Interview with Competition Winner Louise Strudwick

Last year, we set a brief for a SS'16 mini-collection, calling for students and recent graduates to send in their designs based on the SS'16 trend forecast: Sartorial. We felt this trend encapsulated the Playful Promises brand with it mixture of femininity and dark detailing, and we wanted designs that could be considered contemporary classics.

We selected the winners back in April last year, and now the winning designs are available to purchase on our website. We wanted to chat to our winners about how they came up with their design, lingerie, and what's next for them! This week, we talked to Louise who created a Bettie Page-esque, bondage-inspired design.

Firstly, tell us about your winning design! Which direction did you decide to take the initial brief?

I interpreted the brief by starting off with retro style lingerie shapes, and to keep it modern and on trend I added in subtle bondage inspired details such as the peep-hole cut outs and satin strapping, which I felt would also tie in with the classic Playful Promises ‘cheeky’ look.

When it comes to your work, where do your usually look to for inspiration? And how would you define your style?

I usually start by selecting a muse, an inspirational female figure or I imagine and illustrate what my ideal customer would like and I start designing from there, introducing elements from trend research. I would say my style is ‘modern day pin up’, with a high contrast graphic edge, and always with a bit of kink!

What drew you to lingerie?

I’ve always been about body positivity and for me lingerie is a platform in which the wearer can express their true personality and connect with themselves without outside judgement. I love that lingerie is intimate and personal, and can instantly alter how you feel.

How did you begin designing lingerie initially and what made you decide to study contour/lingerie design?

I came from a heavily art background, and was always interested in studying the female form and frequently attended life drawing sessions, my art is always focused around the female form. When I did my art foundation course I went down thefashion route and found myself creating body pieces and lingerie inspired garments, it all came together quite naturally! I had my eye on the contour lingerie design course since I was around 15/16 so it was always something I had aspired too right from the beginning.

Louise's design for her brand Victory Doll, available to buy on Etsy

What’s next for you in terms of your future as a designer?

I will be graduating in July, and from there I am looking to work with lingerie companies to gain more industry experience and once I've built up my professional career I am hoping to launch my own brand ‘Victory Intimates ’, which I am currently working on for my Final Major Project. I am also currently selling my work on Etsy, which I hope to keep going as a side project whilst I'm gaining experience. ( You can find Louise's work on Etsy here )

You can purchase Louise's design here, available in sizes 32B - 36D / XS - XL