Danielle Foster – creative craftsmanship

From the many aspects of leather to 40s erotica and bondage, we talk to the girl who is set to become a household name in accessory design.

What inspires you to start designing?

It can’t be forced; I will just see something that interests me and start designing from there. It can start from everyday objects, to researching artists and photographers. Some artists that I love are Daisy Gem, Peony yip, John Swannell and Helmut Newton.

What attracted you to accessories rather than apparel?

While studying an Art and Design foundation (course) at the London College of Fashion we got to take part in different workshops and I had a natural flair with accessories. I just understood the products better and loved the challenge of working with 3D shapes in leather. It was a whole new thing for me and there are so many aspects to leather; it’s a fun and interesting material to work with.

A lot of clothing designers branch out into accessories – would you ever design clothes?

I have thought of it and it was my first interest in design but my priorities are to go into small leather goods and jewellery. I really enjoy designing accessories.

What type of audience do you think your products appeal to?

Women around the ages 22 – 28, someone that cares about their appearance and wants to stand out effortlessly. There is a slight grunge feel to my products but they still maintain an elegant look.

Where does the inspiration of 40s erotica, bondage and torture come from and how does this translate into the products?

I have always had a huge interest in the human body and I suppose it just generated from this. I get inspired from looking at the different shapes that the body forms and there are so many aspects to the body to research, such as the nerve system, the skeleton, tattooing, and piercings, it’s never ending. I just find it so interesting, and also the way people think is another intriguing part.

Do you have any designers who you admire; are there any that you’d love to collaborate with?

I really like Phoebe English, I think this would be a fun collaboration; I also love Bjorg jewellery.

Have you had any career highlights so far?

Being named one of the best 100 bags on Vogue.com was definitely a highlight and also getting my new AW13 jewellery requested and shot for Another magazine in New York was incredible for me. But one of the main highlights for me is hearing people say to my family or friends that they love Danielle Foster’s bags and not knowing that they are related to me, this is very surreal and shows that my hard work is paying off slowly and that my brand is becoming known.  

What are your plans for the future and where do you hope to see the brand going?

I would like to see my products stocked in boutiques in the UK and throughout the rest of the world. I would also like to start taking part in pop-up boutiques, and to have a stand-alone shop is obviously the dream!

Talicia Ramsay

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