Claudia Ligari

...rigorous and effortless, this is an unconventional triumph of femininity; it’s a minimal look that is all about individuality.

Italian born designer Claudia Ligari graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan in 2004. Soon after, she turned down various internships for brands such as Missoni and Alexander McQueen. After moving to London in 2005, she gained a Senior Designer position for a high-street retailer where she focused on tailoring, creating fully marketable collections and a perfect understanding of diverse market demands. She launched her label in Spring Summer 2011. Her collections are exploring a completely different way to express the strength of feminine sensuality with a peculiar androgyny – a signature for the brand. Unpredictably, the garments and materials in her collections persistently refuse to conform. Contradicting forms and fabrics are bringing together chunky and functional shapes with fluid georgette and hammered silks An on going collaboration with textile designer Jenny Leary is giving the collections a strong impact and a new way to experiment with materials and textures. Reoccurring absence of colour always dominates, underlining the typical design feature.

Nothing inspires me like...
the people and their different ways they express themselves with clothes. It’s not about what they wear; it’s how they wear it that inspires me. It’s their attitude, which makes a garment come alive.

I hope...
that one day we will all stop being so greedy and materialistic.

Cultural Influences...
are very fascinating, I discovered really interesting things when I moved in London and learned a lot about different cultures. Everything I see and learn here plays a very important part in my design taste. I’m also happy to come from a country with such a long history that is still connected to its traditions. It makes me the person that I am now and this reflects through my designs.

I got where I am...
through hard work and commitment. People will never believe in you unless you do it first. Never give up.

Fashion can sometimes...
be “inhuman”!! Especially for small designers, it can be very challenging. The time between seasons is just crazy! There are too many things to think about and I believe that often this doesn’t help the creativity. But hey, it’s my choice, it’s up to me to decide whether I want to follow the rules or not.

Money makes...
people become bad people.

Cake makes me...
happy! I love baking. It really relaxes me, it’s the only way to switch off for me.

I suck...
at maths and geography! And photography!

I live East...
London, thinking that I would like to move north!

The earliest memory...
is of me riding a horse on a carousel, it was a sunny day in autumn.

Faith in...
yourself!

Incompetence...
is a waste of time. It really upsets me!

I like making...
handmade things. I’m not into computers at all. I love to make things from scratch, at school I use to experiment more with textiles and trims. Actually, I think I should make more time for that again!

I wouldn't pay for...
Ryanair luggage! It’s insane!

I love getting older...
because it gives you a perception of life that is completely different from when you were young! As you get older your taste changes, making you into a more defined person. I feel with each collection my taste is improving and changing alongside my feelings.

Claudia Ligari on NJAL