Photo Credit: Jemima Jarvis
Twenty-one-year-old Jemima Jarvis is about to complete her 4th year at Heriot-Watt University. The designer is currently looking for jobs and running her clothing brand – Ecstaski. The brand produces streetwear apparel and works closely with SnowCamp Charity. It is a non-profit organisation which inspires young people to improve their employability and mental health through skiing.
Jemima is suffering from dyslexia, like many creative people in the industry she relied on visual learning throughout her life. "The fashion world helped me to overcome struggles such as reading. Instead of normal books, I’ve spent hours reading through magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and designers biographies. I was drawn to fashion advertisements and runway shows which allowed me to grow my love for fashion."
Jemima’s mum plays an important role in her life. She was the person who taught Jemima how to sew and inspired to create her own clothes from a young age. Now the designer is proud to present her graduate collection.
Jemima's latest collection was inspired by skiing. It features oversized puffer, sublimation prints and up-cycled accessories. While researching about skiing heritage, designer came across images of old ski clubs and saw how each member wore badges on their jackets. Jemima wanted to create her own logo badge which would represent mental health in a positive form.
"I’ve started this collection by reflecting on how I felt when I was skiing through the mountains in relation to my own mental health. I came up with the slogan ‘Lost in the Mountains’ to convey the message of freedom."
The badge also features the sunrise in the mountains, which "gives an idea that the sun will always rise no matter what." Not only the badge, but other details such as vibrant linings were used to portray the concept of having a positive mentality.
During her second year at university, Jemima had work experience with Gore-tex and the cycling brand Endura. She had to create a modern cycling jacket with 7 other designers which was showcased in Germany. Later on, Jemima also worked in one of the Gucci factories in Florence where she created the bag linings. "I've learned about manufacturing, the process lines and to pay attention to small details."
The designer also won the Fashion Crossover London, a programme which promotes graduate designers and been featured in October 2020 issue of Harper Bazaar. Most recently Jemima was selected to be in the top 20 of Offcut London Virtual Catwalk which will take place on the 5th of June.
Jemima is always looking for more work opportunities. In the future, she wants to collaborate with her favourite brands Christopher Raeburn and Patagonia, as well as develop her fashion brand - Ecstaski.
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