A typical day in the life at the moment is mostly going to online class and working on assignments, in-between classes though I am working on production of my new collection "L'amore Vince Sempre" as well as looking for different events, pop ups and runways I can be a part of.
Now that COVID restrictions are lessening I am spending this year getting my clothes in people’s hands and growing my presence at events and hopefully towards a store.
Each collection issues a different relatable message, for example sustainability, identity, mental health, etc.
For my current collection the aesthetics are inspired by my Italian heritage and Salina, Italy, an aeolian island my maternal family is from. Mainly coming through in the form of colourway which sees pastel colours influenced by the landscape and architecture. When it comes to the premise behind the collection it is all about identity, challenging toxic masculinity and wearing what you want rather than listening to other people or gender/sexuality "norms".
I had a really great time with Melbourne Fashion Hub, Julia is very knowledgeable and super helpful linking us with a bunch of people in the industry as she is well connected.
The pop up was also a really cool experience and notch to put on my belt, being able to get my brand and face out there in Melbourne city. During the pop up I was able to link up with other designers and speak with potential customers about my label but also taught me what products most people are drawn towards.
The first collection I designed was about self confidence in a way and believing in yourself to chase your dreams. It was very streetwear with mostly graphic tees, track suits and baggy jeans. Since then, my label has grown and changed, although it has street inspired elements especially in the silhouettes, I never wanted to be labelled streetwear as I don't want to be restricted in what I can and can't make.
It's hard to say whether or not I was a creative kid, I think I probably was I just struggled with confidence in my younger years, so I never really wanted to do anything that stood out, was always fairly good at drawing though. I've always wanted to be a fashion designer since I was 8 and my mum taught me the basics of how to sew but didn't pursue it until later because I was too self-conscious.
I really just like to create stuff so it could be almost anything and I just want to learn how to do it. Probably my favourite part of having a label is creative directing, making something in its entirety, making each part of it to tell a story. Although it does make it hard though to dedicate time to each medium, but YouTube makes it easy to learn.
I enjoy LCI everyone is so supportive and friendly working together and the mentors generally make immediate time for you to help where necessary. When I am interstate, it definitely does make it harder to stay focussed online but the mentors do their best to keep you engaged and the additional help/care they offer makes up for it.
The only advice I would probably give to future students is to speak up and develop a relationship with the mentors. The mentors are active in their industries and have a lot of resources and connections to get you on the right direction even outside of class. It also makes it easier to get help if you are struggling and takes the pressure off a bit.
As for what's next for me, I am trying to stay focused on getting through my degree, making the most of LCI Melbourne and then just trying to get my name and product out there in the world. I want to use this year to grow and achieve the things I have been planning since the start whilst also on the side slowly working on new designs. Getting my products stocked at the exact boutiques I chose and doing as many pop ups as possible.
