“I reached out to Julia Fox’s team to set up a meeting about creating a look for her,” says Northern Irish designer Tara Hakin of the nail polish-themed outfit she made for the Uncut Gems actor last month. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done that – how she taps into contemporary pop culture is super interesting.
Long before Hakin was dressing the most feverishly watched fashion plates in the world in her figure-hugging tactile garments – Paloma Elsesser, Jorja Smith, Iris Law and Kourtney Kardashian are just a few of the famous faces who have been spied wearing items from her eponymous line this year – the 26-year-old Brighton University graduate knew her craftsmanship and perseverance would steer her in the right direction. “My drive and desire to design is ingrained within me; I can’t see myself doing anything else nor was I good at anything else as my head was always elsewhere!”
Hakin’s innovative creations are riotous, sensual and versatile. Designs range from striking asymmetric body-con dresses featuring abstract images of car crashes to sliced-and-diced trousers that sit low on the hips and wet-look Lycra swimwear emblazoned with one-off iconography.
Hakin’s starting point when designing involves toying with shapes from the confines of her East London studio. “I usually tie my research in with 3D experimentation on mannequins. Draping is my favourite part of the process as I enjoy the tactile element. For me, fashion is about creating armour for the wearer. [I want] my items to become an extension of the wearer,” she emphasises.
Hakin’s talents extend beyond the inside of her studio, too. You’ve probably spotted her costume designs front and centre in music videos for Celeste and Rosalía. “If I’m working on an outfit for a music video, film or performance, I can be more unconventional.” What lies ahead for Hakin this year? “It’s great to see a wide range of people wearing my clothes who differ in age and body shape; it makes me feel proud knowing that I can offer something for everyone. My main goals are to have a wholesale stockist and to send my pieces down the runway.”
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Originally posted from “British VOGUE” by Eni Subair
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