Olivia Bodak

Contour Fashion Innovation MA, student

Olivia is an overseas student from Poland, studying full time on the Contour Fashion Innovation MA. She decided to pursue a Master’s degree to build upon an idea she started during her final year of completing her BA. Olivia is interested in 3D printing as a means of fully replacing conventional materials. Many traditional contour products are difficult to recycle due to their use of blended fibre fabrics, as well as their diverse range of functional accessories such as fasteners, wires and elastics. By producing garments made from a single, recyclable material Olivia is working to develop a circular alternative for this sector.

Olivia has designed materials and components through extensive research and experimentation, considering practical requirements such as fit, support, ease and comfort as well as exploring new and exciting aesthetic directions. Her investigation into new advancements in printing filaments led her to develop diverse components such as soft, stretch lace and alternative support systems. Olivia is also researching filaments that biodegrade, which she hopes to integrate into later work.

During a recent visit to DMU’s Leicester campus, Dame Zandra Rhodes became intruiged by Olivia’s innovative design. The two had a lengthy discussion, during which Dame Zandra expressed her appreciation for DMU’s emphasis on sustainability in its curriculum. She said: “The whole world has to think about sustainability and it is fabulous that this is happening so well at DMU.”

Olivia received a £500 bursary when she entered DMU’s Roadley Awards earlier in the year, in recognition of and to support her innovative work on sustainability. She has been part-funding her studies by working as a frontrunner on DMU’s paid employability internship scheme, supporting academic teams while developing an area of expertise to complement her study and future career path.