1. When did you start your fashion career?

A very short time ago. Actually I am a fine artist who discovered digital print technology and how it relates to fine fabrics. 
 
In NYC where we have it all, I was able to uncover cutting edge digital fabric printing with results that created a wow factor for my art.  http://www.printinifabric.com/  And realising this taking my design and iconography and making the leap from say one dimension into two for me was the key. A Year and a half tops.

2. What inspired you to become a designer?

Once I was able to transfer hue for hue my large scale oil paintings onto exceptional silks and wools and leather and consider draping and silhouettes and trend alerts I was hooked at creating wearable art.
 
There is little that matches the excitement of a sexy runway show not even a great rock band because it's very hard to have that many world class girls playing guitars.

3. What does an average day/week consist of? (If there is such a thing!)

I wake up at 4 am daily or 5am and then paint until the fumes make me sick and then I head up to sample factory or printer to oversee what's cooking or field calls – I am always on the phone trying to push the project forward. 

4. What are the best and worst aspects of your job?

I wake up knowing that between the painting, music and working with fit models my days without question are satisfied at least creatively anyway. The worst part is waking up at 4am to get everything done like a pig farmer or worse a morning TV newscaster.
 
5. Are there any words of wisdom you would pass on or anything you wish you had known at the start of your career?

You need PR and lots of it. Hype, of the right kind, and a circle of the right girls wearing your stuff you cannot design in a vacuum. 

Try and show whenever and often and submit to showcases and emerging designer events like Nolcha Fashion Week http://www.nolcha.com/ and try and exhibit abroad to gauge reaction.  Forums like Fashion-Enter's and others are great for exposure to your target audience.

6. What are your inspirations?

Inspirations? Mattise Chagall, Picasso, Beckman, Pucci, Lauren, Chanel, Westwood, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin.  
 
7. How will you develop your collection in the future?

Developing an entire lifestyle brand around my art and design. Currently I make wall tapestries and ceramics and functional furniture and design accents to support my large scale figurative and interior oil works. 

Making truly wearable art, and since I have an art auction record (in fact this June I have six pieces that were put up by a private collector to Bonham's action house in Manhattan.  http://www.bonhams.com/ ) I think my design's have a unique artistic vision that is simply timeless.
 
I have also been interested in jewellery and shoes, always keeping this concept of wearable  art.

8. What are you most looking forward to in the future regarding your career?

I am most interested in fusing the world of art and fashion they make for a sexy couple. For me having my music there too is the ultimate…  www.myspace.com/tuffloveclub…live. Music on runway and singing to the models as they catwalk is a gas.

Please see Ritz carton video at http://www.digitalookbook.com/

Quick Fire Questions

First job?

Worked as a grip for a film lighting company

Favourite brand/label?

Hard to say. Pucci or Chanel or Lauren maybe

Favourite artist?

Picasso, Mattise, Renior

Favourite music?

Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, Doors, Miles Davis, Tuff Love
www.myspace.com/tuffloveclub

Favourite book?

Tropic of Cancer Henry Miller

Person you admire most?

Picasso

Must have item for next season?

Silky sweater dress with intarsia design or my sexy art dress or top.