Andrew McMillian, Design Director of BEN SHERMAN

What are you wearing right now?

• At the minute I’m wearing a lot of knitwear, especially v-necks with button-down shirts or polo tops underneath and raw slim leg dark jeans

Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

• Allover and from everything really, but I would say most of my inspiration comes from vintage shopping especially military as that where you get the best functional details.

Who is your style icon?

• Too be honest I can not say I have one, but looking at what I’m wearing at the moment it would have to be Jimmy Tarbuck

Is there any designer that you have always admired or try to emulate?

• Being a British designer for British company I would have to say I have always admired Paul Smith. Also at the moment I think Kris Van Asshe is a really exciting designer 

If you could dress any historical figure or celebrity who would it be and why?

• David Niven – as he was the quintessential English gent who had effortless style and could make anything look good. The way people dressed in the 40’s and 50’s was great especially for formal events.

Best Dressed Male:

• Paul Weller – He has a timeless style

Best Dressed Female:

• Gwen Stefani – she has a crazy one off style (I hope it is her own ideas and not a stylist)

When or how did you decide that you wanted to design clothing for the rest of your life?

• I have always had a passion for drawing and designing and changed my mind everyday at school, what area of design I wanted to go into. My dad wanted me to work at British aerospace designing planes, which wasn’t for me. While at college I had to decided, do I do Graphics or Fashion. My final decision came down to one single thing ……..All the good looking girls where doing fashion. 

What is the difference between fashion and style?

• You can buy fashion you can’t buy style (although you can buy a stylist) 

What is your definition of style?

• Style is something that someone has it is part of your personality

Description of a perfect outfit:

• The perfect outfit would have to be an outfit that shows of your best features and hides your worse making you feel the best you can be.

What is the most essential article of clothing in any outfit?

• I would have to say what you wear on your feet as I have an unhealthy obsession with trainers and shoes.

Hottest trend that people should know about:

• The shift away from denim. Combat and sports inspired pants in formal fabrics and technical fabrics are going to be coming through with denim style washing and finishes.

Trend that you wish would disappear?

• Everyone thinking Pete Doherty is cool