About Me
Hi! I'm Holly, a design graduate from Northumbria University.
As a womenswear designer I’m incredibly passionate about empowering women. When carrying out my research and design, I love to take influences in the triumph of women as well as the discrimination that women have faced in the past.
Embracing the body is something I’ve felt to be important within my work, and I embrace that ethos in all my projects, creating garments that are sensual on the body and empowering to the wearer.The 1920s is an era that has mesmerised me and inspired my design work.This was an revolutionary time for women through the clothing and freeing silhouettes. I like exploring drape and moulage techniques which create elegant fluid shape on the figure, combining that with a risqué edge, reflective of my own outgoing feminist personality.
INSPIRATION
Delving into the history of the showgirl, drawing on themes of sexual empowerment.
“Any Broken Hearts to Mend” is an evening-wear collection with a focus on embracing the divine femininity. Delving into the history of 1920s show girls I will draw on themes of empowerment, sex positivity and exploring the history of the flapper. Designing garments that feel sensual on the body, filling the wearer with confidence channelling the captivating energy of a liberated performer of the 20s.
Taking influence from the divine beaded lattice work, the collection exults the essence of an independent modern women defying all social normalities. Inspired by the fluidity of illustrations by Erté and the playful illustrations of La Vie Parisienne, my looks will consist of draped chiffon dresses as well as looks that are more playful with volume. The collection is adorned with metal hardware similar to that of 2012 Givenchy looks, adding a risqué punk edge.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Written Concept
Concept Board
Colour & Fabric
Market Level
Showgirl research
Lingerie Research
Look 1 Research
Drape & Hardware
Look 1 Development & Moulage
Process look 1
Further Process look 1
Look 2 Research
Look 2 Process
Look 2 Further Process
Look 3 Research & Development
Range Plan Lattice Looks
Range Plan Tulip Dresses
Range Plan Drape Dresses
Line-up
DETAIL
Diamond Lattice Work
When researching into the history of 1920s showgirls, I was fascinated by the intricate diamond details on headwear and lingerie. These details were often constructed of beautiful beads and jewels, however I wanted to challenge myself in creating complex lattice shapes but with fabrics. Look 1 and 2 of my collection feature lattice bodices, constructed from lengths of fabric, which are brought together with small bull-rings to acheive the diamond shape. Look 3 also features an inter-woven lattice bodice, which is constructed of lace diamond shaped panels that are inter-woven together to make the drop waist cut out bodice.
"A Women shouldn't have to be modest to be respected"
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