Kia Roberts

Milan Weekly presents this week a beatiful editorial titled “Let It Sparkle”. We had the chance to interview the photographer Kia Roberts and the wardrobe stylist Rose Lyburn, the artists who created this delightful artwork for our readers.

How did you career start?

Rose: I started in the fashion business 35 years ago working in retail for luxury brands in various roles and finally progressing to senior management. I then started my own fashion boutique Casa Rose 18 years ago.

Kia: I was given my first camera nearly 14 years ago and I knew then, there was nothing else I wanted to do. I’ve been professionally shooting since 2019.

Tell us about your first artwork

Rose: I am passionate about designing and creating luxury garments to meet the needs of my customers. Casa Rose designs are all about detail and high quality. The style, fit and the fabrics. Each style is a limited edition.

Kia: My first piece of work that I exhibited was actually very different to fashion- I experimented within the contemporary art world and I’m still in love with that genre very much so, however, the fashion world is somewhere I’ll always want to be!

Picasso knit- Casa Rose
Jeans- Casa Rose
Boots- Ego
Fur jacket- Casa Rose
Fur hat- Casa Rose

How did your work evolve in time?

Rose: Casa Rose has evolved from a high street boutique based in Oxford to an exclusive fashion experience where customers can visit by appointment only at my showroom, in a stunning converted Granary in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire.

Kia: I think my work is constantly evolving as my ideas and experiences are always growing and changing. I love to experiment and to always take risks- push the boundaries and make noise!

In this specific editorial what do you love the most?

Rose: It’s interesting coverage of fashion and reach. It's good mix of high end and independent brands.

Kia: I’m a huge admirer of Casa Rose and just love that the brand never fails to excite their customers and in this editorial I love that we were able to create different looks and feels for each piece. Sophistication, the sass and dominance.

Picasso knit- Casa Rose
Jeans- Casa Rose
Boots- Ego

Are there some other artists you would love to work with?

Rose: Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier because of their Avantgarde approach to fashion and their attitude of never being afraid to take a risk.

Kia: I agree with Rose, I love to work with other artists that aren’t afraid of breaking the rules; experimentation.

Have you ever been to Milan?

Rose: Yes! On many occasions. I have also attended Milan fashion week several times including front row at Roberto Cavalli fashion show.

Kia: I haven’t! But I do have plans for 2023 and I’m very excited!

Dress: Casa Rose
Vinyl jacket: Topshop
Boots: Model's own

A personal question, what is the country you love the most?

Rose: Spain for the colours, style, architecture and the passion of the people.

Kia: I honestly don’t think I can choose! I love different aspects of each country I’ve visited- I’m always fascinated by the diversity within cultures, styles, architecture and how different life can be for everyone.

Love or fame?

Rose: Love!

Kia: love, always!