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Friday, 16 September 2011

Camilla Woodman - Graduate Showcase


Photography by Lucas Seidenfaden
The Kingston University graduate is a surprising entity. Her designs mark her out as a print or womenswear designer, but her chosen discipline is knitwear. She’s surprisingly diminutive, despite the voluminous, swinging shapes of her crafted swing jackets and knitted ponchos. Her printed knits probably shout louder than she does, in fact, she’s a contradiction in terms. Juxtaposing a tonal Seventies palette with fluid maxi lengths and analogue jewellery, Camilla Woodman's show was one of the standouts at Graduate Fashion Week. Catching up with the designer at the Graduate Showcase, she revealed some more about her graduate collection, entitled ‘Lost In Transmission’.

So Camilla, talk me through the inspiration behind your collection.
My collection is based on the mundane lifestyle, how people close themselves off in their living rooms, and become transfixed on their TV. I’ve used a lot of technology based prints and accessories, combined with interior elements. There’s old Welsh wool inspired graphics for the knitwear, all the other garments are based on elements inside the living room.

As a designer, how are you finding your first VFS Fashion week experience?
It’s really exciting; and it’s certainly been an experience. It’s exciting to move on from my graduate collection to being here. As a graduate you do your show, and it’s over so quickly, so it’s so amazing to have the chance for it to be appreciated and seen by the wider fashion industry.

What are you hoping to achieve from the Graduate Showcase?
I’m Going to the RA in a couple of weeks, so I’m hoping to develop myself more there. But the people I meet here, well maybe in the future they’ll be useful contacts!


Text: Victoria Loomes