Where Are They Now? - Harry Odell

Harry graduated from Solent University in 2018 with his collection entitled “Forget-Me-Not”. It conceptualised the emotional and physical struggle of dementia as well as the relationships that people have towards it and, inevitably, their loved ones who suffer from the awful condition. His collection was also chosen to display at the Durham University Charity Fashion Show 2019, the theme centering around sustainability and the fashion industry.

“My inspiration comes from my Grandmother who suffers with dementia. My collection conveys a story from her struggles.”

When asked for advice on completing final year of university, Harry explains how the best option is to keep a routine. It helps your mind, and your body, especially when you have to put in the hours to make an amazing Final Major Project. Also to try and enjoy the time you have working on your own project, it’s not overly likely you're going to get another chance quite like it.

Harry is currently working as a Design Assistant at Koovs. This involves researching for the current and upcoming seasonal trends, as well as designing and design development. He then meets with the Head of Menswear to discuss, refine and edit the collections, better lining them up with the brand direction and the seasonal trends. Harry plans to gain more experience in the industry and build his portfolio, in order to achieve the role of Head of Design.

“I don’t look to a specific person for inspiration but I think the story and development behind Virgil Abloh's rise to Creative Director of Louis Vuitton, from where he started, is pretty inspiring and has elements we can all learn and aspire to.”

Harry has also begun to develop his own brand, OD,  a mid-level repurposing custom made-to-order brand. This is to both develop his professional design abilities whilst also continuing to refine his own personal design aesthetics, pattern cutting and sewing knowledge.

OD can be found on Instagram @odcloth

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Thank you so much to Harry for featuring in our Where are they now? series, following Fashion Design graduates from Solent University. We wish you the best of luck in your future with OD! Be sure to check out our previous post in the series, with Alex Terris.

Credit to Loren Parkhurst for footer graphic.