Exclusive Interview With Caggie Dunlop

I was so excited when I logged onto www.iswai.uk this week. I have always loved Caggie Dunlop's fashion sense. As well as being addicted to the glamorous drama that is Made In Chelsea, I have tuned in every week to swoon over Caggie's boho style.


So when I found out that Caggie was releasing a range of t-shirts it brought a massive smile to my face. Knowing that the London girl is also a passionate singer and songwriter, I knew that she would be 100% involved in the creative process.


Now she has finally released her new collection, It Starts With An Idea (ISWAI). She has chosen five special designs for five unique limited edition t-shirts. And I love them all!


Following the massive success of 'dramality' series Made In Chelsea, Caggie has been dubbed the British Lauren Conrad.


Viewers have been hooked to the show's central storyline, Caggie and Spencer. Will they, won't they? But to everyone's absolute shock Caggie has now left the show, and left a whole in our reality loving hearts.

Spencer and Caggie's relationship captured the nation.

Now Caggie admits that just 12 months ago she was just a girl with a dream working in a pub.


In an exclusive interview with Miss Red Blog, Caggie talks about her passion for fashion, leaving Made In Chelsea for good, and what lies ahead. And guess what... her new man Joel is coming is leaving Australia and coming to Chelsea!


Q: So let's get straight to it. Miss Red Blog is IN LOVE with ISWAI. The designs are gorgeous, and we're loving the boho style. ISWAI has taken everyone by surprise, what made you decide to put yourself out there with this range of tees?

Caggie: I just figured it was a fun project; I'm able to be very involved in every aspect of it, which is rare! I'm very creative so it’s been an absolute joy doing it. And I'm constantly getting excited about what’s next!

Q: You chose your five favorite designs to feature on the tees, what was that process like for you? Was it difficult to pick designers and how did you make the tough decisions?

Caggie: It was hard, but I had to be ruthless as I only needed 4, the fifth being my own, but the wonderful thing about it is there are plenty of opportunities- I think next time will be harder actually as more people know about it therefore will probably have more applicants. But it will be fun to go through.

Caggie wearing the 'Rebellion' t-shirt

Q: How have your friends and family responded to ISWAI? They must all be so proud. From your music to your style sense, you're clearly extremely creative, it must be great to express yourself with this range.

Caggie: I'm extremely lucky to be able to express myself through these means, I’ve always been very creative- but a year ago I was working in a pub, so this is fantastic. I see big things for ISWAI so it’s just a baby at the minute; I still think my family is proud. Sometimes they think I'm mad because I'm trying to do all these things at once and its always manic, but I like being that way. I can't have normality, I need chaos. I believe a lot of creative people do.

Q: For you, what does each tee represent? In a way is each design represent a part of your own life?

Caggie: I guess so.. I made sure they were ambiguous enough so that it wasn't obviously about me. 'New york' is where I lived while I was at drama school, 'Di Vinci' is who I studied in art at school, 'The universe' I've always been fascinated by and will always be, 'rebellion'- I'm a bit of a rebel at heart, and 'religion'- I studied philosophy at university so Its always been one of my favorite topics.


Q: Would you like to eventually have a massive range with ISWAI? I.E dresses, bags, shoes, everything you love about fashion?

Caggie: Yes I would be I think its important to slowly monitor the progression of it so that the brand doesn’t get diluted. But I have so many ideas flying round my head about where I want it to go and how I want it to develop, it would be a dream if it became a reality.


Q: In the last year you have become a massive style icon (move over Sienna Miller) what inspires you? Everything you wear looks so effortlessly put together, what are your top style tips?


Caggie: Well Sienna can stay where she is she is my dream! I love her. She's one of my fashion icons actually. I don’t have any style secrets, except dress for you. There’s no use copying someone else, as it might not work in the same way for you, experiment and work out what works. I think what people might find intriguing is that I don’t really care what I wear, I don't conform. So don't follow trends, make them!
 

Caggie wearing the 'Religion' t-shirt

Q: Do you have a style icon yourself?

Caggie: Sienna.. Obviously Erin Wasson and Jessica Hart.  They are what ISWAI style is all about.


Q: Were you nervous about moving away from the world of Made In Chelsea and establishing yourself as a business woman? I'm guessing it wasn't a decision you made over night!

Caggie: No, it wasn’t. But it was in one night when I knew, I was in Australia, with my best friend Maddy, and we were just sitting outside and it was a hot summer evening, drawing out our life plans. Everything we wanted to accomplish. And I just realised I needed to step out of Made in Chelsea if I wanted to attain those things. 

