Back To The Office - The Array

q: Why did you name your brand ’The Array’? Is there a significant meaning behind it? a: We started out wanting to build a versatile core wardrobe of investment pieces, and we liked that the word “array” implies a series or selection. We also just really like the way it sounds! q: How has attending the Royal College of Art changed you as a designer? a: We both felt that studying fashion at a Masters level has significantly developed our design practice. Every single thing you do requires depth, thinking and endless research. We've definitely carried this attitude forward to the way we design for The Array, where we start each collection with research and an interview series to create meaningful garments. q: Empowering the working woman is the main theme for your collections, why is that? a: The concept of the brand is an extension of our graduate collection at the Royal College of Art, where we created a wardrobe inspired by working women we met at the College. We found nothing more inspiring and gratifying than designing for the real women who are passionate, intelligent and kind, and always has an interesting story to tell. q: Where do you draw your inspiration from? a: We believe good design comes from a need or purpose, and our first collection was inspired by an interview series we had with working women about their work wardrobe. Aesthetically, we are inspired by a lot of contemporary, minimal art and architecture. We also draw a lot of historical inspiration from women designers in the past that have created innovative and functional designs for women like Bonnie Cashin and Claire McCardell. q: How does an idea or a sketch transform into the final piece? a: We always start out with sketches, and then drape on the form to create the silhouette we want. In this process we would find out what works or what we love and then edit from there. We create a fully detailed sample in-house before going to our local London factory to create the perfect finished piece. 6. What’s the one thing you want people to notice when looking at The Array? As trained designers we prioritise a lot on quality and a very refined fit and details, we hope it translates to our customers and community as a collection of special investment pieces that is well-considered and to be loved and worn for a long time to come!