The unexpected loss of Professor Louise Wilson, OBE, this past weekend, at the mere age of 52, has devastated many of her former students. Her impact on these students, an impressive group of famous designers, is something that will not soon be forgotten. Through her teachings, Wilson’s influence on the fashion world was remarkable.
Former student Stella McCartney wrote about her former professor on twitter, “no one will ever replace you because you were a true one off”. Professor Wilson was known for her tough and demanding approach. “Impress me” she would urge, intimidating her students into greatness. Christopher Kane even stated that, “without Louise I wouldn’t be here”. Her honesty was biting, but her students recognized how much they would benefit from her attitude. Wilson’s honesty was even compared to that employed by a mother.
Wilson was extremely hard to satisfy. However, she was qualified to hold such high standards. She was extremely well read on fashion, profoundly passionate about the field. Even as a child she read all of her mother’s issues of Vogue. In 1986, she graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Art.
Professor Wilson was strict and perceptive. No smidget of slacking or cheating would get past her. She had high hopes for her students’ capacity for innovation. Wilson persistently shot down her students ideas, but this proved to be very effective in forcing them to grow as designers. She viewed her occupation as a “privilege” because she worked amongst the youth.
Almost 30 of her studio design students recently made the cut for the London Fashion Week circuit. Even more students currently work for the biggest companies in the business.
Students at Central Saint Martins held a memorial for her this past Mon., May 19.
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