An Interview with Illustrator Echo Morgan
Echo Morgan is so cute and she's very doll like. I recently met her while she was working on her dress for The Enchanted Palace. I wanted to know all about her, and she was nice enough to grant me an interview:
What is your artistic background?
I grew up in China studying fine / handcrafted art until I was 18. I moved to London and studied Art and Design Foundation Course at London Metropolitan University then Graphic Design at Central St Martin’s but unfortunately because of financial reasons I had to stop studying and look for a job but luckily I got my first job as a visual merchandiser and worked as a painting restorer as well. Work gave me a very rich and broad experience, also more technical skills that provided me more opportunities to work as a freelance fashion illustrator and window dresser. Because of my Chinese cultural background I worked as art researcher for few London Galleries. Now I am back in college to finish my degree.
Did you always draw?
I stopped for a few years, because I foolishly thought I found my own style and that I didn’t need to draw from life anymore. But I started once again to draw everyday and almost everywhere! Drawing doesn’t just help with my creativity but also teaches me to look at things in a fresher and deeper way.
Who is your favourite designer?
I love Ann Demeulemeester and Rick Owens for daywear and Marchesa and Lanvin for eveningwear. I’ve been always inspired by Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf ‘s provocative shows but Miu Miu and LIMI Feu’s styles suit me the most. 
How long did it take you to make your dress for The Enchanted Palace exhibition?
I designed it in December, because I had never done willow sculpture before, so it took me four days to make the frame then two days to cover it with layers of tissue. The longest part of the process is collecting images - I spent many days in the library and searching in different antique markets. So if you add up all time, it’s around one month; but working almost all day every day.
What was the inspiration behind it?
My room is called “A room of the world, A world in a room” and the fairytale behind it is “The princess who collected the world” inspired by Queen Caroline of Ansbach, who was the queen consort of King George II. I love collecting objects so I wanted to create a interactive Lantern dress based on a 18th century mantua that contains many layers of images and little stories. It's like a feminine dress version of my minimalistic “Cabinet of Curiosity”.
Do you have any pets?
No, I'm scared of anything that moves, dogs, cats, even squirrels make me cry. Very sad!
What do you like to do for fun?
Make my own outfits and go to themed costume parties.