpoint, but certainly gothic. I tend towards all black in silk, wool, and leather, with a dramatic silhouette, floor length dresses and coats, oversized collars and sleeves, paired with antique jewellery, and always heeled black boots. I do own a pair of jeans and while I appreciate the convenience they provide I object to the uniformity of high street fashion, I think the consumer is given an illusion of choice devoid of real self expression.
Q: Does any historical fashion inspire you or you utilise in your brand aesthetic?
A: I think when considering sustainability it's important to reference historical techniques, the value and impact of clothing was far more tangible, a piece would take weeks to hand sew and would be repaired for decades after. When sewing for myself, I want pieces that will last the rest of my life, and so tend towards historic methods. On an aesthetic level I draw inspiration from the curated details and structured silhouettes of the late renaissance and early Victorian eras.
Q: If you could meet any designer, dead or alive, who would it be? and why?
A: My initial response was Alexander McQueen as I admire the dramatic and immersive nature of his work, but on reflection I'd have to switch to Vivienne Westwood, her involvement in the early punk and new romantic scene, and her criticism of global politics and society would probably make for more interesting conversation.
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: I don't tend to take pride in my work, I'm highly critical of my own designs and construction, that being said I have a choker made of my great great grandmothers charm bracelet, as well as other antique pendants I've added, and a chatelaine I restored with chain mail which I wear almost every day. I think the fact that I've only altered and restored these pieces rather than fully made them gives them immunity from my criticism.
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: I want to focus more on my identity as a designer, this show allows creative freedom and is for a good cause
Fiona Pazari
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself (what designers do you admire, how did you get started, what is the inspiration etc.)
A: Hi, I am Fiona, I am a first year Law LLB student from Ontario, Canada. I have been a dancer since I was 3 and grew up in the competitive world surrounded by extravagant costumes, glitter, and hairspray. I started drawing designs for dance costumes and figure skating dresses when I was 7 years old, my first inspirations were definitely all the costumes I wore, and dreamed of wearing.
Q: How would you describe your brand?
A: I always aspire to have my designs described as elegant, classy, and sophisticated.
Q: What is your speciality? Silhouette? Patterns? Construction? Etc
A: My specialty is design, fashion illustration, and styling. This is my first time having my drawn designs be made into real-life garments.
Q: What materials are you drawn too? Do they impact how you design?
A: I am typically drawn to materials that are easy to move in such as ones that I have worn costumes from which can impact my designs to be comfortable to wear and be a touch costume-like. I am also drawn to the sheen of fabrics like organza and silk.
Q: How does your own personal style compare to your brand?
A: My personal style is quite on track with my designs, I love to design business-casual garments and evening dresses and gowns, and I believe that I dress in accordance with my designs, as I design pieces I would like to one-day wear myself. I also get inspiration for my designs for pieces that I believe would be useful to me such as the activewear and sports costumes that I design.
Q: Does any historical fashion inspire you or you utilise in your brand aesthetic?
A: I love to look at the costumes the Vaudeville tap dancers wore in the 1920s.
Q: If you could meet any designer, dead or alive, who would it be? and why?
A: Coco Chanel. I have always loved the elegance of her designs, the innovation she brought into creating more feminine versions of previously popular garments that were seen as more masculine. I also connect to her roots being similar to mine as a performer. When I am not reading legal textbooks, I am reading books on Coco Chanel, her designs, and her life.
Q: What designs are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of my first designs of jazz costumes I drew up as a 7 year old. Since then I would say I am most proud of my themed outfits such as looks I made inspired by animals including butterflies, panthers, and snakes, I am proud of how I am able to incorporate the themes intentionally into every element of the look from the bodice, hair, makeup, shoes, and accessories.
Q: Why have you joined the Fashion Soc charity fashion show?
A: I joined the fashion society show because it will be the first time I have produced my design sketches and to support the amazing charity cause. I am so excited to be featured alongside other amazingly talented designers and to be part of the team
@uoefashionsociety
I hope this interview has given you some insight into the designers behind the charity fashion show. This year's fashion show is on the 10th of March at Greyfriars kirkyard. The theme this year is Ethereal Beings, with all proceeds going to Solidaritee. The Fashion Society can not wait to see you there!
If you want to get a ticket, you can still purchase one by scanning the QR code on this image!