Image from BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories: Product Design and Innovation student Iwona Krzynowek’s final collection
Our BA Design Exhibition runs until Sunday 22nd June. This is your chance to see the wealth of design talent coming out of LCF. As part of our Class of 2014 series we are featuring students whose work is on display at the exhibition. BA Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories: Product Design & Development student Iwona Krzynowek talks to us about her final collection and LCF experience.
LCF: What have you enjoyed most about studying at LCF?
Iwona Krzynowek: The entire experience was just amazing. From the beginning I was impressed how many new subjects were introduced to me and the endless opportunities to explore and develop them. Studying on the accessories course means I had chance to meet many industry partners while working live project and get direct feed back and advice from them. As a foreign student I have to mention about academic writing. It was extremely challenging task but I enjoyed it a lot because it open my mind and I could look at fashion from different perspective.
LCF: Have you won any prizes / been in the media / undertaken work experience?
IK: The second year was quite successful for me. After completing the first term project with a Japanese brand specialising in traditionally crafted Samurai ribbons my design was selected for a professional photo shoot directed by LCF Creative Director Rob Philips. In the second term I was finalist of another Industry Project with Tommy Hilfiger. In the third term, my work was exhibited at the Bill Amberg studio during the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of Cordwainers at London College of Fashion and my design was published in Time Out in order to advertise this event. My final year collection was showcased at BA14 Design Exhibition.
LCF: What inspires you?
IK: Art, people, fashion, life!! I think it also depends on the task I was given and what I want to achieve. My inspiration always coming from small details. I develop them in my mind and then I see the world a different way. I just love the process of searching for inspiration because that is an exciting journey which often takes you into unknown but fascinating territories.
LCF: What is most important to you about fashion?
IK: Fashion is an inspiration. It is important part of my life which gives me the opportunity to do what I really love to do- create. Its endless possibility allows me to express myself as an artist and individual. I like the fact that there is something for everybody in fashion, it gives the freedom of choice.
LCF: How would you sum up your graduate collection?
IK: My graduate collection is based on Scandinavian Design Style and the mystery of the Arctic. I like this style’s elegance, understatement and functionality along with its minimalist of simple lines and shapes. The aesthetic of this collection has been inspired by contemporary product design and furniture. The use of natural materials, in particular moulded wood has had a substantial impact on this collection and is reflected in many of the details. I wanted by this collection to establish new forms and functions for fashion accessories. I believe that my graduation collection perfectly reflects my style and skills. It is the essence of modern but also innovative design enclosed in minimalistic form of simple aesthetics. My gain was to translate traditional craftsmanship into modern design with clever and functional detailing. While working on these details I also developed new techniques which I will apply to my designs in the future. Overall I am very satisfied with my final collection and I must say that hard work was worth it.
LCF: What are your plans for the future? And how do you feel your course will help you?
IK: At the moment I am planning to apply for job in London based accessories brand. Ideally in the luxury sector. Getting more experience and making contacts will help me to fully operate as a independent luxury accessories brand in the future. That is my a life goal. The university prepared me to take on both of these adventures. My confidence as a designer is strongly established and I believe that the course gave me a solid background which would allow me to achieve my aims.
LCF: What advice would you give someone wanting to study for a BA at LCF?
IK: Be adventurous and ambitious! This university gives most facilities and support than any I have ever heard of. Once you make the most of them your future success is just matter of time.