London-based fashion designer Toni Silva is making a significant impact in the fashion world with her eponymous brand. Renowned for both her exquisite ready-to-wear collections and bespoke creations, Toni Silva has become a favourite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her designs have graced numerous red carpets, showcasing her talent for crafting elegant and memorable pieces. With a keen eye for detail and a flair for innovation, Toni Silva continues to set trends and captivate audiences with her sophisticated and unique fashion offerings.
Who or what are your inspirations for creating your designs?
The world is a massive creative gallery filled with nature and all manner of created things that inspire me, from many different objects to the words from a client expressing how they want to look and feel in a garment. I also must acknowledge the fashion designers who have been before me who dared to express their creativity in the form of fashion. Being able to experience peoples reactions to a piece that I have created is also such a joy and to know that there’s probably someone else who needs that inspiration from what I create, that also inspires me greatly. I also have great people around me who inspire me daily, mentors, family and friends.
Creative expression can take many forms, what made you decide to start your own fashion brand?
Naturally I am quite creative and I have been given the opportunity to express my creativity in many different ways from working within graphic design, visual merchandising, set and interior design. As a fashion brand, it's just another way for me to express my creative ability, its part of my lifestyle so creating for me can take on any form, but for now predominantly, it’s Toni Silva.
In your opinion, what are the most critical aspects of the fashion industry?
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with fast fashion. I think it’s great that fashion can be affordable and so quickly available, however I dislike the impact on things like the environment, workers who are not paid fairly or given suitable working conditions. Fashion has become so disposable and the life cycle of garments is very much an afterthought. Pay within the fashion industry is also something that needs to be tackled.
What does fashion mean to you?
A trouser will always be a trouser, a dress will always be a dress. Fashion for me is reinterpreting the things we wear creatively using innovation, whether it be style, technology, fabric form or function.
What do you believe are the essential elements needed to be successful as a fashion designer?
For me so far, I would say having vision and an inner drive, patience, innovative thinking and having great people around me. There are many aspects to fashion from the creative side to the business side and having people around me that care has really helped me on my journey.
Talk to us about the collection you showed at The W Fashion Week September 2023, what inspired this collection?
For years I have been making bespoke garments for individual clients, usually for special occasions. However for the fashion show it was the opportunity for me to express my style in garments that can be worn day to day.
What are your favourite trends?
Denim, because I love to wear and work with denim. Also elevated street wear
Do you wear your own designs?
Yes I do, not as much a should however
How would you describe your personal style?
Definitely comfy with a little edge
What do you do to track trends and stay in touch with the current consumer?
I try not to focus too much on trends, as I think it tends to cage my creativity slightly. I like to create to create however I do believe social media has been a way of me staying in touch with the trends and the current consumer
How would you describe your brand aesthetics?
Casual but chic at the same time. I like working with structure and tweaking simple silhouettes to give a slight edge to the style, and working with fabrics with strong patterns or texture.
What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?
At the moment I am still going through the process of starting my own line. But I think a fear would be that after all the work I put in nobody buys into my brand.
What is the typical design process like for your brand?
The design process can start in different ways, for example it can start with fabric, style or a concept for a collection or piece. I find that I need to get into a flow, almost like a writer writing a book or a song, but once I get into that flow design ideas come so naturally.
If you were not a fashion designer, what would you want to be?
I would still be working within the creative arena, there was once upon a time where I wanted to be a presenter however
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
I am not so much fascinated by a particular thing but the ability to inspire with awe and this pushes me to create styles that are unique and may have never been seen before.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your own label?
Never underestimate having a great team. As a creative sometimes you think you can do everything but a great team will push you to be 10x more effective
What advice would you give to young designers?
Keep thinking of new ideas or making current designs even better, build relationships with like minded people and find a mentor.
How do you choose your fabrics and where are they sourced from?
Most of the fabric are sourced from here in the UK, there are so many fabric suppliers to choose from, however these fabrics can originate from countries like Italy, France, Japan
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
I think social media plays a huge role in fashion today, it’s where fashion brands no matter how big or small, can promote their brand to the world and engage with consumers. It’s a platform that has really helped to showcase underrepresented fashion designers. I love it because brands can really express their creativity, do research, sell their products, I could go on and on
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