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Spotlight On: Alice Takes A Trip

We find out what makes sisters Claire and Lauren Middleton, behind fashion label Alice Takes A Trip, tick.

Posted 25th January 2012, 2:03pm in Extra by Amy Rich
Spotlight On: Alice Takes A Trip In the first of our regular articles featuring up and coming talent in the fashion, design, and art worlds, we find out what makes sisters Claire and Lauren Middleton, behind fashion label Alice Takes A Trip, tick.

The Basics: Alice Takes A Trip is a clothing and accessories label based in Sheffield. It is run by Claire (36) and Lauren (25) and has been going since 2006. And already the pair are garnering attention from the fashion press - having last year been featured in fashion bible, Drapers. Accolades indeed!

So, without further ado, here’s what the girls had to say…

What inspired you to get into fashion design?
We got sewing machines from a very young age and have therefore always been interested in fashion. We soon started making our own clothes and so the obvious choice for us was to both go on and study fashion after leaving school – that way we got to learn proper techniques like pattern cutting.

What’s been your greatest success/thing you’re most proud of to date?
We’ve been lucky enough to have won various competitions but our favourite and most enjoyable has to be having the chance to be involved with Channel 4’s Frock Me TV show which was hosted by Alexa Chung and Henry Holland. During the show we designed and made an outfit for one of the contestants – they then went on to win best dressed in the show – which was great!
We’re also really proud of the fact we’re now stocked worldwide and that we get to work with such a lovely bunch of stockists who enjoy our creative vision.

What helps motivate you? Any music you like to listen to while you work?
We don’t tend to listen to any particular tracks over and over again and instead prefer to tune into the radio. It’s great when there’s an upbeat tune on as we’ll turn it up and sew away in our studio. Music helps put us in a good mood and the banter from radio presenters can be amusing, too.

What’s the most difficult thing about doing what you do?
Everything is done in our studio. That means we do the designing, the making, the photo shoots, the website and flyer designs and anything else that crops up, so it’s all pretty full on. Even though it can be hard, it’s what we love doing and we think it’s what makes Alice Takes A Trip unique. Plus, our customers really appreciate the fact we do everything ourselves. If we changed, Alice Takes A Trip wouldn’t be the same.

Who’s on your radar when it comes to new design talent?
We love independent labels like ourselves. A great place for finding and supporting upcoming designers and labels is the ASOS Marketplace which we are featured on. There are some great little boutiques on there and they’re perfect for getting that individual look!

Where can people buy Alice Takes A Trip clothes?
Our Alice Takes A Trip range is stocked online at: Alice Takes A Trip, ASOS Marketplace, and in the following UK shops:

Freshmans Boutique, Carver Street, Sheffield
The Alternative Store, c/o FUSE, The Forum, 127-129 Devonshire Street, Sheffield
That Vintage Shop, 39 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames
Marmalade, 35 High street, Halstead, Essex
WOMbat, 71 Queens Road, Bristol
Amelie Boutique, amelieboutique.com
Revolva, Klaar Trading, 22 Brunel Plaza, Swindon

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