With an understanding that ‘in the fashion industry you have to be open to ideas,’ Lily Zou’s piece was originally inspired by sportswear but now says it has been more influenced by couture. Born from dragon motifs and emblems she saw on a research trip to the V&A, not to mention that she herself is born in the year of the dragon, the piece is a sculptural creation complete with dragon-like claws extending from its back.
‘In the beginning I was just going to use fabric for scales but I really love sculpture and now that I don’t do art, I feel like I lost that and so wanted to incorporate that into my work,’ she explains.
While the piece itself sounds complex, she puts it down to the time she’s spent with FAD, and hopes to work in the industry in future. ‘FAD has taught me so much about the industrial machines, and pattern cutting,’ she says. ‘Before I thought I was shy, but now I just want to speak to people. I feel a lot more confident.
‘I thought the fashion industry was elitist and people didn’t give you the time but here, they really want you to learn. Everyone is so nice.’
