BLACK and white. Light and dark. Right and wrong. Gareth Pugh is a fashion designer that thrives on contrasts to help him create some of the most striking outfits of current times.

Gareth Pugh was born in Sunderland on August 31, 1981. Pugh's interest in fashion stretches far back into his childhood; an interest that lead him to study the art foundation course at the City of Sunderland College, before graduating from the Central St Martins College of Art and Design in 2003.

Since then he has received recognition both at home in England and globally. He has headlined shows in London, Spain and Paris as well as having designs in stores in New York, Japan and London. Pugh opened his own boutique in Hong Kong in 2010.

Just one quick glance at his show-stopping work is enough to see why his garments have garnered such astounding attention. Pugh's designs are courageous, outrageous and, frequently, not of this world. Or rather, not of this time. A great number of his designs have a very futuristic element to them; the shiny appearance of inflated PVC combined with the steely grey, blinding white or deep-space black palette that Pugh is so fond of really creates that alien image. His choice of somewhat provocative materials such as latex, perspex, mink and leather help to form these excitingly glamorous designs that are quickly becoming favourites. However, these materials seem rather tame next to the vest that Pugh made completely out of goat-hair in 2008.

From his début appearance at London Fashion Week in 2005, Pugh has pushed boundaries and challenged notions. In keeping with the futuristic theme, a vast majority of his collections over the years have been made to appear even more extra-terrestrial by the fact that the models and outfits look neither feminine nor masculine. Faces are hidden away by strange geometric masks, and any sense of figure or body shape is lost beneath hulking 3D shapes. The lines between what is distinctly feminine and masculine are often blurred, and crossed.

Despite Pugh's designs having a somewhat sinister feel to them, they have gained him a string of A-list fans that adore him. He has dressed singer Kylie Minogue on a number of her tours, as well as providing both Lady Gaga and Beyoncé with outfits. Whilst some will struggle to understand and appreciate the quirky designs that many adore, it can't be denied that Gareth Pugh is truly keeping the spirit of British eccentricity alive. And long may it live.