About Me
Niamh Molloy fashion design graduate from Leeds Beckett university
I am a 22 year old fashion design student studying at Leeds Beckett university graduate class of 2022, originally from Chepstow South Wales.
I have always been fascinated by the creativity and impact of fashion and design. This interest encouraged me to enrol in several extra curricular fashion and pattern cutting classes, and this experience solidified my decision to choose it as a subject to study to degree level at university. I am particularly attracted to the branches of fashion which relate to historical research and theatrical costume, which stems from my general interest in fashion through the years.
INSPIRATION
Extreme winters portfolio inspiration
Extreme winters is an a/w 22-23 collection inspired by Russian winters, when temperatures drop to such a low level that being outside unprotected can be very dangerous. I chose to focus on the traditional garments worn by the people of Russia through the ages that retained their fundamental design elements and protective qualities up to the modern day, for example the long Shuba coat and Ushanka hat.
Aspects of my design also reflect the dominant colours and shapes of Russian life. Whilst consciously steering away from bright red, because it is so often too obviously associated with the country, I chose the golds and blues of the imperial palaces, the shape of the domes of the many hundreds of cathedrals which survived the communist regime and still decorate the city skylines.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Extreme winters introduction board
Catherine the greats palace inspiration board
Cathedral shape inspiration board
Reversible shuba coat design board
Frost panel dress design board
Braided pocket bags board
Fabric pallet
Colour pallet
Moodboard
Final lineup (with outerwear)
Final lineup (without outerwear)
Outfit 1 (constructed) technical flats
Outfit 2 (constructed) technical flats
Outfit 3 (constructed) technical flats
Outfit 4 (constructed) technical flats
Outfits 1&3 Leeds Beckett photoshoot
Outfits 2&4 Projector photoshoot
DETAIL
I wanted my collection to embrace the opulence of Russian architecture and traditional winter wear.
The decision to choose Russia as my source of inspiration was made prior to the February invasion of Ukraine, however from the beginning I wanted to highlight and draw inspiration from the people and culture of Russia separated from any current political climate. Focusing on the brilliant architecture, colours and traditional wear all of which are part of what makes the country fascinating.
My collection encapsulates the enduring design classics of Russian winter wear, but using cruelty-free materials.
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
