>> Gareth Pugh's original, sculptural designs are fashion fantasy brought to life — but Pugh says he's inspired by growing up in a town with an identity crisis.
"Fashion is very much about building a world around you that doesn't necessarily exist in the real world," Pugh said during a recent studio visit with Crane TV. "I think that want for escape or fantasy is something that comes from the area in which I grew up. Sunderland doesn't really know its identity, I don't think. It doesn't really have a great sense of industry. I think it's a reaction to my surroundings that made me want to pursue something creative."
Watch the video below for a glimpse inside Pugh's Fall 2012 collection and his recent project with London's Royal Opera House — plus, hear the best piece of advice he's ever gotten, given to him by none other than fellow designer Rick Owens.
