Named Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s One to Watch for Spring/Summer 2010, up-and-coming young British fashion designer Charlotte Taylor has continued to roll out strong, distinctive  prints and designs for her eponymous label. Her Autumn/Winter 2011 collection is inspired by the colours and shapes of Africa, Hungarian gypsies and English heritage. StyleJunkee managed to grab ten minutes with her to talk shop…

How do you describe your style?
Pretty casual actually. I’m a jeans and t-shirt or shirt kinda girl. Most of my clothes are from charity shops; I don’t like looking like a Topshop clone, but I am not a whacky dresser. I like mixing textures and prints, but I always like to have a good chunk of classic clothing in an outfit.

What are you inspired by?
Anything unexpected and random. I’m really into Japanese nail art at the moment, but I have referenced anything from grandmas to robots. The weirder, the better.

What’s been your career highlight so far?
In the last few months the label has really turned a corner. For me the greatest achievement is growing the business. My brother has just come on board to manage the business side of the label. This has been a huge step and a massive highlight. We have dreamt about this forever. Ben is very business minded, focused, driven and a real rock. He is the perfect complementing partner for a creative like me and we get on like a house on fire (so far!).

What are you up to at the moment?
I am designing SS12. I finished all the prints yesterday and they are really exciting!

If you could give one piece of fashion advice what would it be?
Take things slowly. Don’t try and produce too much at the beginning. Find your niche and then grow from that.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Car boot sales, collecting random artifacts, puppets, china and nail art.

Which is your favourite London shopping street?
I love Camden passage in Islington at lot but I rarely go shopping to be honest unless it’s to the haberdashery – sad.

Which are your favourite designers at the moment?
I don’t really like to look at other designers as I get subconciously influenced very easily. But, I respect Marc Jacobs a lot; the brand is very cool and I love the playfulness of Sonia Rykiel.

When are you happiest?
When I am with my family and friends – probably on our boat at Priory bay on the Isle of Wight, wakeboarding and fishing then back home for fresh mackerel on the BBQ and salad out the garden – heaven.

Who are your heroes in life?
Mum, dad, grandpa and my bro (but don’t tell him that!).

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t take your health for granted.

What are your greatest fears?
Losing those close to me and personally being a failure.