Maria Chen Pascual Interviewed by Michelle Duguid

Michelle Duguid: How did you first become interested in fashion?
Maria Chen Pascual: I found that fashion was a creative outlet for me when I was growing up in the states surrounded by American high school kids. My frustration with the hierarchies of the high school, an environment exemplified by such satiric teen flicks as 'Heathers', drove me towards fashion, or anti-fashion, as an escape.

Can you explain your 'signature' look.
Key styles for my collection include bleached-out jersey fabrics, ra-ra shapes and prom dresses, plus accessories such as large broaches by jewellery designer Andrew Logan are key to my signature look this season.

Who do you have in mind when you design?
My top five individuals would have to be PJ Harvey, Rose McGowan, Marilyn Manson, Anthony Kiedis, and Perry Farrell.

What do you enjoy about being a fashion designer?
The creative-strategic thinking.

Why did you choose to show a film at your catwalk show?
It was actually my alternative career choice to make short films or music videos, so it gave me a great opportunity to combine the two disciplines.

In view of that do you think that your clothes work differently in film than they do in still photography?
I think capturing motion in film can tell a completely different story, plus you can add music to get the point across.

Who would you like to see wearing your t-shirt design?
I would like to see it on someone who could pull it off in a hard yet feminine way, maybe wearing it with Belstaff boots. I can imagine Rose McGowan, but in an all black version.

What's next for you?
I would love to open a store, find or make some money, or get appointed as Creative Director somewhere interesting.