Up next in our LCFBA17 Class of 2017 series we speak to BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Embroidery student Holly Markham. Holly has collaborated with another student on the print textiles course for her final project and here she tells us all about her time at LCF.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the moment you knew you wanted to study fashion?
I come from a very big family – I have three sisters and two brothers and my mum is an artist. From growing up in an arty family I was given the opportunity to do a lot of things and it was only after A-levels, I decided to do an art foundation. I had never done textiles before so applying for an embroidery degree was very exciting. I knew from that moment I wanted to study fashion and in particular embroidery.
Talk us through your final project…..
I am collaborating with Maggie Santos from the textiles print course and Olivia Hands-Ward from fashion pattern cutting. We have designed a four piece womenswear collection, consisting of heavy plastic leathers with beautiful floral prints and hand embroidery.
My embroidery focuses on ‘celebrating a workers craft’, looking at metal casting and process and combining them with that of hand embroidery, creating a whole new aesthetic into something beautiful.
What techniques or theories did you use to create your final piece of work?
I used metal casting to create handmade buttons and safety pins. They were originally designed by me, and laser cut onto acrylic before being cast into metal. I wanted to capture a practitioner doing their craft, and use metal casting techniques combined with my embroidery to create a whole new perspective on hand embroidery. All my work is predomindantly hand embroidered, focusing on creating a lot of texture and 3D embellishment.
Have you undertaken any work experience or done a placement whilst at LCF?
I spent three months at Giles Deacon, which I secured by emailing companies and getting an interview. This placement was the best one I have ever done!
Describe your work and aesthetic in five words…..
Textured, handmade, heavy, playful, bold.
What influences your style and work?
It depends really – I could see someone really fabulous on the tube and like their style or aesthetic, and use that inspiration within my work. I just love what I’m doing and love making people smile when they see my work !
What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue what I am doing now, go into embellished accessories such as bags. Our course tutors have a real energy for wanting everyone to succeed, and especially to find your own style. I only found my style and what was unique about my brand in the third year, it takes time but its just about being yourself and putting that message out there of who YOU are as a designer.
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