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 (Hons) Fashion Contour student Natalie Bouloux talks us through her LCF experience and future plans.
LCF: What have you enjoyed most about studying at LCF?
Natalie Bouloux: Being at Curtain Road and surrounded by tutors and technicians who have worked in industry for so long means that I’ve absorbed so much information. There are so many opportunities to learn new skills, especially when surrounded by other design disciplines, it’s such a creative atmosphere you can’t help but thrive off it.
LCF: Have you been in the media / undertaken work experience?
NB: I interned at Chromat in New York during my industry year. This was one of my favorite experiences, getting to design for the AW13 and SS14 collections and work with such an amazing team. Being part of the entire process from inspiration through to catwalk was one of my highlights as well as having one of my designs featured in Vogue China!
LCF: What inspires you?
NB: I love crisp clean lines, textures and innovative finishes which often inform my designs. New technology inspires my work, I’m always eager to try new methods and innovative materials to see how they react with the shape of the body.
LCF: What is most important to you about fashion?
NB: The never-ending potential in both design and construction. The challenge of creating a garment that pushes the boundaries, embracing experimentation yet maintaining an impeccable finish.
LCF: How would you sum up your graduate collection?
NB: My collection represents utility, blurring the lines between lingerie, swimwear and womenswear. Experimenting with additional features, finishes and 3D effects to push the boundaries of what is classified as contour. My materials don’t conform to the norm of lingerie, I’ve adopted a modern approach to design leaving traditional ideas behind in this project.
LCF: What are your plans for the future? And how do you feel your course will help you?
NB: My final project reflects my desire to embrace new technology and create innovative garments so i would like to work for a brand who has similar objectives, particularly within a design or production role so that I can gain crucial experience. Alongside this I plan to develop NEOSS – the brand I co-founded with my friend. This would mean involvement in all stages of the development process which is something that appeals to me. The course has given me insight into various aspects of fashion including marketing, branding, and production which was reinforced during my year in industry. I feel I have sufficient grounding and the confidence to take the next steps and develop my brand.
LCF: What advice would you give someone wanting to study for a BA at LCF?
NB: Make the most of the facilities and familiarise yourself with all the incredible machines and utilise the technicians available to you. They have a wealth of knowledge that is waiting to be tapped into. Take every opportunity you get, enter every competition and go to every extra lecture or workshop because it will make you a better informed designer.