Jonathan Penn

What has the response been towards your collection since graduating from the MA?
The response to my collection has been exciting. My collection features in Drama Magazine Issue 2, which is available in December 2008. I also was reviewed on WGSN and Super Sweet Review. This can be viewed on my website.

Will you be continuing to design under your own name or are you be looking to join a fashion house / company?
I am continuing to develop my MA collection into more commercial realms, by designing a diffusion line. However, I am seriously looking to join a fashion house/company, where I can also develop a commercial signature.

How much difficulty are you finding succeeding as a designer in your own right now you have graduated?
It is a very time consuming process succeeding as a designer! Most fashion recruitment agencies will only support graduates with a years experience in a design position. Otherwise you are left to apply to fashions houses and company's by yourself. At present Im applying to many houses in London and Paris for possible opportunities. Time will tell how successful this is!

How was your experience at the RCA?
My experience of RCA was extremely exciting. My first year tutor was Julie Verhoeven and she taught me to develop a strong personal signature! The technical support is outstanding and I gained an immense amount of knowledge and expertise through technicians. I think you have to be extremely confident with your design work and have uncompromising vision!

What is inspiring you at the moment?
At the moment i have been very inspired by certain aspects of my MA collection which i chose not to use at the time. I am re-cycling various fabrics and making some very simple collections. I developed my own website through Flash CS3 and dreamweaver which is an incredible animation package! I mainly have been inspired by the act of illustrating and attending life-drawing and animation classes.

What are you plans for the rest of the year? Will you be doing another collection?
I plan to reinvent my website with more of my own drawings and projects. I am working on a photoshoot this week. I am currently working at Sonia Rykiel and hope this will inspire a new collection for my portfolio and an application to ITS Eight!