Exclusive Interview with One of the Uk's most Talented & Inspirational Designers Miss Michelle Bannerman

Harsharan Landa does an Exclusive Interview with One of the Uk's most Talented & Inspirational Designers Miss Michelle Bannerman. We speak to her about her Label Yaa Ohene Wa Textiles, Her Style & Her Lastest Collection.

H: Tell us a little bit about, who you are and what you do.

M: My name is Michelle Bannerman & I am the designer & creator of Yaa Ohenewa Textiles which is an online boutique for Women and children.

As a stay at home mum, I basically started designing & sewing for friends & family using African prints & Kente, mixing it up with denims, chiffons & linens. The mix of fabrics really elevated the designs giving them an urban appeal which can easily cross cultural boundaries. As my collection of work progressed I really felt inspired to start my own label. Being born of parents from Ghana and the garments being heavily influenced by Africa, it just felt right using Yaa Ohenewa which is my Ghanaian name; Yaa means born on Thursday & Ohenewa is after the chief of my mother’s clan in Africa.

H: Describe your Fashion Style in 4 Words.

M: My fashion style in three words.... Hmmmnnn.... Cool, Stylish & laid back. I definitely dress for comfort & really feel that “less is more” works for me. I love simplicity with a quirky touch!

H: What is your current project(s) that you are working on?

M: Currently I am working on an embroidery collection which is very time consuming as I’m creating the fabrics which will then ignite inspiration as to what the garment will actually become, I see embroidery as very individual works of art & just like to go with the flow. I’m also continuously working on my website, personal bespoke orders & just trying to push Yaa Ohenewa Textiles to another level!

H: How did you get started in Fashion?

M: From a very young age I got into sewing, mainly because my mum used to make all the curtains for our home and I was always intrigued watching her cutting out materials, sewing then seeing these fabulous draped curtains hung in every room. I would always keep the scraps of fabric to see what I could make for my dolls. At school I was very artistic & loved anything that involved drawing or creating so when they introduced textiles, I instantly new which direction I wanted my career to go in.

I got an unconditional offer to study at London College of Fashion where I studied for 4 years specialising in Embroidery. I then went straight into working. Although working within the fashion industry I never had a role which captivated me or made me feel like I was utilising my skills to the fullest so when in 2007 I had my first child then my second the year after I decided to have a break from work.. And here I am now trying to follow my dreams...

H: Where can people purchase your wonderful designs?

M: You can Buy my Designs & connect with me at;

www.yaaohenewatextiles.com

Twitter: http: //twitter.com/YaaOheneWa

Facebook: Yaa Ohenewa Textiles