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Olivia Van Diepen

London College of Fashion

Footwear & Accessory Design BFA

Accessories, Bags, Handbags

I am Olivia, I have been studying the Fashion Bags and Accessories BA course at London College of Fashion for the past 4 years. I have recently finished my studies and will be graduating in July 2024. I really enjoy seeing the entire design process, from initial sketches to then seeing the development and final outcome. For my most recent project, I was inspired by intimacy, looking at the way in which are bodies are indented by the touch of others, as well as looking at central areas of intimacy, I particularly enjoyed the process of attempting to recreate the look of a crumpled bedsheet using foam and the vacuum forming machine. Although it was challenging, it really allowed me to adapt and problem solve.

Website

The Pillow Bag

Category: Accessories

Competitions: International

This project really focused and encompassed the world of intimacy. Rather than creating something that was very clearly linked to intimacy, I wanted it to be a subtle but understandable reference. I began thinking about intimacy, and instead of thinking about it in such a sexual nature, I thought of it as a more vulnerable, romantic and passionate connection between people. A bed is a clear place of intimacy, but is also soft, protective and comforting. I began to look at the the way a pillow becomes distorted when a rope is tied around it, it pulled in and wrinkled, I really liked the look. I tried out different types of Shibari ties around it and landed on the final design that has bee submitted. This design incorporates the use of Lamb Nappa, for its soft and tactile qualities. The contrast between the coarse Shibari rope and soft leather works really well together.

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