LCF is holding it’s first stand alone MA Womenswear catwalk show on Thursday 19th February. As part of our Graduate Spotlight series we will be speaking to the 12 womenswear students whose final collections will feature in the show. First up is German student Maria Piankov.
Image from MA Womenswear graduate Maria Piankov’s final collection. Photographer: Felix Cooper, Stylist: Jeannie Annan-Lewin
LCF News: Tell us about your final collection?
Maria Piankov: The collection is inspired by the Overview Effect, a term used by astronauts to describe the perspective-altering experience when viewing the earth from outside, and NASA. I pictured a person drifting lonely through dark, empty space having this Overview which is as beautiful as disturbing, thinking of how would the garments move or feel like. The idea was to adapt the NASA concept far more than in mere appearance. The interior of the garments should also make a statement and feature innovative approaches giving the garments a new feel. Sharp, streamlined shapes are essential throughout the lineup. The collection is geometric and stiff yet rounded with an interplay of matte and shine. With everything stiff being captured in geometry and everything fluid being released in an almost uncontrolled manner. The collection is inspired by technology and scientific possibilities, but it is not about futuristic dystopia. It is about an aesthetic being driven by the aid of new machinery but accomplished by traditional needlework techniques.
LCF News: Where did you study prior to your MA at LCF?
MP: Akademie Jak in Germany
LCF News: What are your future plans?
MP: I aspire to establish my own label.
LCF News: How do you think the course will help you to realise these plans?
MP: During the last year, I gained new insights and experiences. The course encouraged me to better understand the broad fashion industry and communicate my design ideas with confidence within this context. The MA pushed my boundaries in many ways and allowed me to increase my professional skills tremendously, which absolutely brings me a step nearer to my ambitions.
LCF News: What advice would you give to anyone considering studying an MA at LCF?
MP: My advice for anyone who considers starting a MA course would be to quickly lose the fear of criticism and rejecting initial ideas.
More:
- Read more about LCF MA15 on LCF News
- Read more MA15 Graduate Spotlights
- #LCFMA15 on Twitter
- MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear
- Follow Maria on Twitter or visit her website
- Watch the MA Womenswear show live at 7.30pm GMT on 19th February