An interview with rising designer Daniela D’Amico

Autumn/winter 2014 has been graced with the designs of debut designer, Daniela D’Amico, hot off the Chelsea College of Art, London bandwagon. However D’Amico is no ordinary textiles graduate, after graduating in 2011; she went on to work for Selina Blow as head of design studio, before setting up her own womenswear label this year.

D’Amico’s collection is a cocktail of all that is sexy, modern and completely original, making it the go-to brand this fall.

When did you realise you wanted to design clothes/had a passion for fashion design?

I used to spend long summer holidays with my grandmother, she was amazing at crochet and I’d admire the beautiful things she created and was so envious of her and her focus. Then I discovered the sewing machine, it was an old Singer which had to be wound by hand and I absolutely loved it, I went from sewing pieces of fabric to making patchwork to following patterns and since then it has been my best friend. 

Your latest collection is inspired by your ancestral home of Lake Como, but what generally inspires you the most?

As a child my time was divided between the North and South of Italy and they are two different worlds so I aim to combine the inspiration of the women in the North with the women of Sicily.  Modern Italian art by the likes of Gino Severini and Giacomo Balla combined with traditional British textiles such as the work of William Morris inspires me, too. Claudia Cardinale is also a huge inspiration for me; she’s a strong icon with political liberals, supporting feminist causes, devoting individualism with a sexy style. 

What’s your favourite look for autumn/winter this year and why?

My favourite piece is the Vittoriale jacket in velvet. It marries sexy with androgyny; the soft velvet print combined with the fierce cotton velvet collar forms a beautiful structure. It can be worn as a jacket, coat dress, open or closed.

What advice would you give to upcoming (excuse the pun!) designers?

Stay focused, work hard, don’t let anyone spoil your dream and keep positive people around you.  

What does the future hold for Daniela D’Amico?

I would love for the collection to be seen internationally and perhaps branch into menswear and homeware. 

Naomi May

The collection is currently stocked online and in store at Amaka Design House, Westfield.