Ada Zanditon, Founder of Ada Zanditon Ethical Womenswear (INTERVIEW)

Ada Zanditon debuted her ethical womenswear line in 2009 at London’s Fashion Week. The British native was well-received by spectators who took note of her penchant for geometric cuts and origami-inspired detailing. Her unique focus on sustainable textiles have sparked her collaborations with organizations The Bat Conservation Trust and The Seahorse Trust, contributing to her receipt of the 2009 Masters of Linen Creativity award. Zanditon’s performances on the catwalks of Shanghai, Zagreb and Kiev have also led to her celebrity clientele list. Meeting the high profile style needs of Lily Cole, Katie Melua and Leah Weller is now essential to her label. Her newly released fashion film ‘Tigress Reign’ sums up her many couture ventures.

1. What would you say is the biggest upcoming trend?

The biggest upcoming trend of interest to me is the upsurge of upcyclers.  There is a growing field of interest, awareness and embracing of upcycling and all the innovative design that is coming from designers looking at so called ‘waste’ or recyclable materials - and creatively using them in new and brilliant ways. Pioneers are labels like From Somewhere and Goodone - but this is not exclusive to fashion - really exciting and inspiring reinventing of materials has trickled into fashion from product and interior design.

2. Where do you find the motivation to continue designing?

In a cup of my favourite Yorkshire tea served with a slice of sponge cake - sponge cake - ideally must include a cream/jam layer.

3. How do you reset to be creative?

Reset? I wake up and I want to draw/cut/sew/drape/ things - I’m not sure I need to reset myself but I do have to reset my surroundings -The studio HAS to be TIDY…. the time I have to be creative is really important - I need to be ready to get on with it with every minute available - because I own and run my business too.

4. Where do you find the endless inspiration for your designs?

I am inspired by nature, evolution, the perspective of the other and by weaving my own narrative around a species, historical references, global connections and sci-fi fantasies of the future.

5. What is your favorite look on any woman?

The confident and happy smile of a woman who lives in the moment, that and sculptural outerwear.

6. How would you define cool?

About six years ago I was visiting some friends in Paris - I was really broke and they told me we were going to a champagne party and that everyone had to bring a bottle of champagne - I was really worried because I couldn’t afford champagne so I was rather embarrassed and bought this bottle of cheap fizzy plonk and turned up with my best terribly English apologetic smile. The hostess of this party was a vision of white satin, red lipstick and a dazzling smile. She, having never met me before, welcomed me into her apartment, took the bottle from me - thanked me for bringing it - said she would save it for later - gave me a magnum of Veuve Clicquot and a big kiss on each cheek and told me how great it was to meet me - that is cool. Cool is not a thing - it is an attitude and not one of being aloof and thinking you are better than someone else - its about genuine grace mixed elegantly with style.

7. What do you predict for the future of fashion?

    I am not very fond of predicting anything - I always say "we’ll see"  but what I would be my dream to see is the relationship between technology and sustainability flourish further enabling fashion to evolve - so that creating something that is innovative, beautiful, sustainable and affordable become the mainstream industry.