About Me
I'm Olivia, A Kingston School of Art BA Fashion graduate
Olivia Lyons is a womenswear and unisex designer, with special interests in corsetry, pattern cutting, natural fibre fabrics and symbolism within print and textiles.
During my 3 years at university, and 1 year working in industry, I have developed my make and pattern cutting skills and have become even more passionate about making clothes. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I have been very inspired by my friends and family and their history, as well as mine. Working in the industry has taught me so much in terms of technical skills, but also has made me more driven, determined and absorbed in what I do.
INSPIRATION
Parental Guidance: a collection inspired by my parents and branches of the Goth Subculture
This collection is inspired by my parents’ alternative style in Leeds, 1980's, which I interviewed them about for my dissertation and final collection. Additional inspiration comes from imagery from my childhood home and gothic illustrators, such as Aubrey Beardsley and Harry Clarke. Different subgenres of the Goth subculture have been drawn together to inspire silhouette, colour palette and mood. Symbolism from my home is featured through hand-carved lino print, individually pressed onto the garments.
Corsetry is a main feature of this collection, being used both as undergarments and outerwear to create exaggerated silhouettes. All garments have been hand-made by me, using tailoring and corsetry techniques, as well as with a variety of natural fibre fabrics, ranging from wool tweeds to linens and cottons. Pattern pieces were laid out carefully to reduce waste and high-quality, carefully selected fabrics are used to withstand wear. Styling has been heavily inspired by my mothers own dress-sense.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Mood and Inspiration
Early Design Development
Undergarment Development: Peplum Hoop Skirt
Look 1 Development: Toiles and Alterations
Look 1: Final Garments
Undergarment Development: Hip Corset
Undergarment Development: Hip Corset Final Fabrics
Print: Lino Block Print
Print: Illustration and Digital Print
Look 3 Development: Toiles and Alterations
Look 3: Construction and Technical drawings
Toile Review: Alteration notes
Pintuck Blouse and Dress
Look 6: Development and Construction
Undergarment Development: Look 6 Pleated Bra
Look 7 Development: Toiles and Alterations
Fabric and Colour Board
Final Line-up: Look 1-4
Final Line-up: Look 5-7
DETAIL
B.T.S Photoshoot Footage
This video shows behind the scenes footage of my graduate collection photoshoot. Collaborating with the talented photographer @lozfolio at DCC Studio. This was the moment that everything fell together for me. Seeing everything styled, on models picked by me and working with an amazing team. It made the collection feel complete. From this photoshoot, I went on to create my Look book, featuring my own illustrations of my work, as well as other fashion illustrators depictions of my collection.
"A cuppa always fixes it." - Kate Lyons (Mum)
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
