Page 5 - link magazine

swindonlink.com February 2009 5
Swindon designer fashions a career in New York

Freelance designer Andrew Holden, right, was once told by teachers at Hreod Parkway School in the late
1980s to forget art and fashion and take a computer course. Luckily he ignored their advice and is now the
US based contributing fashion editor for Grazia magazine and has launched his own range of menswear.
Looking back, he says it is a "1 love and miss London but it
miracle that he managed to get can be very draining. New York,
into the prestigious Goldsmith's however, can be very energizing.
College in London, where he There have been a lot of opportu-
studied Costume and Scenic nities for me here; the hurdles are
Design. Having dropped out of higher but achievable. In London,
his A level art course, he won his it often feels like you're working
place at art college with two A really hard and never getting
levels and what he describes as a anywhere." does come across some larger than
lot of attitude. While shooting fashion editori- life characters.
As a teenager living in Hayden als for Grazia and preparing for "Trust me when I say it is not as
WickAndrew would devour mag- fashion shows in New York, Lon- glamorous as everyone seems to
azines like Blitz and The Face and don, Paris and Milan, think or how it is por-
make secret journeys to London to Andrew is already trayed in the media,"
soak up the atmosphere. "1 used working on his Con- said Andrew. "I've
to save all my money and take ference of Birds range been lucky enough to
sneaky train trips to go shopping for Spring/ Summer meet, work with and
in Camden and Covent Garden. I 2010. become friends with
used to only buy vintage clothes Over the last a lot of celebrities but
because they were cheaper and few years Andrew they are just regular
more unique." has styled Edward people like you and
At Goldsmith's he worked part- Norton, Matt Dil- me."
time in a vintage clothing store in lon, Benicio Dell Toro and Jack And for those who want to follow
Greenwich. "1 met a lot of people These contacts were invaluable Black. in his footsteps, Andrew's advice is
that way: that's how I ended up and over several years Andrew Recently he was seen out on the straightforward: "Take risks and
working with photographers and became well established as an inde- town with Goldsmith's college mate leaps of faith: no guts, no glory. Oh,
doing shoots for the magazines I pendent stylist for a range of maga- Jamie Hince of The Kills, and his and work hard!"

used to read back in Swindon ten zines, advertising campaigns and girlfriend Kate Moss. See more of Andrew's designs at
years earlier." major brands such as Hugo Boss, Andrew's career may all sound www.conferenceofbirds.net
Nike, Adidas and Dr Martens. like the plot from a TV series or For international purchase:
Andrew took his talents to New film, but Andrew insists that it's www.forwardforward.com
York in 2000 and was approached in nothing like Ugly Betty or The More photos at www.swindonlink.
2006 by Grazia to become their US Devil Wears Prada, although he com
based contributing fashion editor.
"It was an exciting project- Britain's
first weekly fashion magazine,"
he said.
In 2008 Andrew debuted his Con-
ference of Birds range of menswear. 0 fieout
His brand name is taken from a
12th Century Persian poem about
a master leading his pupils to en- of West Swindon
lightenment. He describes his style
as nostalgically modern to reflect
his long standing love of vintage
clothes.
Although he doesn't rule out a
move back to England, for the time scheme now launched
being, life in New York is good. (see left for details)

So Elegant launches a star of a scheme
Perfect for special occasions:
Do you have a dress bought for a special occasion hanging in the
wardrobe when somebody else could look good in it? Proms, Parties, Dinner
So Elegant of West Swindon has launched a STAR Scheme - Second Dance, Formal Cruise,
Time ARound to give customers the chance to realise income from gar- Bridesmaids,
ments that are in perfect condition.
So Elegant partner Diane Wood said the shop at the Basepoint Centre Mother of the Bride or
is in a perfect position to help people sell their special occasion wear and Groom and more!
accessories. "Although we specialise in new evening and cocktail gowns, Sizes 4 - 26
and prom dresses, we know women buy a special dress and wear it a
couple of times, and then don't know what to do with it. 94 Basepoint,
"Our STAR Scheme is designed to give ladies a way of earning money Rivermead Drive,
and the chance for women to see and try previously enjoyed quality
garments at affordable prices." Westlea, Swindon
Call Diane on 608822 for details of selling a dress, or visit So Elegant 01793 608822
during opening hours (see right).
Prom dresses on show. So Elegant supports local schools and will be www.so-elegant.co.uk
holding Prom Fashion Shows at Greendown School on 26 January and
Wootton Bassett School on 9 February. Tickets are available from the
So Elegant store. Open: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm • Saturday lOam - 5pm