Gavin Douglas, fashion designer to the stars, gives I-FUSE exclusive preview of his 2010 collection that will rip the runway at CFW 2009

I-FUSE: Now at the age of 26 and you have won many awards, you’re designs have been featured in Elle and Vogue several times, what other achievements have you made lately and what are you looking forward to?

GD: I've recently taken time out to work with a lot of children charities and educational groups here in the UK. I've currently been lecturing fashion at The London Business School in East London. I've also worked with Nelson Mandela's Children's Charity and also Skills Fast UK.

I'm looking forward to working with Birmingham City Council (The secound largest city of the UK) to help restructure the developing fashion industry here.

I-FUSE: Famous persons such as Kelly Rowland are known to wear your designs; are your clothing also available through retailers?

GD: I'm currently working with private clients.

I-FUSE: You once said in an interview that music inspires your creativity. What songs or artists have inspired you lately?

GD: I'm always inspired by music. Dancehall music is exciting right now. There's an influx of new talent which makes it even more interesting to listen to. I'm not sure I should state which songs have been inspiring me lately because most of them have been banned!!

I-FUSE: Literally eleven days till CFW begins, tell us what preparations you are making at this stage (in terms of technically getting garments ready, designating man power, etc)?

GD: I've just come back from the manufacturers today. At the moment all the patterns have been cut, I'm getting the last few bits of fabric today. I've had a great team of fashion students and staff helping to put the collection together. The manufacturers will begin sewing on Monday so it'll be an extremely hectic week. Hopefully everything will come together in the end!!

I-FUSE: What can audiences expect to see from Gavin Douglas this year at CFW?

GD: This year I've designed a new and exclusive collection for CFW in partnership with Birmingham's' Big City Plan. I've used a lot of colour and created new and interesting silhouettes. I've also incorporated hand beading, leather weaving and digital print. I've also designed a line of shoes to complement the collection.