EMILY IN P̶A̶R̶I̶S̶ LONDON*
EMILY IN PARIS, BUT LONDON EDITION
Release Date: 05 January 2022
100% liked this TV show
Genre: Fashion Design
Cast: Emily Pillon
Edited & Formatted: Lauren Kim
WATCH: EMILY IN LONDON
SEASON 1
EP 01. PLAY DRESS UP
Emily builds a classic, go-to outfit from scratch that leaves her feeling ready to conquer the day.
EP 02. DESIGN, DESIGN, DESIGN
Emily takes it one step further by draping an entire design fully out of paper.
EP 03. WHAT ARE PEOPLE WEARING IN LONDON?
Emily goes out and about with one mission in mind: interview strangers.
EP 04. CONTENT CREATION & PROJECTS
Emily freestyles and captures every minuscule detail of the artistic beauty that surrounds her.
EP 05. LIFE AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT
Emily and her friends convene for another day at the London College of Fashion.
BEHIND THE SCENES
MEET THE DESIGNER
Backtrack to the year 2020. I'm scrolling through Instagram and come across some of the most unique, eccentric, and colorful fashion designs I've ever seen on an account by the name @carnationxbloom. I shot a DM expressing how much I admired her amazing work.
Fast forward two years later and here we are with a finished interview with Emily Pillon, who is now a student and aspiring designer at the London College of Fashion based in the UK. Scroll through and learn more about her fascinating story which unveils her overwhelming passion for fashion, self-taught skills, and ambitions for the future.
Q1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
"Emily Pillon. 18 years old. Hometown is Ontario, Canada. Now based in London."
Q2. HOW DID YOU GET INTO DESIGN? ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO START?
"I started to sew and pattern cut when I was around 15 or 16. I owe it all to my aunt who was the one who inspired me to start. She taught me the basics on how to make my own patterns, and use a sewing machine. I remember the day when I created my first set of stitches on a piece of fabric at my aunt's house. She told me to practice making straight stitches on the scrap of fabric before starting my project. I laughed, thinking it was pointless and self explanatory. But to my surprise, I butchered the line. I was motivated to practice until I created a perfectly straight line, and eventually I did.
To anyone who is still hesitant to go into fashion, I say go for it! I would never believe someone if they told me I'd be in England pursuing a college degree in fashion. As scary as it may feel, you have nothing to lose. Take baby steps and work your way up to creating your first garment. Through hard work, you'll start to see results, and it's the most rewarding feeling. Never give up no matter how challenging the task gets."
Q3. WHAT DO YOU STUDY? DOES IT PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR FUTURE?
"I'm currently studying a foundation course for fashion at the London College of Fashion in the United Kingdom. A foundation course essentially exposes you to each section within fashion (business, media, and design). This way, when you apply for your BA, you have a good sense of what you want to choose for your career path. Studying in London was always my dream. The city is filled with so much life and culture. As an artist, it's easy to feel burnt out. But when you’re in a city renown for its fashion, inspiration follows you wherever you go."
Q4. LET'S SAY YOU DESIGN A BRAND. WHAT'S IT CALLED, AND WHAT WOULD YOU SELL?
"I’m always thinking about this. I imagine my brand being named something that’s connected to my aunt, or something related to my own professional growth or journey. I don’t have a specific name in mind just yet, but once I do I will be sure to let you know. The pieces I'd sell wouldn’t be anything you’d see commercially. I want to stay on the haute couture side of things and curate one-of-a-kind pieces that stay authentic to who I am. I imagine my pieces will involve tons of detailed embroidery. I’ve always known that I'd work in haute couture because of how I'm always drawn to more delicate and detailed pieces in the industry."
Q5. WHO'S YOUR ROLE MODEL?
"This is tough. I have so many streams of inspiration that affect all aspects of my life. But that certain 'person' I can always count on to give me the inspiration I need to keep going within the industry would be those who have doubted me. I know that isn’t a direct answer, but it's truly what keeps me on my feet everyday.
Knowing that I’m now in England, pursuing and living all of my goals and proving everyone wrong is an unexplainable feeling I am grateful to be able to feel and continue to explore. To those who have told me countless times that fashion is an unrealistic career choice and how I would miserably fail, here I am living and doing my best."
Q6. WHAT'S A TREND YOU DESPISE AND A TREND YOU ADORE?
"Ahhh this is a hard one. I'm constantly changing it up, so I go through many stages of re-establishing my style (I owned those FILA stompers and deeply regretted that), and sometimes I look back at old photos of myself and wonder who allowed me to dress like that. I try not to fall into popular trends because I feel it leads you to easily loose touch with what you really like. That’s why its important to take your time and to fend for your own inspiration that’s not always considered popular. But if I were to choose, my favorite trend would have to be the oversized blazer sets. I have always been a huge fan of the baggy pant and crop top combo outfit."