Kms california and bora aksu talk creativity and confidence

KMS California and Bora Aksu took their partnership beyond the catwalk for an intimate presentation providing an insight in to the designer's mind and how hair relates to his work. Hosted at the KMS and Goldwell Academy in London, the Smart Talk evening saw Turkish-born designer Bora interviewed live on stage by head of education, Irene Meikle. Covering everything from his earliest days at Central Saint Martins college to how he finds a hairdresser to partner with at his shows, the interview was a fascinating insight in to another world of creativity - and one which was deeply relatable to the hairdressers in the audience. Bora on... finding a signature look It's really important to have a signature, but it can take a long time find out what that is. You are trained in a certain way throughout your education path, but it's then up to you find your own take on that. I didn't really have a signature style until I presented my first show at London Fashion Week; I really wanted that collection to reflect me, so I could look back and be proud. Bora on... mentors Surrounding yourself with people that inspire you is hugely important. You need to have role models to look up to and mentors to inspire you along the way. They will help you find your signature and push you to be the best you can be. Bora on... competitions Competitions are a really good idea when you're just starting out because they provide you with a great support network and showcase your work to the wider world. The downside is that success can come suddenly and you're then expected to have knowledge of areas of the business that you know nothing about - like putting on a show, or speaking to buyers. Again, this is where having mentors around you is really helpful. Bora on... maintaining success I recently celebrated my tenth season at London Fashion Week and I think the key to that success - or success in anything - is to enjoy it. Fashion is not a 9-5 job, it's something that you have to live and breathe every day. I can't separate it from my life. Design is just part of me and I'm never not thinking about it. I'm very lucky to do my hobby as a job. Bora on... finding a hairdresser to work with I look for hairdressers with their own style language, but they also need to be flexible. Talent is important, but instinct and harmony is too. My studio is like my family, so if I'm inviting someone in to be a part of it, we need to get on. Last season I worked with Liam Curran. I wanted the hair to reference my mum's school days - which were the inspiration for the collection - but I didn't want it to be nostalgic. He brought his own ideas to make the hair modern, and I like that. He respected my vision, but had his own input too. Bora on... finding the right career path As a creative person working in a creative industry, it's important to find the right platform to allow you to do that and live out your own vision every day. Opening your own label is the ideal way to do this, but it doesn't work for everyone. Lots of my fashion classmates went back to working for high street stores or teaching. I believe in following fate though, and working with the doors that are open to you rather than clawing at those that are closed to you.