BFW: Your name? Hazel Aggrey-Orleans

BFW: Company name? Orleans Designs

BFW: When did you start your business? I started with my accessory line in 2007 and in 2009 I extended this to dresses.

BFW: Where are you based? London

BFW: What do you design/make? I design a women’s fashion line.

BFW: Describe your designs in three words? Elegant, beautiful prints, fresh.

BFW: Do you design and make everything yourself? I sketch the dress designs, as well as the patterns used for my fabrics but I have a team of skilled freelancers with whom I work.

BFW: What is your company’s philosophy? I am a believer of total creativity. I take inspiration from my fun and colourful memories growing up as a child in the buzzing city of Lagos and combine these memories with modern edgy cuts.

BFW: Who is your typical customer? I tend to design clothes for women, not afraid to stand out in a crowd. Possibly a keen traveller who has been exposed to many different cultures and can identify with and appreciate unique pieces. My client can be anywhere between their late 20s and 50s and has a love for beautiful prints. 

BFW: If you could dress one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be? Michele Obama – you can’t but not love this woman! She is classy and has brought colour to the White House. She is also confident in her own style without having to follow any trend.

BFW: Where do you see yourself in five years time? Continuing to create cutting edge fashion inspired by my travels and cultural influences.

BFW: Is this the first time you have taken part in Brighton Fashion Week? Yes

BFW: Why are you taking part? To gain national and international publicity.

BFW: How would you describe the event? I would say Brighton Fashion Week aims to give exposure to emerging designers.

BFW: Do you think Brighton needs a Fashion Week to rival other cities? Why? Yes, it helps raise Brighton’s profile as a fashionable city.

BFW: What type of people do you hope Brighton Fashion Week will attract? Internationally and culturally aware individuals.

BFW: Do you think Brighton is a hub for creative people? Why? Yes I would say so, because they are attracted to its proximity to London and its beautiful landscape and coastline.

See Orleans Design at the Ready-to-Wear Show at the Corn Exchange, Saturday 12th June.