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By Marcellous L. Jones Portrait Courtesy of Ysabel Cloherty Additional Photos Courtesy of Team Peter Stigter / FashionClash Paris, France – In the second of our three-parts “Introducing” series, we are happy to present to you the Australian beauty, Ms. Ysabel Cloherty.

She is half-Australian and half-Greek. She grew up in Sydney, where she became strongly influenced by my mixed heritage and the link between her two cultures. This impacted her design aesthetic and her unique point of view. She considers herself to be a typical Aussie kid coming from a supportive encouraging family that pushed her to express her unusual and colourful identity.

LEGSQERE AT FASHIONCLASH 2017

After graduating Dulwich Hill High School of Visual Arts and Design, She went on to do complete her Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles program at the University of Technology Sydney and from where she graduated with Honours.

This past summer Ysabel Cloherty participated in the 9^th edition of the FashionClash Festival. Held in Maastricht, Netherlands, this international multidisciplinary event is known for its penchant for selecting and introducing fresh, new and innovative fashion designers to international media, buyers and influencers. It was there that TheFashionInsider.com Magazine first came into contact with her natural blond locks and her infectious smile. Her creative talents and bold designs impressed us so greatly, that she forced our decision for the title of ” The One to Watch”, into a three-way tie !!!

Australian designer and winner of TheFashionFashionInsider.com’s “ONE TO WATCH” Award, Ms. YSABEL CLOHERTY

Why did you decide to become a designer?

When I was 7 years old I won an award at school for my ability to thread a needle, so I think I was always destined for this path! Having attended a Visual Arts and Design school really influenced my decision to want a career in the fashion industry. I have always been an ‘art nerd’ and could spend days at a time in galleries finding endless sources of creativity and inspiration for my designs. I really enjoy the design process and sometimes I can get obsessive with my research. I’m very curious by nature, and I’ve always asked a lot of questions. People often find it hard to keep up with me, and as a designer I’m constantly looking for something new and different. At the end of the day I find it really rewarding to have my ideas become tangible, functional and practical items. Clothes can transform you into whoever you want to be, fashion for me is a physical characterization of ones self.

What does it mean to have your work recognized by being selected for participation in the 2017 Edition of the FashionClash?

Showing my work at FashionClash Festival was a big confidence booster and I learnt so much in the process. The experience was so positive, and I felt welcomed and embraced by everyone involved. It was beneficial and environment that supports new young innovative talent. It was a fantastic opportunity, and I feel fortunate, and truly humbled by this recognition. It confirmed that I’m moving in the right direction and is really encouraging for me as a young designer coming into the fashion industry. I realise to be successful it is a combination of talent and hard work. It’s about how much time and effort you put in. As an emerging designer it’s an amazing feeling to have the industry recognise my work.

Through your experiences that led to you winning awards, what do you think that you learn most about yourself as a designer?

I’ve learnt that success comes from a combination of talent, effort and hard work. Showing my collection on the other side of the world was an exciting adventure that gave me the opportunity to learn new things and grow through the experience. Over the past few years my design aesthetic has developed and changed dramatically and continues to evolve. I’m not one to shy away from bold colours, prints and silhouettes. I feel there is still an opportunity to push the boundaries and think ‘outside the box’. I feel fashion is really looking for radical new ideas that can really make a fashion statement. For more on Ysabel Cloherty, you can follow her on Instagram at ysabel.cloherty. And for more on the FashionClash, please visit www.fashionclash.nl.