Weekend Inspiration #2

I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented knitwear designer Jylie Navarro recently.  Based in the U.K., she runs a successful Etsy shop and sells in the Asos Marketplace as well.  Her clothes are vibrant creations that have much spunk and attitude to them.  Her technique encompasses prints, textures, and visually dazzling color combinations. 

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A DESIGNER? AND, WHY KNITWEAR IN PARTICULAR?

I always wanted to be a designer since I was a kid. I've always been very creative and preferred to form pieces around the body. It wasn't until I was taught knit in college that I took up an interest in that. I find it more creative process as you get to design the fabric as well as the piece you are creating.

DESCRIBE THE JYLIE NAVARRO GIRL. WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY WEARS YOUR DESIGNS?

I don't  think there is a specific girl for Jylle Navarro Knit, nor person. I find my clients range between Harajuku teens, to drag queens, to 60 year old punk legends, as well as everyone in between. I'd never restrict my clothes to a certain type of person. 

HOW DO YOU THINK BEING FROM THE U.K. HAS SHAPED YOUR INTEREST IN KNITS, AS IT HAS HAD LONG HISTORY OF THE CRAFT.
I actually try and avoid it if possible as I don't want to be stereotypical. I am very much a London Designer but only because I live here. I would do the same style anywhere else in the world. I try not to let things like that influence me.
DESIGNERS AND CREATORS ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF INSPIRATIONS OR SOMETHING THAT IS VISUALLY STIMULATING. HOWEVER, AS A DESIGNER MYSELF, I FIND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO BE INSPIRED AT TIMES. WHAT DO YOU DO IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS? IS THERE A PLACE OR A METHOD FOR YOU TO ALWAYS GET SOME SORT OF INSPIRATION FROM?
I rarely have a problem with inspiration. I'm very good with ideas. My problem is that I develop them too quickly for them to be made up.  At this point in time, I'm already thinking of two seasons ahead, easily. 

WHICH DESIGNERS OR ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE?
Quite a few. People like Francis Bacon, Hans Belmer, Flora SigisMondi, Alan Moore, Saul Williams, Dick Valentine, Issey Miyake, Terry Richardson, John Waters... many more I'm sure.

HOW IMPORTANT IS INTERNET MEDIA (SUCH AS ONLINE ADVERTISING, FACEBOOK, BLOGS, ETC...) AS A TOOL FOR UP AND COMING FASHION DESIGNERS, IF AT ALL ?
I think it's extremely important. It's basically your main connection to everything you want to do with your work. I think you have to spend as much time promoting your work and contacting people about your work online as you spend creating it.

You can find Jylie Navarro knits at her website, or at her Asos store. 

https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/jylle-navarro

http://jyllenavarro.co.uk/