Introducing: Emma Swanepoel

TLP is always on the lookout for young design talent — and today we’ve got a short interview with Emma Swanepoel, a graduated contour fashion student at DMU looking to get into the lingerie world!

Q: Can you introduce yourself to TLP?
A: My name is Emma Swanepoel, I’m 21 and have just graduated with a First Class Honours in Contour Fashion at De Montfort University. the only specialist lingerie, body and swimwear degree course in the world.

Q: How did you end up doing lingerie? Why did you pick this niche?
A: I have loved fashion from a young age and always knew this was were my passion lay, I chose Contour Fashion in particular as I wanted to find a degree that would be challenging to me as a designer and where I would learn a number of invaluable and unique skills and this course not only offered me that, but the opportunity to specialize is an area that was exclusive to this university.

Q: What are your own favourite lingerie brands?
A: I’m not sure I can pick a favourite! But I think the first ones to spring to mind are Damaris, Fleur T, I.D Sarrieri, Strumpet and Pink and Guia La Bruna. I think they each have different unique qualities that draws me to them every time, whether it’s the fabrics used, interesting style lines, prints, or simply the quality of fit.

Q: What are your lingerie-related dreams and aspirations?
A: I think ultimately I want to create lingerie that makes women feel empowered, sexy and feminine. Nothing feels better then wearing beautiful lingerie and I want to create the same feeling with my own designs, I want women to feel irresistible.

Q: Where will we find Emma Swanepoel in 2015?
A: Hopefully working for a company where I am able to use the specialist technical skills developed from my degree, whether it is in lingerie, swimwear or corsetry and combine it with the freedom to use my creativity designing and exploring new ideas.