Q: We have to talk about the show. Everyone (myself included) is addicted to it. As well as the style, we love the drama! What made you go for the show and are you happy to have been involved?

Caggie: It has changed my life, completely. And I am so thankful for that. The opportunities I've had, the people I’ve met. It’s been a whirlwind, and I'm glad I jumped in! I decided to do it, simply because, I don’t think you look back in life and regret the things you did. More the things you didn't. Take the 'mis' out of 'mistake' and you have 'take'. That’s all you can do, take what life gives you and make the most of it. 


Q: When you look at reality shows there is always a favorite, your success reminds me of that of Lauren Conrad from The Hills. Since leaving the show she has had fashion lines out, and she has written New York Times best sellers. With that in mind do you think Made In Chelsea was a good platform for you?

Caggie: Most definitely. And if I'm half as successful as her I'll be very, very pleased. 

Caggie wearing her 'New York' t-shirt

Q: We are still glued to Made In Chelsea now. Are you watching it at the moment? Is it weird to see it and not be in it yourself? 

Caggie: It was initially, it was confusing, and I felt like Id left the party, but was now watching it on TV. It was quite sad first week, but then I got used to it and actually enjoy it more! I don't have to cringe at myself, or apologize to my mother! 



Q: We have to talk about your music. I love, love, love your style. It seems to be a big part of your life; will we be hearing any new music soon? And have you been singing from an early age?

Caggie: It’s a strange one, the first time I ever sung in front of people was the first episode of Made in Chelsea. I cannot tell you for the life of me why I decided to do that, I was so terrified about singing in the public, my mum had never even heard me! But it just made sense at the time. Its bizarre, I refused through drama school to sing in front of my class and then first time ever I decided to do it on national TV. So I'm actually still learning I guess, about my voice and what I can do with it. But I will definitely be releasing something in the not so distant future!


Q: I love the new tattoo you got while you were in Oz. Are you happy you got it done? All my tattoos were done in a moment of spontaneity, was it the same for you?

Caggie: No actually, it was planned. It wasn’t as people think; I didn’t do it on a whim. Whatever happens in my life, that was a moment that was important to me, that time there and the person I shared it with. Every time I look at it I’m there again. Both my tattoos were done in Oz, I think that’s where my soul is at home. 


Q: Your skin looks amazing on TV and your makeup is always very natural, very flawless. What are your top beauty tips? I.E what are your beauty must haves and do you have any special regimes you live by?

Caggie: Don’t wear make up when you don’t have to. Keeping your face clean is crucial. And moisturize. Eight hour cream by Elizabeth Arden I a must have. And mememe's flawless foundation. 



Q: You seem to have a very chilled out view to life. What is your secret to getting the most out of life? Do you do anything particular to relax yourself?


Caggie: I always feel better when I exercise, and when I don’t drink. And I think it’s important to work out what actually makes you happy; it’s usually not what you think- it’s not what the world sells you. I think once you work that out, everything else is just fluff anyway.

Caggie and her Australian boyfriend Joel.

Q: Everybody wants to know if you have someone special in your life right now. Is there a lucky guy at the moment?


Caggie: There is yes. But he's in Australia, but he's arriving here soon. 


Q: Are you happy that the cameras are finally out of your personal life now? I'm guessing its annoying having outsiders intrude on your relationships/friendships.


Caggie: It just started to make me feel really uneasy, and paranoid. So yes, I think I'm a lot calmer and happier, its nice being in control of my life once again. 


Q: Finally, you seem to be a very ambitious girl. What are your plans for the next 12 months? I hear there will be more things coming to ISWAI soon (cannot wait). Where do you see yourself this time next year, what would you like to accomplish?

Caggie: I'm writing a script, so I would like that to have been made; it’s a short so I think that’s possible. I want to have released an EP, performed in a play, written a book of poetry, and am in a film. Probably the one I've written. And for ISWAI to go global and be a roaring success! 

Caggie wearing the 'Universe' t-shirt

So there you go guys and gals. It was so refreshing to speak to Caggie and realise that she is an extremely down to earth, passionate, hard working woman.


We may all know her as a character in a glamorous show, a girl in a love triangle, a friend caught up in drama, but there is a lot more to Miss Cagggie Dunlop.


Forget Made In Chelsea, ISWAI will be the new name on every one's lips in the coming weeks.


With Caggie in behind this brand we can definitely expect to one day see her dresses, her accessories, her shoes and her style absolutely all over the world.

Here is what you need to do....

To buy a gorgeous t-shirt from ISWAI, click here: ISWAI

To follow the brand on Twitter, click here: @ISWAI1

To follow Caggie on Twitter, click here: @Caggie_Dunlop