It's been a while since I've posted about a designer that has caught my attention. This month, the 'Label Love' accolade goes to Samantha Cole; an award winning designer whose latest collection features structured layering and a play on textures for a powerful look.

Samantha Cole speaks to Pretty Stylish London about her new collection, the designers that she loves and tips for wearing her clothes during the festive season.

1) What inspired your latest style offering?
The collections influences were drawn from the current social an economic climate that we are facing today. This interpretation through my work represented a darker more aggressive collection with harder edges, structured layering and inspiration drawn from modern architecture not built from indulgence but reminiscent of medieval buildings; powerful, sobering and stark.

2) Who is your muse for this collection?
My Muse or should I say Muse's would have to be the female characters that I drew inspiration from to reflect my interpretation of the power, determination and strength that a woman reveals in times of hardship which is why the collect is called "WARRIOR".

My muse is where Kate Beckinsale in "Underworld" meets Tina Turner in "Mad Max" sprinkled with Jane Fonda in "Barbarella" set against a futuristic backdrop. A woman can show strength, power and dominance an even be aggressive without loosing her femininity, the point is that it's her prerogative.

4) Which designers inspire you?
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Yohji Yamamoto; all exceptional!!

5) What are your ideas for spring/summer 2010?
Since we are coming out of the recession it will reflect this through a form of cleansing, purifying, re-newing almost a re-birth...Okay, I think Ive said enough on that but i think you get the idea!

6) What advice can you give for wearing your clothes during the festive season?
Keep it simple and de-clutter. The clothes speak for themselves do not over-accessorize.

Samantha Cole studied at London College of Fashion also did a stint at Burberry where she further developed her flair and passion. For more information and to make an order visit the website: www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk.