Samuel, or Sam, as he prefers to be known, is the junior men’s underwear designer for Tommy Hilfiger.

I spoke with Sam in for my series, “A peak into…” to discuss the highs and lows of life as a designer.

Read on to get his tips on believing in yourself and building a career as a fashion designer...

• Hey! Tell me a little about yourself…

My names Sam Carney I'm 23 years old and i'm currently living and working and the mens underwear designer for Tommy Hilfiger! 

•  When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?

I’ve always admired the craft that goes into fashion, a certain eye and mindset into what other people think and want to wear or even who they want to become in that moment.

And well - of course all the typical cliches of a fashion designer! … I used to watch shows like Ugly Betty obsessively and so wanted to be a part of that world!

• Most designers intern prior to their first graduate design roles.  Did you land any internships, and what was the most valuable thing you learned from those experiences?

De Montfort University supports projects with big name brands, which really helped me get connections in the industry and find my style and confidence. I never had a formal internship or took a placement year in the industry, but these live projects helped me to strengthen my portfolio with varied areas of the intimates world. 

I was also lucky enough to be featured in UNDERLINES magazine for the ASOS live brief, featured as a top 5 designers on WGSN and present my whole collection at graduate fashion week, which is where I was offered my current role! 

• What is your favourite thing about working at PVH Corp, in Amsterdam? 

My favourite thing about working for PVH Corp has to be the sense of family and closeness you develop within a shared floor space - I'm very fortune to work with the best team in underwear and to also have the emotional support when it’s a busy part of the season.We look after each other and create amazing product.

Oh and the cocktail parties we have are pretty fab too! 

• Your final collection was an amazing rainbow coloured concoction! Have you been able to carry your personal handwriting through in your commercial designs for ? 

Thank you very much! Working for Tommy Hilfiger the brand already has such a strong identity of true Americana and youth culture you find yourself in the midst of that consumer so the designs reflect that person. 

That being said my vision and ideas always come through one way or another for example in the Pride limited edition collections.

• What’s the best advice you ever received? 

"Fake it till you make it."

This always makes me laugh when I think of it but the fashion industry can be tricky to get your foot in the door and often you need to really talk your way into interviews and opportunities.

The second is "design what you feel, with integrity, and you'll shine" …my university course leader really believed in me when a lot of people didn't… having positive influences in your life are important to push you in your work.

• How can someone win a ⭐️ gold star ⭐️ with you? 

Oh wow a gold star!

Really I admire people who are truly and unapologetically themselves, I think if you know who you are as a designer and artist then you'll shine.

Someone with a strong focus on sustainability would get a whole pack of stars ✨ the world needs more forward thinking designers!

• What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the highly competitive fashion industry? 

I think it’s often a misconception that the fashion industry is extremely glamorous and chic (although at times it can be!) It is a lot of work and definitely not a 9-5 mentality. However, if you remember that you're creating great product and changing the way a person feels then its all worth it.

Thank you to Sam for taking the time to chat with me!

You can follow Sam on his insta at @samuel_oliver_swimwear

Laters, Lovers

Sarah Denise xx