MAGNOLIA
TABLE OF CONtENTS
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Ruby Smith, is a Brisbane-based emerging designer. In 2024, she was selected to study abroad at the University of Creative Arts, London. Her design perspective was nurtured throughout her child and teen years in Toowoomba, where her mother is an Interior Designer and father a skilled craftsman.She is inspired by international fashion, art, décor, architecture, and the environment. Ruby has always been surrounded by inspiring fabrics, colours and creativity, and by people who know how to develop things and have an eye for creativity, this therefore informs her aesthetic and design output.
Drawing inspiration from her background and experiences, Ruby’s collection blends innovation with tradition, ensuring each piece is of high-quality craftsmanship and sustainable and ethical practices. She is devoted to create fashion to inspire and uplift, creating pieces that not only look beautiful and stand the test of time. Ruby’s passion lies in creating ensembles that amplify individuality and confidence.
@rubeali_
RUBY SMITH
DESIGN STATEMENT
“Magnolia” draws inspiration from couture craftsmanship, architecture, nature, and contemporary womenswear, blending organic forms with bold feminine structures to reflect the duality of the magnolia tree. This collection embraces visionary concepts and advanced pattern-making techniques, exploring innovative textile manipulations and intricate design details. A diverse selection of fabrics enriches the collection’s appeal, featuring custom surface treatments, transparent silk organza, French tutti tulle and crisp metallic poly textiles. Additionally, Ruby has created custom printed fabrics to reflect her thematic inspiration, and has utilised these prints on two design ensembles. By intertwining architectural precision with the natural beauty of the magnolia tree, “Magnolia” presents a fresh perspective on modern fashion, inviting wearers to embody both strength and confidence.
Designs two, three and five featured in “Magnolia”
PRINT DESIGN
Drawing inspiration from Claude Monet’s iconic Water Lilies, fabric manipulations in previous design work as well as the growth of a magnolia tree, this custom print design is young, leading and lively
MAGNOLIA
LOOK ONE
HERO GARMENT
A structured over dress fabricated with a woven sheer fabric that is layered with ivory crinoline and boning per each panel to add structure and depth to the overall design
ROMPER
Fitted, strapless romper in a sateen suiting fabric to pair underneath the structured dress
CUSTOM MADE PETALS
Petal-like adornments individually hand stitched on the hemline of the dress
Designer Deadstock Sateen Suiting
Woven Gold Sheer
Ivory Crinoline
Custom Made Petal Adornments,
MAGNOLIA
LOOK TWO
A-LINE TOP
Embroidered nude crinoline as a flouncy top with pleated neckline
Custom print on satin fabric
Custom print on satin
PALAZZO PANTS
Nude crinoline with embroidery
MAGNOLIA
LOOK THREE
Italian silk poly organzachocoalte
Custom dyed cotton sateen
DRAPED RUFFLE DRESS
Italian silk poly organza- chocoalte
French tutti tulle
BONED STRAPLESS MINI DRESS WITH TUTTI TULLE TOP SECTION
Cotton sateen + French tutti tulle
MAGNOLIA
LOOK FOUR
CUSTOM MADE SURFACE TREATMENT
Sculpted organic style top over a tutti tulle bodice
Italian beaded fabric
MIDI SKIRT
Italian beaded fabric lined with French tutti tulle
French tutti tulle
Custom made fabric treatment
MAGNOLIA
LOOK FIVE
MINI BUBBLE DRESS
VOLUMINOUS SKIRT SECTION
Custom print on a cotton polyester blend fabric
Dress “skirt section” with gathering to add extra fullness to the overall design and dress silhouette
Custom print on cotton polyester blend
REFERENCE LIST
(2023) Fashion and Apparel Statistics in Australia 2024. Commission Factory. Available at: https://blog. commissionfactory.com/ecommerce-marketing/fashionand-apparel-statistics-in-australia-2024-commissionfactory#Statistics_and_Market (Accessed: 09 August 2024).
British Vogue (2023) Uplifting conversations: Vogue editor Tiffany Godoy talks timeless style & timepieces from a To-kyo elevator, British Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/bc/audemarspiguet-1017-alyx-9sm (Accessed: 01 July 2024).
LESAVAGE, H. (2023) Bottega Veneta designed bags that can fit your entire life. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar. com/fashion/fashion-week/a45270323/best-bottega-venetabags-spring-2024-runway/ (Accessed: 21 August 2024).
Nast, C. (2024) Fashion shows: Fashion week, runway, designer collections, Vogue. Available at: https://www. vogue.com/fashion-shows (Accessed: 01 July 2024).
Phelps, N. (2024) Schiaparelli Fall 2024 couture collection. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2024couture/schiaparelli#review (Accessed: 22 August 2024).
Pithers, E. (2022) Iris van Herpen Fall 2022 couture collection. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall2022-couture/iris-van-herpen (Accessed: 22 August 2024)
CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ruby smith
Garment designs , Pattern making, construction, creative direction, model selection, trend research, technical sketches, fabric cutting and draping, illustrations, print design, graphic design, digital imagery, styling, custom materials by Ruby Smith
Photography by Olivia Hartup, Little Pat Mooreswell, Willow Mussmann Models Maddie Black, Courtney Bryant, Alix Langley, Kiara McMahon, Madi Slack, Tyra Turner + Antonia Vlad Makeup and Hair Ruby Smith
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Contact: rubyalicesmith@icloud.com
