Let me first introduce you to Conner Ives. American born, he travelled to London to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He’s currently in his second year at Central Saint Martins. However, Conner is no ordinary student, at 21 he’s already dressed Adwoa Aboah for the MET Gala, he has a collection at Browns and is only followed on Instagram by Rhianna herself ! Also, did I also mention he’s only 21 ...
Even after all this success Conner keeps grounded and hard working. He knows how much work is involved in making his dreams come true.
Conner approached me at the beginning of this year, I was impressed as I understand how intimidating this industry can seem when you’re not involved in it. It showed real confidence and I loved it.
He asked me to collaborate on a project and of course I jumped at the chance, he approached the right ballerina!
We chatted over a very long coffee in Covent Garden and discussed the connection between high end fashion and ballet. I also showed him around my office ( Royal Opera House of course ), as it’s hard to not be inspired by such a place ! He asked me to try on my favourite practice clothes, while jotting down why I liked these pieces in particular, as you can imagine I had a lot to say on the matter, we hit it off !
Adwoa Aboah wearing Conner’s designs at the MET Gala.
A piece from his exclusive collection at Browns.
I invited him a week later to watch a show of Giselle to give him the finished version of what he saw backstage. What inspired him most he said were the costumes and the hanging designs and backcloths of act 2. He loved the scale of it all.
That same week he had already created 2 pieces for his collection and texted me on my thoughts. It was super exciting to see his vision of my world through his designs.
Two months later he completed the collection. Conner photographed and styled me, in some of the pieces to present to his tutors at school. I had a super busy day at work ( rehearsing Manon ) and only had a 45 minute slot to do this. We were two people on a mission and nailed it in 35 !
I love his use of fine material and flared cut on some pieces and the opulence and busyness of others, no predictable ballet crossovers for this man ! I was so impressed. Surely he gets an A* for this from his tutors ?
This designer is one to keep an eye on. I see an incredible future ahead. Conner you’ve got this !
