If Cassandra Verity Green was lecturing us right now, we can bet one thing for sure: the Central Saint Martins knitwear graduate won’t be telling us to think outside the box, because that humdrum shape simply doesn’t exist in her realm.
Now think of live goldfish – exactly the kind you used to pester your parents for at the funfair – in handbags and backpacks, swiftly swaying from side to side on the runway, and you might be ticking a few of the talent’s boxes. Despite only graduating last year, Cassandra is already being tipped as one of the hottest new fashion designers in London. Between flying off to Shanghai to showcase a capsule collection, to jet setting to Vicenza to impress Italy’s snazzy buyers, we managed to squeeze ourselves into Cassandra’s diary to find out where and how her ideas progressed…
The Debrief: We're still not over your backpacks and handbags with live goldfish. How did the idea come about?
Cassandra Verity Green: From the very start I had wanted to make rucksacks with an element of transparency and then I thought, why not incorporate goldfish? It's such a British seaside tradition - of winning a fish for a prize at the fair. I combined this with an idea of futuristic fantasy - as civilization becomes more nomadic, will we be able to take our pets with us?
DB: So how difficult was it to transition from the concept, to the actual product? Like, sourcing the goldfish!?
CVG: However much you try and be organised, things always take longer than expected – like the crystal dresses from my graduate collection which took a team of four around two weeks to knit! Time is always a tricky thing when you’re trying to create something unusual. You’re in an unknown territory.
DB: You've just come back from a trip to Shanghai (jealous.) What were you working on?
CVG: I was working with Santoni, a knitting machine manufacturer that specializes in seamless technology, for a capsule collection that showcased at Spinexpo Shanghai. I’ll be working with Santoni in the future too as we’re developing a program for knitwear designers – offering them the chance to be sponsored and work on a capsule collection too. I recommend all designers to watch this space for updates!
DB: Sounds awesome. What did you love most about China?
CVG: I loved trying the new foods. Jellyfish has been the most unusual so far.
DB: Speaking of unusual, we love how unique your work is. Do you think creativity ever has a limit?
CVG: Definitely not! There is so much still to be explored within art and fashion. I encourage people to be as creative as possible and have fun with it.
**DB: In three words or less: what sort of woman do you see wearing your work? **
CVG: Energetic, playful and dynamic.
DB: What's the weirdest reaction you've received after showcasing a collection?
CVG: 'Wow!!'
DB: What can we expect from you next? Anything else live and swimming?
CVG: I’m working on my SS15 collection at the moment. There are some exciting collaborations with Miista footwear and Shaun McGrath.
DB: We can’t wait to see! Thank you.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.