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From adventures at Central Saint Martins to The Great British Sewing Bee , go behind the scenes of Esme Young's amazing life... She was “great fun but far from easy”, Esme writes in her memoir. Her mother suffered from postnatal depression and her five children lived with their aunties while she recovered. The course in Cambridge taught me everything I needed to know about art – drawing, sculpture, printing… it was very practical and we got to try everything. They had a brilliant graphics department, with lecturers including people like Roger Law (Spitting Image), which is why I then applied to study graphics at what is now Central St Martins. It was a wonderful time – I remember feeling like anything was possible and I could whatever I wanted. I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of Sewing Bee and just want to find out more about Esme, it was a really lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was around this time that Esme met David Bowie, chatting to him on a windowsill at a party as they watched Notting Hill Carnival parade go past. What did they talk about? Esme Young (born 19 February 1949) is an English fashion designer and television presenter. [2] [3] Since 2016, she has been a judge on the BBC reality series The Great British Sewing Bee. [4] Early life and education [ edit ] It was she who introduced me and my sister to boutiques such as Mary Quant and Biba. She wasn’t keen when I went to jumble sales and wore second-hand clothes when I was older.”Young attended the Convent of the Holy Ghost, Bedford, where she learnt to draw and to sew. [11] She went on to Saint Martins School of Art. [11] [3] Career [ edit ] Swanky Modes [ edit ]
She wouldn’t walk down the street with me when I was a teenager because of how I looked,” Esme says. This sewer extraordinaire’s CV includes costume designing for the Bridget Jones films (she’s particularly proud of the Bunny Girl outfit) and co-founding fashion label Swanky Modes. The label gained iconic status in the Seventies with its signature body-con dresses beloved by celebrities such as Cher and Julie Christie. Covering her childhood, family life, career starts and many highs, friendships, teaching and ending up with her much loved time as a judge on The great British sewing bee (which is one of my favourite cosy shows). This was interesting, filled with heart and humour, and just also so inspiring reading of Esmes love for what she does and how she was fired up with that passion and self belief from the start. Her jewellery is a form of self-expression. “When I was a child, I was quite deaf — I expressed and communicated through being creative, drawing and making,” says Young. “When I was a teenager, I expressed through what I wore — and I still do.” Her standards are exacting, but Esme is much respected by her colleagues and the contestants – and she looks set to be a big hit with viewers. How will she cope with being recognised in the street?
At age five, Esme was asked to write in her notebook, but instead, she filled it with drawings - the only way she knew to express herself. At seven, when it was discovered she was partially deaf, she found refuge in her sketchbooks. Shortly after, Esme made her first garment and a passion for sewing and designing was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London where her creative journey truly began. As a teenager, I’d make outfits for nights out. To begin with, they were quite dreadfully made. The clothes were awfully finished, with no facings, but I felt very proud of them. My mother made things, too. In fact, I’ve still got her sewing machine. It’s one of those old ones – not with a treadle, but with a handle you turned.” Stephenson, Hannah (23 April 2022). "The Great British Sewing Bee's Esme Young on partying with David Bowie". The Herald Scotland . Retrieved 22 September 2022.
The contestants had been tasked with making a co-ord two-piece trouser and top set, as inspired by Esme's tropical silver screen designs. I don’t find it hugely difficult being a judge on the show – it’s not dissimilar to the appraisal process you do as a teacher, and I can spot when things aren’t quite working. The most important things are the silhouette and the fabric you choose to work with. The correct fabric is what counts – not just quality – because you need it to do what you want it to. I also look at sewing technique. I know first-hand that the only way to learn is often through mistakes.” Chapter Eight: The Future Of Fashion I find what’s happening on the high street a bit disheartening. Going to the shops and buying something makes you feel good – but only for a little while. It’s a bit like having a drink or eating an ice cream. Short-term pleasure. It’s no wonder the fashion industry is the second-most polluting industry in the world. Fast fashion is all about the high. That’s not to say it doesn’t serve a purpose – truly sustainable garments are expensive, and therefore they can be exclusive – but it’s about buying second-hand where possible and, if you buy new, buy less. It’s such a complicated issue and it’s really difficult to build a truly sustainable brand. I don’t really envy those who are trying to do it.Esme discussed making the iconic Hawaiian shirts for DiCaprio and co-stars John Leguizamo and Harold Perrineau in Baz Lurhmann's masterpiece during last year's series. Taking place next April as the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs on a short break with like-minded Prima readers, our three-day trip is set to be a fabulously crafty escape. One of the best sewing courses Bath has to offer Young has made costumes for many films including The Beach, Bridget Jones' Diary, Romeo & Juliet and Trainspotting. [11] [14] After Swanky Modes closed in the early Nineties, Young transitioned into costume design. As well as Bridget Jones, she has made clothes for The Beach, 28 Days Later and Never Let Me Go. She now teaches at Central Saint Martins and works with one of her former students, the designer Ashish, on his collections. She was nearly 70 when she was approached to be a judge on the Sewing Bee.
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