Behind the runway: Nicholas Oakwell

The designer, who counts Tali Lennox as a fan, shared this series of sketches exclusively with ELLE.

‘The AW12 collection is inspired by the lush decadence of 1970’s New York,’ Oakwell said of his inspiration. ‘Moody and luxurious ‘lounge’ environments, low-loft apartments, Expressionist artist Franz Klein and the muted controlled colour palate and mood of the 1978 movie ‘Eyes of Laura Mars.’

Click through the gallery above for a first look at the collection.