Michael van der Ham

Designer name: Michael van der Ham

Origin: The Netherlands

Design background: Michael graduated from the MA fashion course at Central Saint Martins. He has worked at Sophia Kokosalaki and Alexander McQueen.”

Career highlight: “Vogue photographing me at my studio.”

Design signatures: “I like to mismatch different references in each item of clothing. My autumn/winter 2009 collection is a juxtaposition of elements from different decades in fashion. I made each dress like a 3D collage of clashing colours, textures, weights of fabric and cut.”

How would you describe the Michael van der Ham woman? “Someone who's not afraid to wear something a little more bold.”

Trademark piece: “Knitwear with chiffon tops and multi-fabricated dresses.”

Three autumn/winter 2012 inspirations: “It’s hard to answer without giving too much away: very rare and special fabrications, custom-made textiles and intricate cuts.

What does 2012 hold for your brand? “Hopefully more growth like in 2011.”

What is your favourite decade in fashion? “This one right now, of course.”

Where do you go in London to seek artistic inspiration? “I love the Central Saint Martins College library, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hayward Gallery.”