Camille Liu is dressed in all black, apart from the white on her monochrome snakeskin boots. She leaves her long dark hair loose, framing her pale and delicate complexion, with a hint of anxiety over the coming interview.

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The 20 year old Central Saint Martins student is in her second year, studying knitwear and working currently on a garment inspired by her visit to Florence. Displaying swatches of soft fabrics and wools are laid out on the table adorned with delicate chains and pearls, she offers a feminine and sturdy aesthetic. But she admits to me, “this is a little out of my comfort zone.”

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Camille Liu’s designs regularly are dark and exposing. Her love of the female body shines through in her work, “I find the woman’s body already so interesting in itself that I like repeating those aspects, through nudity in some parts.” Her dresses celebrate the feminine form, rather than restrict, while embellishments decorate. “I love making my garments look like jewellery”. 

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Born in Paris, she lived there until she was 18. As the daughter of a great pattern cutter, fashion influences have existed throughout her life. “I used to go to my mother’s office all the time when I was little, have my naps under the cutting table and on scraps of fabric,” she laughs. But despite this fashion oriented environment, it came as a surprise when she decided to venture into this path. “I was an extremely shy child, and they probably didn’t see me in that universe… but then I changed.” 

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Once enrolling in university in London, Liu’s personality evolved. “There are so many people at Central Saint Martins and if you’re shy, there’s a point where you’re going to have to accept and change.” She learned to open up more about her creativity, but admits she is still quite introverted. She tells me her favourite place to work is at home. “I really like being able to work in my own little universe. I listen to movies, and I enjoy working in front of a window.” 

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One day she wishes to expand her little universe to the streets of Paris once more. With a modest ambition, she tells me “I would love to have a boutique in Paris, there is a certain control that comes with becoming true in your own little place, and it seems to me like a dream but who knows, maybe it will happen.”