Final year project
Ethereal Garden [Read more]
The secret garden
This full content signature repeat is built up using layers of abstract marks to form an picturesque view of the blossoming secret garden. Using particular florals to convey a positive silent dialogue.
Poppy meadow
This digitally drawn statement design was created to show the delicate blooms intertwining in the discovery of the stunning gardens.
Early spring
5 layer procion screen print, printed onto silk crepe, donated by McQueen. This large scale statement showcases the beautiful growth of nature.
Hidden secrets
Gouache painting depicting the wonderful discovery of the concealed garden and its mesmerising qualities. Painted with bold colour and brushstrokes to enhance its mystical feel.
Enchanted
This is a digital coordinating design characterising the enchanted growth of the buds in the garden. Digitally printed onto satin.
Cottage meadow
This bold, multi directional organic drawing communicates the growing curiosity behind the charming walled garden.
Flourishing flora
Digital signature repeat encapsulating the essence of wild flowers flourishing during Spring. Close up detailing of artwork printed onto satin.
Full bloom
Full content large scale composition, using the full range of the harmonious colour palette. This design depicts how I envisage the novel's garden to be in full florescence.
Olivia Lee
Olivia is a passionate graduate specialising in Printed Textiles. Her final collection demonstrates her painterly abstract approach coinciding with her fervent love for colour whilst conveying the story of depicted scenes from her childhood favourite novel; “The Secret Garden”.
Olivia's springtime collection is intended for the high end luxury fashion market.
She utilises different mediums to create full content compositions in which she immerses herself. Using bold colours and brush marks to form dynamic statement designs promoting positivity and happiness with her selective choice of imagery and colour palettes. In her most recent project this is outlined through the narrative of the story alongside the context of “The Language of Flowers” which conveys a silent dialogue to express a euphoric feeling in her work. As well as hand rendered designs, Olivia has continued to develop and progress into digital drawings to form new, unique compositions that can tell a story. She enjoys painting using a range of scales, adapting them to become maximalist repeats to form a strong sense of collection. Olivia believes the influence of the print affects the consumers’ mood and therefore believes the art work she produces should always be exuberant and inspiring.
‘Ethereal Garden’ characterises her love for colour and abstracting natures’ beauty. Whilst telling the narrative of a classic novel she enjoyed as a young girl through her portfolio of work, it has allowed Olivia to elicit personalised feelings and bring a unique approach into her designs. Expressing her passion to create beautiful compositions that portray a whimsical and extraordinary feel, evoking similar feelings the book stirred within her.
Having researched deeper into the book and the time when it was written, Olivia uncovered more profound meanings within the text that she expresses within her work. Combining this research and its hidden meanings alongside the art styles such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau have helped inform her how to interpret the use of brushwork creating painterly illusions of movement whilst capturing the essence of nature. By using fluid and organic marks found within nature she built up a plethora of work symbolising positivity, happiness and rejuvenated growth.
Olivia is passionate about continuously expanding her knowledge and skills. She is a very determined designer who believes she has an adaptable skill set to accomplish new and exciting tasks. With a strong eye for colour, pattern and design she believes she can flourish as a print designer.
Dissertation
How does the sustainability of the fashion industry compare from the 1960's to the present?
Final year project
Ethereal Garden
Awards
'20 Diploma of Professional Studies
'18 Ted Baker Womenswear Design Project - winner
In her Second year at Loughborough University, the print pathway took part in a live project for Ted Baker. This was to design a contemporary womenswear collection, ideal for their target audience. Olivia produced a floral Autumn Winter collection with a quirky twist, adding in bugs and insects to fit with Ted's aesthetic.
This led to an opportunity of a placement and the chance to develop her work produced for the project with their in-house design team.
Experience
Olivia undertook 5 placements consisting of, Liberty London (June- August '18), Ted Baker (September '18), Rixo (February & July '19), Burberry (March '19) and Bay and Brown (April – June '19).
These work experiences helped Olivia to understand and appreciate the Textile industry, in particular the fashion market which she is ardent about. During her year out in industry she gained valuable lessons to improve and built on her expertise. Enhancing her drawing and digital skills along side her communication, teamwork and all round professional finesse. These job roles came with challenges pushing Olivia to adapt and engage in new tasks. Facing pressures of producing designs at a fast pace to the stresses of working to meet crucial deadlines such as London Fashion Week. This experience allowed her to develop as a person becoming more independent and take on more responsibilities, in which she believes it has given her the versatility for future job prospects.
Placements
June 2018 - August 2018
Studio and Design Intern., Liberty London.
February 2019 - July 2019
Studio Intern. , Rixo.
March 2019 - March 2019
Fabric Intern., Burberry.