Interview | Religion Senior Menswear Designer

As the SS14 collection comes in to stores, we catch up with Religion’s Senior Menswear Designer Charlotte on what inspired the collection and her stand out pieces.

Charlotte with the Religion SS14 transitional collection

 What was your starting point for the SS14 collection?

We always look to the Shoreditch streets for our inspiration. We look at what people are wearing (good and bad!) and take it from there.

What are your stand-out pieces from the collection?

The TRIAD leather jacket is a fantastic mix of technical fabric with leather at a great price; the FRESNO fade out jacket is an lighter summer jacket option; I love CUFFED, the sprayed cuff smart shirt; and the details on LOYALTON, the collarless smart shirt; I think the tailoring is really strong, particularly HAVERSTOCK which is a sporty twist on a classic; and the zip detail styles like BRUNSWICK and ASKE are also really strong.

Religion Cuffed Shirt and Garratt Sweat / SS14

Who do you bear in mind when designing for the Religion guy?

I think there are a lot of different versions of 'the Religion guy' so everyone is looking for something different and each man will style themselves very differently. The key is to think about clothing which has the possibility to be worn in different ways so the wearer can stamp their own identity in to it.

Religion Triad Jacket, Vader Sweat and Grater Shorts / SS14

Where do you go for design inspiration?

I don't really have a place which I go to look for inspiration as I find that the harder you look for it, the harder it is to find. I just like to be open to it wherever I am, whether in an art gallery, on a plane, watching TV or in a bar.

Religion Brunswick Sweat and Grater Shorts / SS14

Talk us though a day in the life of being menswear designer at Religion…

When I am in the UK, (which is about 6 months of the year) my day starts with a few emails. When I have dealt with what needs to be done I will tackle my list of new styles I want to design or prints I want to develop for the day ahead. There is usually an interlude at some point for a fitting session or a few hours to check production of garments. And my day always finishes by making my "to do" list for the next day, I cannot leave the studio without it. When I am out of the UK and in the factories I am more hands on with the product, working in the print room or with the pattern cutters to ensure that we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Religion Frezno Jacket and Noize Jeans / SS14

What are your key styling tips for guys this season?

Style yourself for what makes you feel good. If you are not comfortable in what you wear then no styling will save you.

Shop Religion SS14 in Religion Shoreditch, Portobello Road and Brick Lane.