Photo Credit: Kev Foster
Anya Sims is a final year fashion student at Norwich University of the Arts. Anya always been interested in art and later developed her love for textiles throughout GCSE.
Anya creates her own unisex designs which could be argued to have feminine aesthetics. "I like to play with the boundaries. I use a lot of colour and texture which I combine with a playful, humorous feel. My work is quite abstract and conceptual so the meaning behind the garments can be serious despite being conveyed in a playful way."
Designer’s latest collection, ‘Figment’, focused on the juxtaposition of fantasy and function within fashion. Anya wanted to use this as a comment on how "society’s extreme overconsumption of fashion could demonstrate an obsession with the psychological impact which the fantasy of fashion has on us".
‘Figment’ collection features a series of knitwear pieces which were developed by hand knitting strips of organza, chiffon, tulle, satin and mohair yarn. "I used a lot of organza as I love the way the sheerness allowed me to create layers of different colours and build up the opacity in different areas", says Anya.
The designer also developed a flat lock technique for her edges which involved "sandwiching a strip of satin within the hem and flat locking over it so when the stitching is opened the fray of the satin pokes through."
Anya has always been inspired by the work of various artists and photographers. "I love the photography of Rineke Dijkstra and the way she captures the sense of vulnerability but also empowerment through photographing different communities of people. I also love the work of Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry who create colourful work but yet confront serious issues such as hardship within society."
In the future, Anya wants to set up her own sustainable clothing brand. The designer strongly cares about slow fashion and believes that there should be changes in the industry.
"I use offcuts and second-hand wedding décor to make my use of organza and satin more sustainable. I believe if we all bought less, not only would the issue of overconsumption reduce but we would develop a new appreciation and value for creativity which is being lost with fast fashion."
During the summer last year Anya completed a 3-month placement with Roksanda which gave a massive insight into the industry and the preparation which goes into London Fashion Week. "It was a great opportunity to live in London for a while and get to know lots of places to source fabrics and trims from."
Last year Anya also entered Golden Shears award which she described as "an excellent opportunity to create a tailored outfit."
"I think the skills which I’ve developed from this been so useful in elevating my garment construction skills during my final year."
COVID-19 affected everyone’s studies but Anya found some advantages as it gave her some time to focus on illustrations and portfolio which will help to get further in the fashion world. "I have loved working on my own from home but I can’t wait to be working as part of a creative team again and have the opportunity to showcase some of my designs since we’ve missed out on Graduate Fashion Week this year."
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