The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Diversity More often than not, women hide them- selves under their clothes to try and protect their true identity.The aim of my collection is to get women to step out of their shells, and become more confident in the clothing they wish to wear. The collection focuses on the most judg- mental opinions like looking 'tasteless' because it's too revealing, or looking ‘out- landish’ because it doesn't look normal. I created a style that combines the reveal- ing look with the covered look, and the outlandish look with something beautiful, to ultimately change the thought process when you look at the garments. I am sensitive to the environment, so in most of my ideas, leftover fabric was uti- lised to prevent any unnecessary waste. This was especially noticeable when using both the positive and negative parts to my laser cuts. While using the waste, I have developed further ideas and given my collection a true identity by using many rectangular and triangular shapes. Laser cutting is a major focus in this collection and has been used extensively in some garments.  Discrimination and Prejudice I have worked with some of the most challenging materials and processes, such as using fine lambskin for one of the long coats, which has been carefully lined with fine silk to keep that elegant look in my collection. To give the coat a little bit more of an edgy look; I used some heavier patent leather for the lapels. To avoid as much waste as possible, I also used leftover leather to make accessories and shoes to go with my collection. The main aspect of the collection is lay- ering and being able to wear the pieces of a collection in different ways. This is to really show different identities possi- ble to create from each of the garments. Each garment has its own meaning and a name. Every garment represents a deeper meaning of why women hide their identities. For example, with ‘Diversity’ you are able to unclip the sleeves and wear it as a simpler version of the dress.The sleeves are there to reflect the freedom of the dress. The inspiration of the attachment of the sleeves came from straitjackets to reflect less of a freedom in your own identity. (Being strapped by people’s judg- ments and opinions, not able to enjoy the freedom of their own identity). At the moment I am looking to gain as much industry experience as possible. I also enjoy collaborating with other crea- tives and love getting involved in different projects. While gaining experience I am looking to open my own shoe line with manufacturers in Portugal. Eventually I want to have my own clothing line, as I have a lot of messages to send to women all over the world and I am passionate about making women confident and a true version of themselves with the fashion I create. info@laurabfashion.com The inspiration behind my collection is taken from move- ment in things like Tai Chi and yoga and the tranquility of meditation; I used clean lines and minimal shapes with mon- ochromatic colours to depict the feel of the collection. I wanted to create something sexy and wearable that also offers something special. www.emilyclementson.co.uk Laura Budryte bite fashion Emily Clementson