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In a society of celebrity obsessed voyeurs and the rise of the reality TV star, never before has the cult of celebrity dressing been so popular. If a designer can get his or her garments worn by someone in the public eye then this provides instant publicity and sometimes a desire to find out where the clothes came from if the celebrity looks particularly good. The modern style icons of today are an excellent aid in helping promote designers and brands. The likes of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Agness Deyn are constantly photographed wearing fabulous outfits and in turn attracts the eye of the consumer thinking they can look as good as these stars if only they had that outfit!  Charles Svingholm is one fashion designer who is no stranger to dressing the stars. Charles Svingholm has worked in the fashion world first modelling in London, Paris, New York and Milan and then went on to study at the prestigious Danish Design School where he finessed his skills, knowledge and education. He has captured the attention of some of the most notable personalities, TV presenters, Pop Stars and celebrities. Clients include Tamara Mellon, Queen Rania from Jordan, Helena Christenson (top model), Liz Fuller (Former Miss Great Britain and TV presenter) among others.  Creating beauty, enhancing beauty that is naturally occurring is what drives Charles to continue to produce exceptional designs for exceptional woman. Charles believes that the highest form of art is the living of an extraordinary life. FashionCapital caught up with Charles for a unique insight into his life as a celebrity dressing fashion designer. When did you start your fashion career? I started my career in 1985 as a model What inspired you to become a designer? It was really my female friends who kept asking me for advice about what to wear so I decided to create clothes for them. I am dyslexic, a handicap that made me a better listener and one that I turned to my advantage. It was quite simple for me to succeed - all I needed to do was to listen to women and realise their dream, so I started creating beautiful dresses!  What does a normal day/week consist of you? (If there is such a thing!) I am usually up at 7 am as I deal with China and they are 8 hours ahead of us. I contact my production manager there and put through my orders. I also check all my emails and post and have a chat with my PR Charlotte Ellis. I always consult her before taking important business decisions. Then from 10 am onwards I have appointments with my clients who come to my studio to look through my collections and for fittings. I usually have lunch with a client, most of whom have become friends, or with my PR or a journalist. My afternoons are devoted to yet more appointments and fittings and in the evenings I tend to go out to socialise and network. I also travel a lot; I go to Beijing several times a year to supervise production, source material and also for fresh inspiration! I also spend quite a lot of time in Marbella where I have a very loyal client base and where I recently had a very successful fashion show! Are there any words of wisdom you would pass on or anything you wish you had known at the start of your career? Learn by your mistakes as we all make many and we don't want to repeat them! Also, always keep confidentiality of your clients and show them respect for their privacy.  What are the best and worst aspects of your job? Best is the creativity – I love creating beauty and make a woman feel beautiful! And the worst? Having to deal with some divas with big egos! What or who has been your greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration was Coco Chanel. I admire her classy, elegant and sophisticated style, her use of loads of pearls. I would like to see myself as the new Chanel! How will you develop your collection in the future? I would like to expand globally. I love travelling and love exotic countries. I have been to Asia many times and I have been asked to do a show in Dubai. I know my line of clothes would be very popular in the Middle East as I use some strong vibrant colours that appeal to my Middle Eastern clients. I'm also thinking of selling my collections in Estonia. What are you most looking forward to in the future regarding your career? I am really looking forward to my next 2 shows with Fashion TV. I will be showing my A/W 08/09 Collection in September during London Fashion Week then another one in November. I have also started expanding into accessories. Now I have some beautiful clutch handbags and also some very special jewellery. I was given permission by Madonna to use her picture on some gorgeous drop earrings – they are very much in demand!  Quick Fire Round First Job Model Favourite person Madonna Favourite music Estonia's no 1popstar Hannah Idl! I was introduced to her music when her stylist came to my studio to select outfits for her concert tour and for the cover of her new album Favourite book Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Favourite artist Gustave Klimt Must have item for next season loads of lace Thank you Charles for taking time out to chat to FashionCapital. For more information in Charles visit www.charlessvingholm.com All photographs are Charles Svingholm designs.
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