Interview with Jemima Ward

Jemima ward: The LRFS DESIGNER

TO WATCH OUT FOR

Fashion editors Lydia Varney and Sarah Mortimore caught up with one of Leeds Rag Fashion Show’s incredible designers, Jemima Ward. They went behind the scenes to discover the work and inspiration that goes into creaing the magic of the fashion show.

What did it feel like to see your collection on the runway?

JW: It felt really great to see hard work pay off. I felt excited and proud to do my bit for such a good cause!

How do you come up with your designs?

I come up with my designs from being aware of emerging trends with a lot of my own personal twists. I get alot of inspiration from streetwear, young people on the streets who like to be comfortable and look good. I am inspired by natural elements and a lot of the time I’m inspired by science. Especially space science, I find astrology fascinating. I also get inspired by other creatives of all sorts, artists, poets and music. Surrounding yourself with creativity is important when coming up with ideas. Using social media in healthy ways too, by admiring work from other creatives.

What materials did you use/talk us through the making process?

I use a lot of re-purposed fabrics. I enjoy upcycling old fabrics that I’ve had for years or textiles from old garments. I’m always cutting up fabric that’s not being used and this can actually create innovative shapes and silhouettes because you are being limited to only a certain shape or part of fabric. I love to mix fabrics too, it adds more character to the garment for it to be made sustainably like that. My process involves pinning all parts onto the stand and then sewing and cutting; I think it’s normal to be constantly re-designing and editing whilst creating garments, creating garments for me is like problem solving, like a puzzle. I don’t think there should be a set way for the process, every designer is different. It’s about trying to see what works for you!

What was the biggest challenge you found when creating your designs?

The biggest challenge for me is almost having so many different ideas for one garment that it ends up becoming too over-complicated for me to produce. The creative process for me is like a spider diagram in my head that sometimes gets too complicated. Sometimes simple is better.

Who is your design hero/inspiration?

My design hero/inspiration are designers like Raf Simons, Alexander McQueen, Virgil Abloh, Rick Owens and Robyn Lynch. I’m very inspired by unique streetwear designers. One of my biggest inspirations is Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Big Magic, the book about creativity. This book helped me massively during times I wasn’t feeling inspired and every creative should read it!

If you could describe your LRFS collection in one word, what would it be?

Fun and a celebration of people!!!

Best fashion sustainability tip?

Shop sustainable and re-use and re-purpose or clothes swap with your pals or your family! Even your dad’s old shirt could make a nice new outfit! Get creative with it!

What’s your insta/design insta?

My design instagram is @cliniic and my brand instagram (which wiill be releasing some new things soon) is @stolenfromboys - which is a mix-gendered eco streetwear brand inspired by those comfy garments you steal from someone (yet they are cooler than your dad’s old shirt)!

Credit: Lydia Varney