This is Millies graduate collection titled ‘Kyandi’. Her collection has been heavily influenced by key images that she resonated with, this formed an in-depth exploration into fashions of the Eighties and Japanese Kawaii Street style. In taking inspiration from these things, she has been able to create a versatile collection that accurately represents her design aesthetic.
When starting the research process for this collection Millie was firstly inspired by the dancer Micheal Clark. She went to the exhibition 'Micheal Clark - Cosmic Dancer' where she took particular interest in his costumes and training leotards. This acted as a lead inspiration when conducting 2D and 3D design development where she worked on creating non-performance bodysuits and leotards. Image - Micheal Clark for Body Map 1980s. Millie was also greatly inspired by early Eighties Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garcons. Research into this helped me form silhouettes in odd formations. It acted as the catalyst in creating the movement and feeling of the collection.
The process always starts by creating shapes on the stand. She then use this development to create 2D sketches to further the idea. Millie ended up using technical outdoor fabrics such as ripstop to create the volume she desired. This fabric allowed her to create odd silhouettes as it is lightweight but hold its shape. She was able to gather it, crumple it and manipulate it the way she wanted.
This is her final collection lineup. Due to Covid-19 restrictions she was only able to make looks 3 and 4. It would have been great to see all six look created however she does plan to make more in any free time. The rest of the collection would have been in similar fabrics but added to the overall impact it could have had.