A new generation of career personalities are reinventing the work life of the modern creative. This pack of freelance writers, stylists, designers, photographers and bloggers are determined to avoid the traditions of a career within a fashion megabrand. Instead they cross media platforms, mixing and matching their talents to develop their rich and varied work schedules.  For them, no two working days are ever the same.

Samata Angel is one such business mind. An all-round career woman, Samata is currently writing a book, designing for her clothing range ‘Samata’s Muse’ and managing her hugely popular blog ‘Samata’s Musings’– all whilst consulting on a range of wider creative ventures. She nurtures new industrial talents, addressed Prime Minister David Cameron at the launch of the ‘Start up Britain’ initiative and is the Global Campaign Director of the ‘Red Carpet Green Dress’ project,  aiming to bring sustainable fashion to the red carpet at the Oscars. 

We simply want to know how on earth she fits all of this in…!

Samata, with all of the things that you have going on, what does your day-to-day schedule look like?!
“I am online, answering questions, looking after my social media, especially my Facebook and Twitter. I may be liaising with Suzy Cameron in LA discussing the Red Carpet Green Dress role, dealing with my pattern maker and seamstress on Samata’s Muse or attending a fashion event or launch. I like to stay busy and be out and about – you can meet the most interesting and inspirational people at a launch or fashion show, I love it!”

What do you think that it means to be an entrepreneur in the fashion industry today?
“A fashion entrepreneur today manages to balance a creative talent with an understanding of fashion as a business. I believe that fashion entrepreneurs are the new generation of fashion designer…they just get it. They understand the big picture but also know how to focus on their creative strength.”

How would you describe your own creative ethos at your label, Samata’s Muse?
“Samata’s Muse is a brand for the modern woman who remembers and adores the glamour of a time gone by. I love combining beautiful fabrics, breathtaking design and flattering design for the female form.”

You work closely with new talent in the industry; tell us about the role you play and the book that you are currently working on?
“I am currently finishing off a resource and lifestyle book which provides a comprehensive business overview of the fashion industry. The book seeks to prepare fashion entrepreneurs and designers for a competitive and crowded industry, where creative inspiration and ambition meets digestible business guidance. There is some great content in there from the likes of Dean Frances Corner (London College of Fashion), Harold Tillman, Sarah Curran, Suzy Cameron and others.”

So what are the key challenges that these young designers will face when leaving the safety net of University and setting up a business of their own?
“I think that it is an intimidating industry at first glance and a few of the challenges faced when leaving the incubator of fashion college can be ‘where to start’, ‘how do I find money’, ‘how can I build a network.”

“One of the best things I did in the early days was find a mentor. Someone who helped me to take a step back, look at all of my options and take steps in the right direction. I did not study fashion design at college but I know that for many graduates who finish, there is a burning desire to start their own brand right away. I always say, get work experience first; I did and used that time as a great opportunity to learn the inside ropes of the fashion industry for myself.”

What makes a young designer stand out from the graduate pack, for you?
“I love when a designer manages to combine a unique design talent with a look that is commercially viable.”

Who were your favourite graduates this year?
“I loved Stein Reiss, Ya-Chiao Sung and I was also blown away by Wun Wun Nova Chu.”

Elsewhere, you are the newly appointed Global Campaign Director for the Red Carpet Green Dress Project - What does your position entail?
“It’s a new and exciting role which will see me working with Suzy Cameron (the wife of Titanic and Avatar Director James Cameron) to deliver sustainable fashion to the red carpet. The underlying message is that sustainability in fashion plays an increasingly important role, from the glamorous red carpet fashion you see at the Oscars across to mainstream high street fashion. The campaign also fundraises for the Cameron’s not-for-profit schools, the MUSE school in California and two other schools outside the US. I am looking forward to doing some exciting work in LA and also spending more time to understand the fashion scene over there.”

Finally, you have had so much success already this year – it’s only July! – what else do you hope to achieve in the coming months?
“I can’t wait to finish my collection and get that sold to my dream department store. Apart from that I want to work with exciting and inspirational people and enjoy every second of life!”

Samata Angel is one of Red Magazine’s ‘Top 20 women under the age of 30’ for 2011.

Check out Samata’s Musings Blog
Follow her on Twitter @samataangel
Or find her on Facebook

Words: Caroline Leaper
Images: Samata Angel

You Should:

See who joined Samata at this year’s WGSN Global Fashion Awards >>
See Our Pick of the Graduate Collections >>
Read our thoughts on Sustainable Fashion >>