In the world of fashion, it's not uncommon for a designer's work to catch the eye of a celebrity, but for Paul Aaron, the designer from Cheshire, it was a moment of pure surrealism when Hilary Duff donned his statement dress during her The Lucky Me Tour at New York's Madison Square Garden. This is not just any dress; it's a masterpiece crafted with meticulous detail and an eye for innovation. Aaron's journey to becoming a celebrated knitwear designer is as fascinating as the dresses he creates. As a child, he was often scolded by his mother for cutting up her party dresses to create clothes for his Barbie dolls. Fast forward to the present, and his mother is now his biggest supporter, cheering him on as his designs grace the bodies of some of the world's most famous faces, including Kylie Jenner, Shakira, and Zara Larsson. Aaron's fashion career began at Central Saint Martins in London, where he created a dress by knitting bin bags together. His tutor encouraged him to specialize in knitwear, and he hasn't looked back since. The designer's process is as unique as his creations. He creates his designs without any help from machinery, which can take weeks if not months to complete. Duff's dress, for instance, took over 500 hours to make, with around 20,000 glass beads hand-weaved between crochet stars and heavily embellished with over 2000 meters of crystal chains for movement and sparkle. The shine from the fabric comes from the glass Toho Beads that he uses, weaved through different directions to catch light from various angles and lined with silver to create the light reflect. Aaron's designs are not just about the aesthetics; they are about the story behind each piece. His work is a testament to his creativity and dedication, and it's no wonder that he has gained recognition in the fashion industry. However, Aaron's journey to success has not been without its challenges. He was still at university when Rita Ora's stylist reached out to him to ask him to make a design for the star for Manchester Pride in 2018. Despite the challenges, Aaron remains focused on his passion and continues to push the boundaries of fashion. When asked about his favorite celebrity to design for, Aaron expressed his admiration for Lady Gaga, citing her as the 'queen of fashion'. He believes that Gaga would really suit his designs, and it's easy to see why. In my opinion, Aaron's designs are not just clothing; they are works of art that tell a story and evoke emotion. His attention to detail and innovative use of materials make each piece unique and memorable. As he continues to gain recognition in the fashion industry, I am eager to see what he creates next. Aaron's designs are a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities in the world of fashion. Whether it's a dress for a tour or a bodysuit for a pride event, his work is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who lays eyes on it.
