Kelly Hoppen - Prince's Trust Tomorrow campaign.

My first design meeting with Kelly Hoppen took place on 15th May at Kelly’s gorgeous studio based in Notting Hill. The entrance to Kelly’s studio is just as stylish as Kelly herself with beautiful tall trees and a long garden table leading up to the entrance where the design school meets throughout the year.

 
Seeing Kelly again was great, and I was made instantly welcome with a hug from Kelly and an introduction to her staff. Kelly’s studio is a busy place, yet the surroundings designed in Kelly’s cool style give a very relaxed feeling.

Kelly’s main work room is a studio that any designer would die for. There are rows upon rows of neatly organised swatches of fabrics, and samples of stone and wood, and several tables where Kelly can create mood-boards for many projects at a time.

We got straight to work discussing the overall project, and deadlines we have to meet. Kelly was very quick to demonstrate her design skills and expertise by drawing out some ideas for the textile products we will be creating to be sold on QVC, and explaining how my talents will be used in the design.

We discussed the different fabrics, finishes and possible layouts for the design. It was good to make notes about the dimensions of the products and the types of materials we have to choose from. As a designer it makes the initial process much easier if you know what components are available to use.

The design process has already begun, it’s important to start illustrating concepts whilst the ideas are fresh in our minds. Creating a product has many stages, this is just the first of many, and I am sure there will be a lot of trial and error before the production stage. Kelly has so much advice to give and is always very confident in her decisions.

As Kelly’s mentee I am learning a lot about responding to what the customer wants, but also bringing my design flair to the products.

I will have more updates as the project progresses...