CLAIRE BARROW LOVES LEATHER

Skipping the internships and becoming her own boss, illustrator Claire Barrow has made not only a name for herself, but also a living, painting unique punk and artist inspired designs on leather jackets. And who wouldn’t want their leather painted with a one-off real cool art impression, portrait or landscape!? Her own designs are pretty unbelievable, but she does also do designs to order too. In April Claire hosted a party to launch her new website (and of course celebrate the Royal Wedding) and we recently met up with Claire to snap her in her own designs and ask her a few questions…

What made you decide to start painting leather jackets and shoes?
Well im in my year out of the university of Westminster, fashion design course, and did my frist jacket with the clouds and decided that I would take my carrer into my own hands rather than doing internship or work placements. I am lucky that I get to do it full time and I enjoy myself everyday.

Who would you most like to see wearing your jackets?
I think that its great to see anyone in them, enjoying wearing them…. Makes me very happy because I put my heart into each one.

Who already has one?
Rihanna…..

How long do they take to do and where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
It takes me around 3 days to do one jacket, I’m such a perfectionist and each one is a piece of art I want to keep it special and personal so I hand paint everything.

You’ve recently started painting shoes as well, where do you plan to take your paints next?
im painting a hermes ‘birkin’ bag… and i have a few illustration collaborations coming up so that’s all exciting! X

Would you ever become a tattooist?
I tattooed my friend the other night using his tattoo machine (he is a proper one) with a blue rose… im shit, it looked like a blue lettuce.

Sum up the Claire Barrow customer in three words…
Independent, expressive, brave

If you weren’t painting leather you would like to be…
a dancer (lol)

The future is…
I’m going to gradute university next September with my debut collection, there will be painted stuff in from the milk of danzig but I also want to show people that I design. I want to start my own brand straight from then… as well as some painted goodies too…

You cant wait for…
Berlin tomorrow, I haven’t been since I was 11. Just going on a small holiday to have fun!

Best moment of your career so far…
Being commissioned a jacket from Rihanna, you’ll see it in September that’s all I’m saying.

What you love about your job is…
I’m creatively free! That was always my dream!

The most important thing in life is…
Food and love.

Favourite place in London…
The middle of London Bridge on an evening, standing thinking about things, (not jumping off).

The soundtrack of your life would consist of these three songs…
Placebo- Teenage Angst, The Clash- Magnificent Seven, Minor Threat- Small Man, Big Mouth.