Ahead of our LCFMA17 MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear catwalk show on Thursday 16 Feburary 2017 at 7pm (watch it live streamed here), we caught up with the participating graduates to discuss their final collections and why they chose to study at London College of Fashion. Wendel Heung’s collection explores nocturnalism.
Tell us about your final collection?
My collection is inspired by nocturnalism and that sleepwalking state where it is hard to distinguish reality from dreams. I was also influenced by lingerie and vintage corsetry and used draping, suspenders, bra extenders throughout. Its quite hard to describe, its a kind of feeling when you see the collection. It’s a kind of philosophy. I want the collection to speak for itself.
Where did you study prior to your MA at LCF?
When I graduated from university, I had my own brand. Because I’m from China, the market is quite small for this kind of market – for independent designers. So after a year, I went to work for a designer for two years. And then I got a scholarship from the government to come and study at London College of Fashion.
Reflecting back on your MA, and thinking of any prospective students thinking about starting an MA, what would be your top three tips/bits of advice to them?
The most important thing is self confidence. Nobody urges you to do things, you have to do it all yourself. You have to arrange everything. Also, I suggest you work more in your own way and don’t listen too much to others.
Why did you choose LCF and MA Fashion Womenswear?
I have many friends who have been studying here and I’ve seen their work and it tended to be more commercial and that is why I came. I always do commercial stuff.
What have you found the most enjoyable and interesting parts of your course? And what have you found the most challenging?
Studying here, I’ve had to do it all myself – do your own patterns, stitch yourself, presentations, arranging the catwalk and finding make up artists and models.
When I was a designer, working for others, I didn’t need to think about that stuff. So this is a very good experience. And because the culture is totally different from my country, you feel everything is so fresh, which is exciting.
What was your favourite thing about studying in London?
I think it’s maybe about culture. British culture is quite old and there’s a lot of museums and things to do, to do research.
Have you been inspired by any exhibitions in particular?
This time I went to V&A’s Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear exhibition. I was inspired a lot by that.
Describe your work in five words…
Nude, silent, philosophy, smooth and sensitive.
Do you have a muse?
Not really.
But in terms of designers, I like Alexander McQueen because my mother is a tailor as well, so we had similar experiences. I saw his show a long time ago, before I even studied fashion.
What are your future plans and how do you think the course will help you to realise these plans?
I probably want to find a job here, because I want to work in a different country and culture. And then have my own brand again.
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