Inspiration

1. Fantasy and Fairytale

I have always been fascinated by fairytales and fantasy fiction, and recent cinema releases such as Dark Shadows and The Hunger Games are no exception. However, it is not only the escape provided by this type of fiction that fascinates me: I love to see how fantastical worlds can be demonstrated through the costume choices. Colleen Atwood, a costume designer who works closely with director Tim Burton, is particularly talented at capturing mythological and visionary elements and displaying them through the exquisite costumes she designs. And of course for many women across the country, 2011's Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was the epitome of a real-life fairytale, with her now-famous Sarah Burton dress inspiring scores of brides.

2. 1960s

The swinging sixties brought a marked change to the fashion industry. The conservative hemlines of the early decade were swiftly replaced, with the invention of the mini skirt by Mary Quant in 1964 - perhaps one of the most defining and liberating events in feminine fashions. Indeed, the style still proves popular today, demonstrating the enduring nature of sixties fashion. For me, popular culture has sparked a renewed surge of interest in the fashion from this decade. Between the 2009 film 'An Education' and the television drama 'Mad Men', sixties fashion has been showcased at its best, perfectly capturing the elegance and innovation of the decade. Definitive women from the era, such as Jackie Kennedy and Twiggy, are still cited as fashion icons today, demonstrating the influence that the sixties still has on modern fashion.

3. France

With Paris as one of the undisputed fashion capitals of the world, it is not difficult to see that France is, and always has been, an incredibly stylish nation. Therefore it is not surprising that this nation is home to some of the biggest names in the fashion industry - Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, and of course, Chanel, all hail from France. Quintessentially, French fashion embodies the idea of simple sophistication, a look exemplified perfectly by Coco Chanel herself. A simple breton stripe top or a string of pearls add a touch of 'ooh-la-la' to any outfit, both of which were looks that Ms Chanel herself pioneered.