| We talk to Carena of 'CARENA WEST'. |
| Written by Sacha Young | |||||
| Monday, 12 September 2011 17:00 | |||||
After falling madly in love with a short-film that Garth Badger shot for 'CARENA WEST' Swimwear, I became intrigued with the label and its inspirations and the concepts behind the range itself. Carena West is definitely an entrepreneurial woman, having studied Fashion and Business (separately) - and then was approached to design a capsule lingerie collection in 2010 and the rest is history. Luckily we had a quick chance to ask Carena about her swimwear label and learn about her cuddly cat Jeffrey...
COUP DE MAIN: Can you share with us a little bit of your background, which lead you to begin 'Carena West'? CARENA WEST: After completing a Fashion Diploma and a business degree, I looked into what I really wanted to do with myself. My family and I have a great love for Summer and anything to do with the beach, so designing swimwear felt like a natural move for me. It’s so rewarding watching/creating something that you love and then have people love your work enough as well to spend their hard-earned money on it. CDM: Where or whom do you draw your inspiration from? CARENA WEST: For this season I have drawn my inspiration from my friends, each of the bikinis has been created for them. I have the sleek/sophisticated friend, the cheeky/fun friend, and the friend that has the effortless style that everyone wants to emulate. This season wasn’t as much a process of collecting inspiration, I was lucky to feel like it was being thrust at me from every direction. CDM: If your label had to be described in three words, what would they be? CARENA WEST: Created with passion. CDM: I love the moving editorial that Garth Badger shot for you, how did you come up with that concept? CARENA WEST: I have worked with Garth on a couple of projects before, and was really excited to be able to work with him on a shoot involving my designs. Garth knew the style and feel I was going for with the shoot, so I put my trust in his handiwork and was not disappointed! We also recently filmed a short underwater video for the label as well. I am lucky as he is very talented.
CDM: What is your all-time favourite fashion purchase? CARENA WEST: It’s a toss-up between my 'Deadly Ponies' clutch and my 'Valentino' handbag. I’m never seen without one of them, they are my lifeline! CDM: What’s your must-have buy for this Spring? CARENA WEST: Some cute day dresses, sunscreen, and an inspiring book in case the weather isn’t kind. CDM: What are three things you can't live without? CARENA WEST: Jeffery, my weird Scottish fold cat (and the source of many giggles during the day). My bed. Roadtrips to help refresh my outlook on life and keep me motivated. CDM: What did you want to be when you were eight years old? CARENA WEST: Dorothy from the 'Wizard Of Oz', I even made the shoes! CDM: If you could witness any event in the past, present or future, what would it be and why? CARENA WEST: I can’t decide between going to Woodstock, or going to Hyde Park in July ’69 to see the Stones... Maybe I can just say 1969 and go to both?! CDM: What is the best piece of advice that you've even been given? CARENA WEST: Stop waiting to live your life, it’s already happening. CDM: Quick tip for all those fashion fiends? CARENA WEST: Never let your friends convince you to buy things that you’re unsure of... one of the key reasons I generally go shopping by myself!
Quick Fire Five: 1. Favourite toy when you were a child? An Alf stuffed toy. Apparently he was my idol. 2. Paisley Shirts? Are best reserved for dress-up parties. 3. Word that never comes out right? Anything that I try to say when I’m tired tends to come out as the word 'salad'. 4. Ice-Cream vs. Ice-Block? Chocolate ice-cream, anytime! 5. Late nights = Are usually worth it on all accounts, but nothing good ever happens after 4AM. Carena West - Swim from Garth Badger on Vimeo. HEART LISTENING = Hall & Oates - 'Talking Heads and The Cars'. HEART WATCHING = I’m watching season one of 'The Wire' (finally). I have a long way to go! HEART READING = Right now I’m reading Michael Caine's 'The Elephant to Hollywood'. HEART IN GENERAL = Double-coated Tim Tams and sleeping in on the weekends.
www.carenawest.com |
