Have you always been a creative person?

I've always been inspired to do things; it's a part of who I am. What I can't do is put a label on what I do. I don't mind if people see my work as art or as a craft as long as they like it.

What kind of things did you design for Vivienne Westwood?

I worked in the design studio designing accessories for the Japan market. I designed and made ties, handkerchiefs and bags. I made this tie from an old handkerchief that my grandmother gave to me.

How did if feel to be working with someone like Vivienne Westwood?

I enjoyed it a lot. I loved being able to see my designs being used and made and it was also great seeing Vivienne coming in every day in a different outfit, outlandish!

Is the concept of creating something a key part of your life?

I get a lot of pleasure from creating things. Once I've completed one piece I'm always thinking about the next. I enjoy the whole process, from the design to the cutting and sewing. I think it's important to be able to cut and sew well so that you can create better designs. I'm inspired by a lot of things, from the history behind the costume to art.

This is a very dramatic piece. What's the story behind creating such a costume?

I started with the fabric as I wanted to create a costume where every piece of clothing was made from the same material in the same colours. The material inspired me to create a full circle cloak in a kind of 1940s style, but then I took it one step further and painted the background and skin the same colour. When you wear costumes like this it can make you feel like a completely different character, it frees you. I think that every costume reveals a different part of my personality.

What was the inspiration behind this unique costume?

I was inspired by clothes from the 18th Century when I made this costume. I hand stitched every piece of it - trousers, waistcoat, coat, shirt and I also made the hat. Instead of using 18th century material I used African material to update the style. I wore this costume to go to a party in a nightclub during London fashion week.

For what occasion did you create this amazing costume?

I made this costume for a magazine called Dazed and Confused. They commissioned me to create something unique after seeing an article about me on the internet. It was inspired by the designer Paul Poiret that worked at the beginning of the twentieth century. He was famous for his use of colours and releasing women from their corsets. The beading on the outfit comes from Paris and I bought the last ones in the shop so it's impossible to buy them anywhere now. I hand stitched them all on which took quite a bit of time but I think I finished the whole outfit in three months.

Designing your pieces of art gives you a chance to escape to a fantasy world, but your day to day work at a retro clothes shop is a little bit closer to reality isn't it?

I love seeing all the different clothes that come into the shop. I like clothes from every era and I find it interesting how things have changed over time. I'm a big fan of the Dandies from the 19th century's style, the tight tailoring and perfect fit. I have a lot of respect for older things because of all the work that's gone into them and I always believe that they look better for it.