Urban World

Designer Focus: Samata Angel

I met fashion designer Samata Angel at the Fashion Diversity launch night a few weeks back, and after hearing that she’s designed for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and won multiple awards, I determined to bag myself an interview to find out more!
If you haven’t heard the name already then you will surely know to look out for her now.  Introducing…Samata Angel.

Samata, where do we start?  You are far more than just a fashion designer; you’re an author, broadcaster, and multi-award winning entrepreneur.  How have you achieved so much at such a young age?
I think it really boils down to networking, working hard and staying motivated. I have so much more to achieve in my eyes but I know that I have been truly fortunate to have been given some of the opportunities I have been given. I have an amazing family and a good circle of friends and I just think all of those help. And I know what I want from life...that is the biggest contributor to me being where I am right now.
 
How did you discover your talent at fashion design?
I just started out by customising clothing I already had – pieces from my wardrobe or sometimes my sisters! I was able to take an item and completely transform it and that was when I knew I had a creative gift. I have never been formally trained in fashion design – I’m a raw talent who has worked with trained experts in different fields to train and to build my dream, creating beautiful clothing for women.
 
How did you go work your way into the industry?
I started out as Head of Marketing for a Japanese clothing label, from a recommendation, and then I worked as Head of PR for a boutique on the Kings Road. These jobs definitely gave me hands on experiences within the fashion industry and actually enabled me to get a foot in and work my way around to be where I wanted to be. I then set up my clothing label after working in the industry and since then have gone on to work on a guide book series for fashion designers.
 
What’s the inspiration behind your designs?
The celebration of women in all of their feminine glory! I love celebrating women, and strong ambitious ones at that.
 
What does an average day in the life of Samata look like?
No day is ever the same! I just wake up, read emails, respond to emails, send out information to requests, check website updates, read my blogs and myspace and twitter. I will call in or attend a few meetings, work on the collection, talk to China, talk to America, do some interviews and attend events. It’s a jumble each day because opportunities just arise and you have to roll with the punches. I just found out I am being casted for a film which will give me the chance to go to LA and work there, so no day is ever average!
 
You became the first black British female to have your designs shown at the prestigious Nolcha Fashion Week in New York, what was that experience like?
It was very intense. The fashion week in New York opened so many doors for me and led to so many fantastic opportunities but it was also very stressful – so much goes into making a collection and it can be draining so it also reminded me of how important it is to have supportive friends and family around you.
 
What advice would you give for other aspiring fashion designers?
Never lose focus on your talent or the reason you want to work in the fashion industry. After you get through the superficial stuff that you can encounter, along with the hard work and the ups and downs, what you are left with is your reason for doing this – have a passion for it and you will be able to open doors.
 
Samata, you’re living your dream!  What’s next in store for you?
I am trying not to plan too much – I would just say I am open to opportunities – fashion is always going to be in my life so I will be expanding and working on other exciting projects. My guide book series are doing well, Volumes 1 & 2 have been so well received so I will be focusing on promoting those and thinking about Volume 3. Right now we are working on my next show so we are talking to sponsors and investors to ensure that it is a huge success.