Up next in our LCFMA18 graduate spotlight series is Jiali Lu whose collection will feature in the MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear catwalk and live stream next week. We spoke to Jiali about her time at LCF and plans for the future, final collection and the influence behind it.
Photography: Alyssa Boni and Stylist: Adele Cany
Tell us about your final collection…
My final womeswear collection is inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride And Prejudice” – the whole collection came together based on research on the film version. I explored the theme and the main character Elizabeth’s personality, as well as incorporating the women’s and men’s clothes style from the nineteenth century romantic period and the culture to create a modern, independent, masculine, intelligent and brave neutral concise style.
I also explored the tailoring techniques, pattern innovation and enhanced the silhouette in order to make the collection become stronger and fresher. Only black and white are used in my collection, and the contrast between the two extreme colours becomes very harmonious under a reasonable distribution ratio. Also, black and white are the colours of my personal style.
Talk us through any specific techniques you used
In my collection, I used a lot of draping to create the sleeves and I also used twisting in skirt designs. I used tailoring in a lot of places, for example, I referred traditional menswear pieces such as shirt, parka, tuxedo, trouser, boiler suit and boxer short.
Describe your work in 3 words…
Masculine, neutral, modern.
What would be your top tips to new students…
Try your best to learn skills such as Photoshop, pattern cutting, InDesign, etc. When you can’t find any inspiration, you can go to the museums and galleries, also travelling helps you to get more ideas.
What made you chose LCF and London…
LCF is the best choice among fashion colleges. I like the course setting, which improves and balances your practical ability and creativity. And LCF provides a lot of opportunities to work with companies, such as Ecco leather, Fendi and J.W. Anderson. London is such a dynamic city that you can constantly be inspired just by being in it. That’s a huge plus for designers like me. I enjoy being exposed to different cultures and opinions to explore my own aesthetics.
What were the highlights and biggest challenges of your course?
The biggest challenge for me was to create a whole collection – there were so many problems during the process, such as technique problems, time management and collaborating with others.
Have you been on a work placement or internship?
I established my own brand during my bachelor degree, and have produced 3 seasons so far.
My biggest inspirations and muses are…
Most of my inspirations came from movies and exhibitions.
What are your plans for life after your MA?
I am going to do some internship first and after I have enough experience I will start my own brand.
- More information on MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear
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