Q: What got you into design, and what advice would you give students pursuing a career in fashion?
A: I’ve always been creative, drawing whenever I had the chance. But mainly I love how clothes, and underwear, can transform how someone feels about themselves. For those wanting to step into fashion, be true to yourself.
“Let your personality shine through designs—the more unique the better!”
Q: What is your creative process like, and how do you stay inspired?
A: It’s a very open design process at Lounge. I pull inspo from everywhere: Pinterest, IG, magazines, films, even my surroundings. I might be walking with my friends and I see a flower with a unique colour palette, or watching an old film and they’re wearing a gorgeous vintage designer piece.
Q: Gen Z deeply care about sustainability. How do you design with that in mind? And why is it so important for the future of fashion?
A: We all know the fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. That’s why it’s important to use recycled, regenerated or organic materials when possible. Each generation is more and more aware, and we need to stay educated and do our bit.
“It’s about creating products that last and being smart with patterns and cuts, to ensure there’s minimal waste.”
Q: Lounge is known for inclusivity and body-positivity. How is this reflected in your designs?
A: We design for every body. In our larger sizes, we add more supportive features without compromising style. And we love a cut out—but consider the placement on all sizes to ensure the pieces are as flattering as possible.
“I like to believe we don’t follow trends, we set them.“
Q: How do you balance ever-evolving trends with your own unique design style?
A: Each collection revolves around a feeling, imagining who’d wear it, where are they, what are they doing and what are they wearing with it. Picture the person wearing your piece. Can you create a persona for them? What’s their story?
Q: Can you talk us through the process of taking a design from an initial sketch to the final product?
A: We start with rough initial sketches and fabric sourcing, followed by digital CADs. After CEO approval, we send off design specs to our development team to create the measurements specs and work on the fit, with wash and wear tests to ensure there are no quality issues.
Q: Lounge has a strong Gen Z following. How does that shape your design decisions? What are younger consumers looking for?
A: We have a huge customer range so we ensure we have collections which cater to all different ages. For Gen Z, we take inspo from TikTok and IG trends. Recently, we’ve seen a huge rise in 90s minimalism, vintage fashion, corsets and lace.
Q: What skills are essential for students to thrive in a creative and collaborative environment?
A: Ask questions!!! There are no silly questions. Getting opinions and fresh perspectives is important. Everyone sees things differently, which can elevate your design to the next level.
“Designing is hugely collaborative. Getting other’s opinions can take designs from 7/10 to 11/10.”
Q: What key pieces should students share in their portfolio to stand out?
A: I love seeing the journey to the final product, and what the inspiration was behind it. Include sketches, technical specs, and final products. CADs are so important in this industry. Manufacturers take them very literally, so make sure everything is in proportion, and add stitch details and fastenings.
“Hand sketching is so impressive. Since technology has become more advanced, we’ve started losing this element in portfolios. If you can draw, show it off.”
Q: What’s the best piece of career advice for aspiring fashion designers?
A: Keep going. You will have knockbacks, not everyone will love your designs but try not to take it personally. Lastly, don’t let anyone dampen your shine. Be you!
