Fashionpedia

Sue Stemp

"I really believe clothes are to be worn….just try not to spill red wine on them."

As a teenager in the mid-eighties, designer Sue Stemp realized her love for fashion through rock n roll music and style magazines like i-D and The Face. As a child growing up in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex England, Stemp always loved clothes, especially getting the chance to dress up (a notion she told MyCloset.com that holds true to this day). Around 14 years of age, Stemp knew she wanted to be a fashion designer that portrays clothing with a feminine, unique, sexy, free-spirited and cool tone. So when she enrolled at the University of East London to study fashion design, it came as no surprise. After graduating with a first class BA Honours degree, Stemp jumped right into the workforce at the company Ghost. While there, she was given the opportunity to travel to New York City for fashion week. Instantly falling in love with the excitement of the city, Stemp made the overseas move to NY in 1995 and started working for designer Daryl K, who was just starting up herself. After a few years, Stemp become co-head designer with Ellis Krueger at the fashion house Tocca and together they successfully re-invented the brand.

In 2004 and after six flourishing years with Tocca, Sue Stemp decided to design under her own name. She created one-of-a-kind party and wedding dresses for private clientele such as Kate Moss and Rose Ferguson. During this time, she also worked as a freelance researcher for legendary designer Alexander McQueen on his fall of ’05 collection. For Spring/Summer 2006 fashion week, Stemp launched her first full collection and her designs became an overnight success; landing on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily magazine. Throughout the year Stemp continuously received praise by critics, fashion editors, and numerous buyers. Her designs now sell in over 25 specialty stores and boutiques worldwide. In addition to displaying her collections at fashion week in the US and abroad, countless celebrities showcase Stemp’s clothing: Jacquetta Wheeler, Kim Gordon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Rosario Dawson, and socialite Arden Whol, to name a few.

Life Facts:
Sue Stemp is known to collaborate with both artists and print designers like Ben Copperwheat and Deanne Cheuk. Not necessarily inspired by the typical fashion icon or celebrity, Stemp looks to her creative, like-minded, and enthusiastic friends or even the sexy, cool stylish girl walking down the street, for motivation.