Ben De Lisi’s eye for detail and clean lines underpins his designs. His redefinition of the Principles collection showcases unique formal wear for women using crisp autumnal colours. Ben De Lisi has designed for A-list stars such as Kate Winslet.

We have a chat with this distinguished designer and get to know what wardrobe staples he swears by:

Have you always known you were going to be a designer? What made you decide to become one?

I didn’t know I would be a designer as such, but did know that I would be a creative person with a creative career ahead of me.

I turned to design when I couldn’t afford a pair of trousers that I wanted, my grandmother said to make them and taught me to sew. It was then that I found the true outlet for my creativity. That’s when the DESIGN bug bit me.

What/who are your sources of inspiration?

Sources of inspiration come from the 1950’s a period devoid of superfluous detail, clean and pure. Artists like Picasso, Rothko, Kandinsky, Nicholson, Arp, Pollock etc are all my benchmark for colour and geometry.

Describe your design philosophy.

My design philosophy is clean, pure and effortless. I make clothes that flatter and make women project the best of who they are — UNDERSTATED CHIC.

What do you do when you’re stuck for ideas?

I’m almost never stuck for ideas. As long as I have eyes, the world is my studio and there is always something to spark a design. But if I am feeling flat then I look to my previous collections to re-inspire me.

Which celebrity(s) do you wish to see wearing your designs?

I would love to see Julianne Moore, Sandra Bullock and Kirsten Scott-Thomas wear my clothes.

What do you think is the next big fashion trend? How do you think this will influence your upcoming designs?

I don’t conform to trends.

Which trends do you think are here to stay?

The architectural white shirt … always looks fresh and modern.

What is one wardrobe staple every woman/man should own?

Easy, a white shirt!

What is your stance on sustainable fashion?

I think it is becoming more and more important to be vigilant about how our clothes are made and how they affect our planet and the workers who make them. It’s never easy to make the move but slowly wins the race … we are trying. It’s hard to be glamorous and sustainable.

What are some struggles you have as a designer?

The hardest thing would be moving my customers out of their comfort zones into new shapes. Keeping myself current and interesting as I mature in my career.

You can find Ben De Lisi’s collection exclusively on ZALORA!