D-Mop | Backstage Magazine
D-Mop Backstage Magazine is in stores today :)
Here is the interview in English:
Why did you move from UK to China then decided to base in Hong Kong?
I studied Clothing Design and Manufacture in the UK so that I would have a good degree to move to China with, I have always wanted to experience life in the East. It always seemed so exotic and exciting and I was desperate to come and explore this part of the world. Once I discovered Hong Kong, I knew I had found my new home here :)
What do you love most about being an illustrator?
I think it is the ability to support myself doing something I truly love everyday.
How did you develop your signature style as an artist?
I studied and worked in fashion, and this has been an enormous influence on my work. My style has evolved and developed continuously in the last decade and I’m sure it will continue to do so.
I know you’ve worked with lots of luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands, could you tell us your most impressive working experience?
I had a crazy moment earlier this year when I knew I had made the right decision to go freelance full time, when a luxury fashion brand called me whilst I was on the phone to a hotel group and I was simultaneously trying to reply to another fashion brand via email about an upcoming event!
One of my most impressive feats this year, for me, was illustrating for Christian Louboutin. I used to stand outside their store in London and gaze longingly at their beautiful shoes, so being asked to draw their new collection was a dream come true.
How would you describe your personal dressing style?
I like to mix vintage pieces with high street. It’s a mixture of retro glamour and ultimate comfort.
What’s your favorite fashion brand? Why?
I mostly like to collect secondhand pieces that usually have no recognisable label. I do have a particular fondness for McQueen, gothic and romantic are two of my favourite aesthetics.
What are your top 5 favorite items from wardrobe? Why?
My vintage purple dress, it cost me $100 and it's so elegant and a gorgeous colour
Orange stilettos from Topshop, I'm a huge fan of bright colours and the heels are fierce.
My Belstaff jacket - I've had it for forever and it gets more comfortable ever winter that I wear it.
black hat, a classic winter staple.
Alexander McQueen scarf - I use scarves constantly, they are ridiculously versatile.
Do you have any style icon or muse?
Everyone to me is a potential muse and style icon, from celebrities and bloggers I follow online, to the people I meet at events or see on the streets. I'm constantly scouting for inspiration.
What are your must-have beauty products?
A good hair conditioner for me is an absolute necessity, my hair suffers in the humidity!
My favourite make up product is a bright lipstick and I love Bobbi Brown’s ‘Bright Poppy’ and Chanel’s ‘Pirate’ :)
Do you have any hobbies? Can you tell us how you spend your leisure time?
I am an avid trail runner and if I am not in the studio, you can guarantee that you’ll find me on a mountain running! I love the freedom and space of being in nature.
Where do you hang out in Hong Kong? Any secret finds you can let us in on?
I'm usually found at a friends apartment, all my friends seem to be blessed with fancy terraces or rooftops, so I like to hangout there.
My favourite bar in Hong Kong is Nivarna in Sheung Wan, it's no frills with a wicked vibe and the best spicy minced pork I've ever tried in HK.
What do you miss most about UK?
My friends and family, and the V&A museum in London.
What inspires you currently?
I've just completed a charity arts workshop in Cambodia where we made masks, and the children's innocence and approach to the project gave me a lot of fresh energy.
What’s your recent plan of work and life?
I am planning to launch my online shop in 2016, I want to expand into illustrated merchandise, and I'm going to start a series of fashion illustration workshops.
Can you share your recent music playlist with us?
My favourite artist at the moment is Jain, but my Spotify is crammed with everyone from Otis Redding to Major Laser.