With the summer term drawing to a close, LCF News took the opportunity to highlight some more of the fantastic work by the graduating cohort of 2016. We spoke to BA (Hons) Fashion Contour student Katie Bickford-Sawkings about her lingerie collection, which featured in Vogue , following the LCFBA16 exhibition last week. Read all about her motivations, inspirations and future plans below.
Design by Katie Bickford-Sawkings
Where are you from?
Katie: Surrey
Talk us through your final project
Katie: My sister jokingly asked me why I didn’t just use denim in my designs and that’s sort of where it started. I did some research, experimented and became very inspired. Denim is such a versatile fabric so I wanted to have a go at creating delicate underwear that still had the same classic feeling of a pair of jeans.
After playing around with different manipulation techniques, I chose to laser cut appliqued denim, creating a contemporary barely there look that had a tattoo effect and I frayed the denim to create texture and depth. The collection shows the classic denim jacket and jeans in a new light. Delicate and intricate pieces that shape the body, juxtaposing the baggy lose and strong wearing reputation the fabric has.
What do you love about what you do?
Katie: I love creating garments which allow the wearer to become consumed in a world of fantasy. I feel contour fashion allows you to explore this concept. Also who wouldn’t love designing knickers and bras!
BA Fashion contour student, Katie Bickford-Sawkings
What’s the best thing about LCF?
Katie: The facilities, the opportunities and the connections it allows you to make
What’s the best thing about your BA (Hons) Fashion Contour?
Katie: The best thing would be the people. Our course works as a team (Team Knicker) and we have a great course leader, Catherine Fuller who is the mother of the team. She pushes us in the right direction so we can reach our highest potential and she has everyone’s best interest at heart. I wouldn’t have made it through this course without her!
Design by Katie Bickford-Sawkings
Have you undertaken any work experience or done a placement whilst at LCF? Where and how did you secure this work experience or placement?
Katie: I worked as a Design intern at Agent Provocateur for 12 months
What did you learn on your work placement?
Katie: I learnt so much in one year, it’s an experience that you can’t be taught
BA Fashion contour student, Katie Bickford-Sawkings
Have you been in the media?
My work was recently featured in Vogue
Describe your work in three words…
Katie: Cheeky, challenging, enticing
What inspires you?
Katie: Everything… which can be annoying sometimes!
BA Fashion contour student, Katie Bickford-Sawkings
Where do you want to be in your career in five years’ time?
Katie: I would love to see people wearing and enjoying my designs.
How do you think your course and LCF will help you achieve your plans?
Katie: LCF has nurtured my interest and taught me skills that have made me more confident when creating exciting garments.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to study your course?
Katie: Believe in your ideas, everyone has a style and yours suits you best!