BENGT met with model turned designer Danielle Foster. Don’t let her unique beauty fool you, here stands a very talented and driven young woman designing quality British leather bags and accessories with a twist. After graduating from the London College of Fashion in 2010, she collaborated with the designer Charlie Le Mindu, shown at the prestigious Victoria house at London Fashion Week and continued to design on a freelance basis creating stunning bespoke pieces. It is clear that Danielle Fosters A/W collection ‘Liberate Me’ is yet another fantastic collection to be reckoned with.

TELL US YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR A/W COLLECTION

My S/S12 was all about captivity and restraint. I wanted to continue the story of my collections and therefore based my A/W ’12 on the liberation and freedom that comes after captivity. I kept the original silhouettes, and instead experimented with softer materials and colours. My travels around India and an equestrian background influence also inspired me a lot!

DESCRIBE THE DANIELLE FOSTER ‘WOMAN’

I don’t think there is a specific. My designs are to fit for any age, it’s all about the confidence of the woman wearing it. It’s a woman who isn’t afraid to stand out. I think my collections have a good variation of styles that are confident and glamorous, with a rocky edge.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS  SO FAR AND WHERE YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME

The highlights so far have been just how surprisingly quickly my brand has grown, and how supportive people have been. A definite highlight was also seeing the amazing Grace Jones wearing my designs! In 5 years I’d hope to see my designs stocked around the world, providing quality leather goods at reasonable prices. Also, I would love to see Kate Moss wear one my bags! I know I’ve made it when that happens.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO HANG OUT OR RELAX?

Back home in the midlands with my family is where I feel most relaxed. If I can’t do that, then I like to just sit upstairs on the roof of my flat, or in the park.

ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT..

Gin & Tonic! (Amen sista!)

FINALLY, BIGGEST FASHION FAUX PAS WOULD HAVE TO BE…

UGG’s and knee length socks…a No No!

Danielle Foster is definitely a name to look out for, with all of her designs being 100% British through and through. She even has limited editions within her collections that are made solely by her fair hands. Just remember you saw her here at BENGT first…

See more lookbook shots from the BENGT AW12 shoot here.