As part of Junior Arts Week, we have been delighted to host two inspiring assemblies for the Junior School girls.

The first of these was a talk from Brigitta Freund all about her work in architecture and interior design. Mrs Freund is the founder and creative director of Spinocchia Freund. Her talk began with an explanation of how and why she came to work in this field. She came armed with mood boards for the girls to look at as well as fabric and accessory samples. The girls were given a step-by-step presentation on how you begin to design a room. She showed them some children’s bedrooms she had designed and asked them to consider how they would design their own bedroom.

Mrs Freund talked of the need to study hard at school. That maths, art and design were all important in her work. She also told the girls to follow their dreams and inspirations, that she loved her work because it was her passion, and this was so important too! The girls asked lots of interesting questions. There were definitely some interior designers in the making!

Next, we hosted Anna Domnich, a luxury footwear and accessories designer who is the founder and creative director of Ganor Dominic – whose shoes are admired and worn by celebrities the world over, including Lady Gaga. She talked to the girls about how she became interested in the world of fashion, and how she is inspired by a dynamic mixture of personal interests that spark joy, including Greek mythology and surrealism as well as the importance of being true to yourself.

Ms Domnich presented a variety of shoes from her collection – all named after Greek gods and all featuring her distinct logo, the Greek god Apollo’s face! She discussed the need and desire to empower the women who wear her shoes and the feeling that the shoes evoke in the wearer. Ms Domnich spoke about how she has faced innumerable challenges in her career as a designer/entrepreneur but that she has continually bounced back from her obstacles and fears because hard work, resilience and self-belief are key to being successful.  She described her increased work on sustainability and her charitable efforts for the Ukraine.

The children asked a range of questions from when she realised she wanted to become a fashion designer to how the leather is used in shoemaking. What an inspirational role model!

Ms van Kamp, Head of Junior School Art