20 year old fashion student Roy Carmona, graciously takes us along their journey of self discovery, whilst pursuing their career in the fashion industry. Roy paints a picture of how their creations relate to one's self-identity, which leads to a special bond with creations, whilst opening the doors to personal growth along the way.
Originally from Nottingham, Roy Carmona (they/them) has just finished their second year studying menswear at Central Saint Martins. Roy kindly takes us through their journey of discovering the fashion industry whilst also finding themself through fashion. Not to mention Roy’s anticipation for their internship in the fashion capital, Paris, with Louis Vuitton.
What does menswear at Central Saint Martins entail?
When asked, Roy explains that their studies encourage them to dive into what is important to them, to enable them to allow their creative side to flow through their personality. “In university you are pushed to dive deeper into what is personal to you” Through their studies, Roy has chosen to explore their Filipino heritage and focus their creations on integrating their British culture with their Filipino identity. However Roy expresses their worry over “not wanting to commodify your upbringing” as they dont want to glamourise or send the wrong message through their designs. Roy describes their studies as similar to a “diary entry” in which their creations become part of him, making their creations raw. What is also very important to Roy is the fact that they can incorporate family within their designs.
What inspired you to chase a career in fashion?
As I delve into Roy’s creative background, Roy explains that their love of fashion grew from studying GCSE art as a teen and seeing art as an important way to express themselves. Roy recalls feeling pressure but also the thrill of pulling an incredible outfit together for a non-uniform day in school and loving the freedom of being able to express yourself through fashion. It is obvious that Roy’s love of fashion developed by being able to tell their story through the medium of fashion.
Which celebrity's fashion resonates with you most?
When asked which celebrity's fashion inspires them, Roy admits that they are undecided as to which celebrity fashion resonates with them most, going on to admit that they are yet to fully discover their own style. However, Roy does mention actress and screenwriter Michaela Cole (star of tv series ‘Chewing Gum’) and explains that they are in awe of the confidence and boldness that Cole expresses in her shoots. Roy recalls one particular shoot where Cole is styled by Maximilian Davies, who is creative director of Italian fashion house Ferragamo. During the world premiere of the Black Panther, Davies styles Cole in a show stopping head to toe black crystal piece. This brought focus to the stunning silhouette of Cole's beauty, whilst allowing her personality to shine through.
Are you excited to start your placement with Louis Vuitton?
Roy is honoured to have the chance to work with a renowned designer brand and realises that they partly owe this to the amazing connections at Central Saint Martin. Roy also feels fortunate to be thrown into the deep end, in the capital of fashion itself, Paris.
Where do you see yourself in fashion in five years time?
At only twenty years old, Roy believes that the world of fashion is still an open book in terms of where they see themself in the future. Roy touches on the idea of perhaps achieving the role of creative director for a fashion label, or even dreaming of creating their own fashion house one day.
Even though Roy Carmona’s fashion journey is in its infancy, it was inspiring to hear their passion. Chatting with Roy was like catching up with an old friend, sharing in their excitement for what may come in their future career and the journey ahead of them. I feel honoured to have shared in Roy’s dreams, and think they would make a valuable and refreshing contribution to the fashion industry.
