Can you tell us a bit more about you?
I’m Donovan Pascal, Senior Designer at Religion Clothing, as well as a designer for Undercoat, a new man label.
Where are you from?
I grew up, and still, have a home in East London.
Where do you live now?
I live between London and Bali. I also spend time in Paris, Milan, Portugal and Hong Kong for work. Living in Bali is great and I love the vibe there, but it’s good spending time in London as well, staying in touch with the fashion scene there and in Europe.
Tell us a bit about your background?
My mum is Jamaican and my dad was from St Lucia. I’ve got two brothers, I’m in the middle of three boys. We grew up in London, and I really consider myself to be a Londoner, but my Caribbean heritage is really important to me too.
How would you describe your style, image, storytelling?
I definitely like to be unique! I like to be edgy, putting a twist on things in a sexy way. I try to be different, but still in a way that’s practical for day-to-day life. This varies where I am of course – my London wardrobe is very different to what I wear when I’m in Bali!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from everything and anything – it might be something I see in a local market or an aspect of a look I see on a TV programme or film that inspires a particular item of clothing, or even a feel for a new range. Music is a big passion of mine, from the likes of Diana Ross and Michael Jackson to contemporary hip hop so this also influences me. Often I’ll get inspired by a vintage film for example and add a modern twist to make the look relevant for today.
When did your passion for design start?
It’s been there for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved painting, sketching and being creative – it was definitely the creative subjects at school that got me excited, that included music and dance as well. I started making clothes when I was about 15 – I had a sewing machine and I would adapt my school uniform so to make it unique. I was really lucky that my Mum was supportive of my passion and I secured a place to study a fashion degree at the London College of Fashion.
What material do you use for work? And the one you like the most to work?
I enjoy working with a range of materials – one day it may be denim, the next it might be a sequin jacket. I never know what each day will bring and that still really excites me. I sketch everything out – sometimes that will be a detailed illustration in my sketch pad, or it might be a basic doodle on a napkin.
What are your biggest accomplishments as a designer?
I’ve worked with a whole range of people during my career, including big stars such as Prince. I still feel most satisfied when I see someone in the street wearing one of my designs, knowing that they’ve gone out and bought it. Sometimes it’s a couple year after I designed it, so it feels good that my designs have longevity as well as being on the point of a particular season. I’m also really happy that I still get to do the job I love!
Can you tell us a bit more about Religion Clothing? When did it start? Can you describe the lifestyle around the brand?
Religion was founded about 20 years ago by brothers Darren and Gary Collins. They’re also from the UK and started designing and making T-shirts in Bali and selling back in London. The brand’s grown massively since then and we now have men’s, ladies and kids wear collections and sell worldwide. Religion has a rock n' roll edge to it for sure. Our ranges let people express themselves and stand out from the crowd a little with their own individual style.
What is your favourite designer and brand beside Religion?
Saint Laurent is my all time favourite designer. I also love Balmain ladies wear and Yeezys last collection.
Where do you usually like to go to chill/take a drink/party, dance?
If I’m in London Shoreditch House is always high on the list as I’m a member there. You can eat, drink, party and even have a swim in the roof-top pool – if the London weather agrees! In Bali, there are loads of great restaurants and bars, but Ku De Ta is one of my favourite regulars – it’s a beach club that’s also a great place in the evenings after the sun goes down.
What is your favourite place to travel?
That has to be Ibiza. As soon as you get on the flight you can sense the atmosphere changes – everyone is excited to have a good time and leave their worries behind for a while.
What is your motto in life?
#itsafinelife
