Where Are They Now? - Lydia Rose

This blog post marks the first of our new mini-series entitled “Where are they now?”, following the journey of Fashion Design graduates from Solent University.

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Lydia graduated the university in 2019 with her collection entitled “Formidable Fashion”, based around the rapid evolution of technology and science and how it evokes feelings of fear and wonder. The fusion of the two contrasting emotions leads to a desire for self-protection of the future, as well as an embracement.

“With circular silhouettes, oversized structures and details of knit and laser-cutting, the garments embody a feeling of armour, safety from the unknown.”

Lydia was also selected to showcase her collection at Graduate Fashion Week.

We asked Lydia to share her ultimate inspiration – a Fashion Design Graduate she saw a few years ago when attending Graduate Fashion Week, Hope Macaulay. Now with her own brand, Lydia sees Hope as admirable for keeping her Graduate collection going and making something more of it. She explained how difficult it can be to build your own brand but Hope’s determination is truly inspiring, especially as it is the young graduates that are beginning to change the industry.

Hope Macaulay.

Lydia is currently working as a Buying Assistant for a clothing, homeware and gifting brand, working alongside the clothing and gifting buyer. This involves managing suppliers, liaising with the warehouse, logging samples and organising client meetings. She loves that she gets to see all the products they offer and even gets the chance to attend trade shows.

“I never thought about going into buying as I had my heart set on design but I’m really glad I explored it as I’ve learnt so much and it’s opened doors.”

When asked about final year, Lydia’s advice was to embrace every aspect of it, including all of the stressful moments. Sometimes your best work will come when you least expect it to. Make mistakes. You’ll learn from them and get better. She hopes to get back into design at some point in her career journey. She is currently working on a side business, making knitted garments and accessories, as well as hoping to add jewellery to the range.

“I’m using my free time to build this as my ultimate dream would be to have my own gifting business”.

Lydia’s range can be found on her Instagram page @lydiajrosedesign.

Credit to Loren Parkhurst for this footer graphic.