David David

It’s been one heck of a year for designer David David, aka David Saunders, and his bold, bright patterns have won him an army of admirers. Ahead of his pop-up shop opening at The Lollipop Shoppe in London’s Spitalfields, we spoke to him to talk 2011 highlights, how to tickle colours, and Kanye West…

It’s been a great year for you – what have been your highlights?

Wow, well we’ve had two pop-up shops which is amazing! We had a number of events inviting Gary Card, Julie Verehoven, Susie Bubble, Nancy Tilbury, Darkroom Today is Boring and Mark Eley to talk. Its been a real rollercoaster of fun also I just went to Sarajevo with the British Council which was amazing!

You’ve done a few different things this year – will you always see yourself first and foremost as a fashion designer?

Well actually no. I think of myself as an artist, who has a focus in fashion, but I’m really a painter. Fashion just happened by accident – that’s why you will find me dabbling in a number of other fields, I like to spread my heart around.  

Why do you think you are so drawn to bold, colourful designs?

Well I’m actually interested in colour combinations so the bright colours are there to contrast the darker tones and pastel. I started by working with flourescents and pastels, trying to work out of the box and identity how I can use colours in away that they shouldn’t work together. I simply just tickled them under the chin until they rolled over and lay comfortably with each other.

How does it feel to have people like Kanye West and M.I.A. talk about your work? That must be quite surreal…

It makes me feel warm and fuzzy… ha, no, um, I tend to not get to excited by anything much apart from french fries. It’s amazing to have people like that like my work but I value everyone’s appreciation as much as them. 

What are your plans for next year?

I might take a day off – I’m about eight weeks in without a a break, then who knows? Well we’ve got a few pieces in next year’s V&A summer show ‘Best of Britian 1942-2012’ so I’m looking forward to that, hopefully more pop-up shops and collaborations (which I love cause it means working with like minds!) and fun! Oh and money spinning!

What do you think of UK design at the moment? what would you like to see in 2012?

I love design in London there is always things happening that blows my mind. The Olympics is gonna be cool – I’d like to see the gymnastics. I’d love to be involved in the opening ceremony too, perhaps make someone’s outfit. In 2012 I’d like to see the London Tower painted in paisley and Big Ben tartaned up!