Interview: Iona Crawford , designer

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 15:54

Describe your perfect weekend My ideal Friday night would be at home in front of the log fire with my boyfriend and a bottle of chilled bubbly – we'd buy some delicious food and watch a movie.

After a lie-in, Saturday would start with brunch in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, followed by some window shopping and afternoon drinks in the pub with the girls. In the evening, we'd get dressed up for a wild ceilidh with family and friends. And on Sunday we'd have a massive afternoon feast.

What would you do if you ruled the world? I would travel to broaden my knowledge of international current affairs, and I'd seek advice from a plethora of experts.

What one thing would improve your life? More time to share with precious people I love most. Family and friends are what life is all about.

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say? It was from my PR company, telling me we're meeting Vogue next week to showcase my new collection.

What's your guiltiest pleasure? Dad's scones topped with mum's jam – delicious.

When did you last feel sorry for yourself? I was feeling low after Paris Fashion Week in October. I'd had a stomach bug and ended up exhausted and really run-down. Being ill in such a beautiful city at such a fantastic time was just gutting.

What do you wish you'd never done? Everything I've done in life, right or wrong, I believe is for a reason. So there's nothing I wish I'd never done … although there are things I wish I had actually done in the first place.

Would your mother be proud of you? She is, and tells me almost every day. I feel very blessed to have such a great relationship with my mother.

Who would you like to say sorry to? Any model I have ever accidentally pricked with a pin and the poor shop assistant who mopped up the wine I smashed on their floor last week .

What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase, apart from a car or property? Probably my show space at Paris Fashion Week last season. But it was worth it.

What is the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you? On my way to Paris Fashion Week in October, my mother accompanied me and while on the Eurostar carriages, we spotted Vivienne Westwood. Mum went over to her and said: "Are you travelling to Paris Fashion Week, too?" I could have died.

What is your earliest memory? Aged three, taking a day's shopping trip to select the denim jacket I desperately wished for as my fourth birthday present. Even back then, I loved clothes.

What song is the theme tune to your life? Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles. The lyrics paint a beautifully imaginative picture.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Audrey Tautou. Her depiction of Coco Chanel was fascinating. She is a complex and intriguing actress with a subtle style.

What worries you in the wee small hours? The thought of waking up in the morning without an ounce of creativity, the safety of people around me and whether I may never drift off to sleep.

Who is your fantasy date? I'd like to say Paul Weller during his Jam days but, honestly, it'd be my boyfriend, Craig. We try to go on 'dates', though not nearly enough due to the demands of work. It's important to share those exciting outings, whether it's a second or 82nd date.

What would you do if you were invisible? I'd perch on windowsills in design studios of noteworthy fashion houses, viewing how their team work and conduct themselves.

What do you remember better, your first car or first kiss?

There's no Whitney Houston soundtrack backing my motoring debut so I prefer to recall my first car. A gold Clio with a dodgy bonnet catch.

Who is the one person you would love to dress?

Tilda Swinton. She is wonderfully androgynous and has a unique look that radiates confidence.

What has the global success of the likes of Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders meant for other Scots designers?

They have continued to pave the way for aspiring young designers in the same way as predecessors Pam Hogg and Graeme Black.

ottish fashion flag with true style but they are positive, honest business ambassadors who are evidently fiercely proud of their roots.

Describe your current collection.

To See The Sky is a contemporary, Japanese-inspired collection which is the result of a dramatic fusion of modern Japanese art, courtesy of fine artist Yukako Sakakura and Scottish fashion design and fabrics.

What do you think of celebrity?

It does, I guess, add that element of scandal and intrigue to the lives of certain individuals, and many act as inspirational role models. And they're a dream to dress in terms of exposure. Fashion designers themselves are also increasingly developing a sense of celebrity status which is fine, so long as they are gathering genuine recognition for their design talent and skill, as opposed to the goings-on in their personal lives.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Launching my own fashion label, which has involved building a precious, valuable business network as well as presenting the opportunity to show my collections in Tokyo, Paris, New York, Vienna and, above all, Scotland.

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday on 22 November 2009.