Zhen Lyu

Profession

Graduate Diploma Fashion Design Technology Alum

College

London College of Fashion

Person Type

Alumni

Biography

We spoke with 2020 graduate Zhen Lyu about her projects, inspirations, experiences on the Graduate Diploma FDT course, and advice for new students.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do?

My name is Zhen Lyu, I'm from China and I want to become a fashion designer. I chose Menswear because I want to create unisex designs. I think there are gender inequalities in fashion. As women we can choose different kinds of clothes, like dresses, but there isn't so much choice for men.

What attracted you to the Graduate Diploma FDT course and why did you want to study at London College of Fashion?

My BA was in Fashion Design and Engineering which is a course that educates students on how to make clothes. I didn't really learn how to design during my BA so that's why I wanted to come to LCF.

What was your experience like on the Graduate Diploma FDT course? How did it improve your fashion practice, or help you develop as a designer?

I think the biggest thing that I've learned is how to really feel what I feel. Before I came to LCF I was so used to ignoring my own feelings or trying to please other people. I felt like I was lost in my research process during my first project on the course, and it was the first time I tried to just be honest with myself and use my emotions as the theme of my project.

Could you tell me about your final project and the outcomes?

The name of my final project is Holy Bull****. At the beginning of the project, I didn't know what I wanted to say or express, so I just started to type down my random thoughts like “I'm so hungry but my fridge is so empty, I need to go shopping”. Then I chose some of these to visualize and further develop in order to come to my design. Because of the quarantine, we don't have a physical outcome of these projects. I have about 40 or 50 looks and then I picked eight of them as my final line up.

What would you say are your interests as a designer?

Well, for now I want to figure out more about myself, because this Graduate Diploma course made me realise I need to be honest with myself to find my own style. I think as a designer, figuring out who you are is really important.”

What advice would you give to any potential students who want to join the Graduate Diploma FDT course?

I think the really important thing is to be honest with yourself. You have to like what you are doing and that is what the tutors keep telling us.

Have your own Integrity, know what you are doing and why you do it and know what you like and why you like it. just keep asking questions about yourself.

What are your plans going forward now that you’ve finished the course?

I'm going to study MA Menswear at London College of Fashion in October because this Graduate Diploma course is my first professional design education and I still need more practice in how to design and develop my own design logic.