Interview with Freelance Designer Lydia Jackson

We would love to introduce you all to Lydia Jackson, a Freelance Designer based in Manchester. Lydia will be chatting to us about life after University, the fashion industry and her creative processes. Original Magazine: Hi Lydia! Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you based and what are you currently working on? Lydia Jackson: Hey guys. I am a Freelance Designer, currently based in Manchester. I am currently working on a range of garments that are inspired by my childhood. O.M: We were lucky enough to see your graduate collection go down the runway at Graduate Fashion Week back in 2019 (which feels like a lifetime ago!) How have things changed for you since Graduate Fashion Week? How has it been for you as a graduate student and gaining experience in the industry? L.J: I can’t believe is been over a year now since I have graduated, time has gone so quick and things have changed so much, once graduating I left to live in Stockholm, Sweden for 6 months where I was a Design Assistant at H&M. I really enjoyed this experience; I learnt a lot about myself in terms of where I can see myself in the industry. My time working with and for H&M allowed me to understand fast fashion behind the scenes, I decided as much as I enjoyed this eye-opening experience it wasn’t for me. Reflecting back over my University days it was creating my own work that really fore filled my passion for design and that is why I made the decision to develop myself as a Freelance Designer. O.M: What are your inspirations for your designs and collections? Are there any concepts and stories you try to convey within them? L.J: My main inspiration for my work related back to my upbringing and own experiences. As long as I can remember I have been experimenting with the vision of ‘what looks good’. Even as a young girl I was attempting to re-design my dolls wardrobe, testing different fabrics and colours, spending hours of fun and enjoyment styling, cutting and improvised cat walks, even at this early stage I had ambitions to forge a career in this global industry. My enthusiasm to develop understanding and skills continued throughout my education. Known for my bold use of colour, print and silhouettes, I am constantly trying to push myself and my work. My obsession with dolls has had a natural influence with the ‘smock style doll shape dress’. O.M: You have recently had one of your garments featured on the Emily Atack show, (Congratulations!) How did this opportunity come about for you? L.J: Thank you, I was contacted direct and asked to make a unique piece for the show. I love being given a brief; from there I was able to translate into my own creation! O.M: Like many people in the creative industry, we have all had to adapt due to the pandemic by creating and showcasing work in different ways, do you think Fashion Weeks will ever be the same again? How has the experience of lockdown affected you; positively and/or negatively? L.J: I think how fashion is constantly changing and the pandemic has highlighted for young creatives especially, it doesn’t matter where you are you can always create when you have time to focus. My lockdown experience has been mixed, I have really appreciated the time to work. I have found it hard in terms of gathering inspiration and being in that creative mindset to design and make, but it has definitely given me the time to realise what’s next for me on my creative journey. And I am really excited for next year and all the new opportunities yet to come. O.M: It is a tough time for artists at the moment, has the pandemic affected the way you create your garments and find work? If so, how have you adapted to this? L.J: In terms of creating my garments I haven’t been affected, with my home studio I am able to carry on! But it has massively affected my work in terms of shoots, but when things pick up, it’s going to be great fun and full on hard work- I can’t wait! O.M: And finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to any student and emerging designers, especially going through this pandemic, what would it be? L.J: Take time to reflect, and really think about what it is you enjoy. Try and avoid the pressures from the outside and do what makes you happy no matter what form this might be in. Do it for you and no one else because you will soon realise what’s important. I have spoken to a lot of recent graduates and friends who are living in the unknown about the fashion job market but I think it’s important for everyone to remember things will get easier and I hope the fashion industry changes for the better, with all these new and exciting emerging designing’s I hope to see small start-up businesses really boom. Thank you for chatting with us Lydia. Keep up to date on all our socials for more features coming soon!