Rebecca Lu, Brighton-based textile designer and fresh graduate of Brighton University, was recently announced as the Texprint Print Winner 2010 as judged by Elena Alfani (director of accessories at Salvatore Ferragamo) and quite frankly, it's easy to see why.

Rebecca draws much of her inspiration from flora and fauna, using sketches of wildlife and birds alongside flowers and foliage to create her cut outs and stencils. Working mainly in silk, Rebecca Lu adapts each motif with an Art Nouveau edge into prints designed specifically for the shape of each garment she creates which results in a super-elegant, vintage inspired collection.

In between directing her latest fashion shoot and organising her impending trip to Paris, Rebecca made a bit of time to come have a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake with me....

S: Rebecca, when did you realise you wanted to become a textile designer and what inspired you to do so?

R: I have always been interested in fashion and textiles design from a very young age. I come from a really creative background that has been solely influenced by my siblings. I entered many creative competitions growing up and I didn't quite know what I wanted to specialise in straight way but I somehow always knew it would be within the field of fashion or textile design.

S: What are your clients looking for when they come to you for textile prints or garments?

R: I always like to show a client my previous work and from this they are frequently drawn to my own personal exploration of a subject and inspiration. As a result of this, I therefore adapt my own mark making towards their brief and collaborate on ideas of how this can be applied to their requirements.

S: Who would you say are your main influences?

R: I am particularly influenced by the printed textiles of labels such as Eley Kishimoto, Zandra Rhodes and Basso and Brooke, but my main source of creativity comes from the people around me, my surroundings and from my own personal likes and interest. This includes my interests in collecting items such as collecting teapots, vintage dresses and vintage accessories relating to a certain era or nostalgia.

S: What has been the best thing about taking part in Texprint?

R: Being able to show and promote my work in an environment that helps to bridge the gap between graduates and the industry. I was able to gain thorough knowledge and advice on how to sell, promote and approach clients in the fashion textiles industry through the medium of printed textiles.

S: What's your five-year dream, are we going to see you in Vogue anytime soon?

R: The big dream is to being able to work for companies within my field in order to understand and gain more knowledge and experience of how a textiles company operates and develops as a business. I also want to enhance my freelance and commission skills so that I become more experienced on working to clients needs. From this I plan to gain more confidence, experience and intellect in the hope to one day I can run my own textiles and creative business. I am also considering doing an MA directly associated or in relation to textile design and illustration - time permitting!

S: As a designer, what's your tip for body confidence?

R: I believe that if you are true to yourself and you are comfortable with who you are then this will come across in all aspects of your personality and true self.

S: What's your favourite part of your body?

R: Most people say my skin. People also think that as I am quite short, I am able to style myself and choose clothes that compliment my silhouette as well as depicting my personality in the right way. However unbeknownst to them, this enables me to get away with murder and hide my food filled pot belly!

S: If you could look like someone other than yourself, who would it be?

R: Karen O or Bettie Page they are both B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L because they have both distinctive styles that represent who they are.

S: When do you feel at your sexiest?

R: When I dress as a Sailor Moon character in 1950's burlesque style.

S: Do you have a secret celebrity crush?

R: AWFUL BUT Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice!

S: Describe yourself in three words?

R: Creative, motivated, panda

S:Describe Brighton in three words?

R: Weird, wonderful, home....

S: Does Brighton rock? Why?

R: Of course - because you can be yourself!

Texprint is a non-profit making registered charity, whose aim is to link the best newly graduated textile designers with industry. For more info visit: http://www.texprint.org.uk/

Rebecca Lu can be contacted on rebecca_phoenix_lu@hotmail.co.uk