Believe in yourself
Launching her first collection called ‘Abeyance’ during the Autumn-Winter London Fashion Week in 2011, Phannatiq has since presented collections each season in both London and Paris respectively. Established by Anna Skodbo, (interviewed below), is inspired by the urban culture of London; the graffiti, broken fences and derelict buildings. Featuring predominantly a monochrome style to her clothes, the phanntiq label includes a diverse range of fabrics and intricate patterns, highlighting the feminine physique. Below is our interview with Anna.
So tell us a little about yourself and how you found yourself designing clothes and starting your own business…
I’ve made things as long as I can remember. We didn’t have a TV in the house so I’d listen to the radio and make things. It started with dolls house dolls and dolls and before long I was making clothes for myself and friends. I guess it was a natural progression to make a business of it.
Phannatiq is an interesting name, what’s the story behind that?
It’s got my name in the middle of it and it’s symmetrical. I made it with a logo in mind
When working on a design, where do you like to draw inspiration from?
My inspiration is drawn from Urban London. Back alleys. Nooks and crannies. Broken and graffitied fences and buildings. Anything not cool (laughs).
Your Autumn/Winter collection boasts an array of dark colours and eclectic patterns. What were you aiming for in this collection?
My signature look is predominantly monochrome with injections of colour and always has a print of something to do with London. This season was no exception. Although it included a few hi visibility reflective strips and vests.
Fashion can be adapted to fit so many styles and different periods. What is your favourite time period/style trend for clothing and how has that impacted your designs?
It’s hard to say although I guess if I had to choose I’d say 80’s/90’s, the impact that these eras have had on my designs are evident in the silhouette’s used, my collection features oversized shoulders and tight fitting trousers, with edgy urban prints!
Where do you hope to go with your fashion label and what is your ambition for the brand?
There are some very exciting things happening at the moment. We are currently developing a diffusion range which will be available to pre order as pledges in a kickstarter campaign launching on June 1st
What is your favourite piece from your collection and why?
I think it’s the Alyth dress made from Harris tweed. I was inspired by an amazing singer and Harris tweed lover Alyth McCormack to make it.
If you could give some advice to some aspiring designers, what would it be?
Work hard and believe in yourself!
You can view Anna’s range at www.phannatiq.com