This week we had the super-talented Phoebe English come into the #ELLEFashionCupboard to chat about her dream-like ideas and her ethereal spirit, which shine through her clothing. We particularly loved the nude 'inside-out' latex pencil skirt and box top – which has made latex both wearable and totally desirable (and we thought only Kim K could pull off latex).
This paint and mesh skirt, which she collaborated on with artist and friend Helen Bullock comes in black and white. We definitely need both.
1) What item would be in your fantasy fashion cupboard?
An amazing coral tiara in the V&A from the 1850s, for mermaid-inspired board meetings.
2) If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
I did want to be an actress, until I accidentally became a designer. So I'd be an actress or a director.
3) What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My dreams. It’s always 3am in the morning when you can’t sleep or often in that subconscious stage of nearly being asleep when inspiration hits and I have to scribble it down. I have wallpaper lining behind my bed – so I can just write on the wall. There are lots of weird, badly spelt scribbles on there!
4) The one fashion item you most want to buy now?
More of a future fashion item but I would love a piece from the Galliano for Margiela collection – I would like to pre-order even though I don’t know what it will look like.
5) What’s your motto?
If it doesn’t make you feel high, don’t make it. That’s my working motto.
