Team LBD meets...Kate Fearnley

She's the owner and designer of her own beautiful boutique collection, winner of one of Cosmopolitan's Ultimate Women Awards, stylist to brides-to-be, Ascot attendees and A-listers alike and she still finds time for a gorgeous LBD, good friends and great wine. Meet Kate Fearnley, or Team LBD's new BFF...!

We're thrilled to have Kate Fearnley dresses available at Littleblackdress.co.uk now! Tell us, how did Kate Fearnley start? I graduated with a BA (Hons) fashion degree from Northumbria University in 1997 and went on to work for an independent design company. In 2002 with help from The Prince's Trust I established my own label, Kate Fearnley. I don't think there was ever another option for me other than the world of fashion. From an early age I can remember I wanted to design clothing and spent my time drawing and sewing with the help and encouragement from my fashion designer auntie, Liz. When something is this important to you, you can't let anything stand in your way. I'm living proof that with drive and passion anything is possible! Now I work with a very close team who have all been with me from the start nearly 11 years ago! I am the only official designer within the company but it's the skills and knowledge from my dream team that make my ideas all come to life. Who is the KF customer? The KF customer is someone who wants to be slightly different to the norm. We like to think of our customers as quirky, sophisticated women. They value the classics but don't want to look like every other classically dressed lady at their event. I like to think the collections are unique and kooky with an alternative use of fabrics that are new and exciting, enabling the wearers to stand out from the crowd. Describe a day in the life. I dream about work. It starts about 4am and I design in my sleep (the only chance I get!) then I get into work at about 8am and some of my dream team will be there already, beavering away. Most days I have meetings with fabric agents and speak to customers. On certain days I have made-to-measure appointments in my boutique where I get the chance to have one-on-one time with brides to be, mothers of the bride, race day goers, birthday girls, anyone wanting to make their special occasion extra special. When I go home I work a bit more, emailing and updating sites. Then I always make time for friends and large glasses of red wine! What do you wear at work? Are you full-time glam or practical day-to-day? Okay, what fashion designer have you ever seen looking glam, apart from for the red carpet? Are you joking!? I roll around in fabric and threads all day! My designs are far too sophisticated for work! I am just like any rushed-off-her-feet designer: jeans, t-shirt and hair slapped back in a scruffy ponytail. I do wear my own designs though to any occasion I go to. It would be rude not to!

Who else is wearing KF? We have had the pleasure of dressing The Saturdays, Michelle Keegan, Zoe Salmon, Girls Aloud and Alexandra Burke. Who would you most like to see in your designs? I would love to see Chloe Sevigny wearing the brand. Her style is so individual and I think she would look fantastic in my label.

Left to right: Kate Fearnley Mendes Dress, £178, Kate Fearnley Gaymos Dress, Was: £178, Now: £133.50. Which is the most popular KF dress? The most popular KF dress is definitely the Gaymos dress. Perfect for nailing this season's colour blocking trend! Which is your favourite KF dress? My all-time favourite KF dress is the Mendes. It was and still is a classic and nearly four years on still triumphs in each collection. And my go-to LBD? It's got to be the Katya, it's just very classic and totally timeless. A must-have in any wardrobe. We love the chic and simple KF dresses just as much as the more flamboyant, patterned pieces. How would you accessorise these different styles? I advise my customers not to over accessorise. A matching hat or fascinator, flash of matching colour in the bag or shoe, that will do the trick. Who is your LBD icon? Predictible I know but Audrey Hepburn. She's beautiful, stylish and iconic. She's the perfect LBD wearer. What's your first fashion memory? The early 1990s was iconic for me. I was obsessed with The Clothes Show and the likes of Rifat Ozbec whose catwalk shows mesmerized me at the time.

Left to right: Kate Fearnley Katya Dress, Was: £183, Now: £137, Kate Fearnley Holly Dress, Was: £190, Was: £143. Describe your perfect night out in an LBD. Easy. Lots of music, laughs and drinks... Which other pieces have you got your eye on from Littleblackdress.co.uk? Well that's easy too since there are so many gorgeous designs at the moment. I am really loving new brand, Emma Louise London, and for really edgy, high fashion feeling pieces Peridot and z-mode are perfect. Shop all Kate Fearnley dresses here.