About Me
Hi, I'm Milly, a Fashion Design graduate from the University of Leeds.
First class design graduate with my final collection being shortlisted for the Zandra Rhodes Textiles Award at GFW24. My aim as a designer is to push the boundaries of trend conforming fashion, raising awareness of different cultures and heritages. Fuelled by my love of outerwear and tailoring, my designs reflect a seamless blend of style and functionality.
As a designer, I have always had a strong interest in the exploration of people and cultures around the world. This has provided a source of inspiration for my designs, and I have used this as a tool to push the boundaries of trend conforming fashion, whilst exploring innovative techniques to apply to print and pattern. These techniques include laser engraving, 3D printing, embroidery, and vinyl printing. While I class myself as a ‘womenswear’ designer, I love to explore multi-functional clothing interchangeable for any gender.
INSPIRATION
My graduate collection is called Purple Hands, inspired by the people and tribes of Vietnam.
Being fortunate to travel to Southeast Asia last summer, I was able to explore sources of inspiration, aligning with my goal of using culture for my final collection. The work collated by the French Photographer, Réhanh stood out, resonating with the principles that I aim to achieve as a designer. Réhanh passionately documents the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, recognising the urgency to capture their heritage before it fades under the pressures of westernisation.
Drawing from the delicate hand-embroidered patterns of Vietnamese tribal costumes as inspiration, I have aimed to design a contemporary collection for my own brand, Mills, whose philosophy aligns with that of slow fashion. While Réhahn’s work serves as the primary inspiration, this collection also draws on cultural education, shedding light on and celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage, thereby sustaining its value and importance.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Moodboard
Fabric and Colour
Brand: Mills.
Development
3D Printing
Laser Engraving
Screen Printing
Outfit 1
Outfit 2
Outfit 3
Outfit 4
Range Plan
Range Plan
Final Outcome
Final Outcome
Final Outcome
Final Outcome
DETAIL
Ganni x London Living
The Copenhagen fashion house, Ganni, is known for its ‘Scandinavian style’ where playfulness meets sophistication appealing to all ages, both young and old. This Ganni Fall collection draws on inspiration from my life in London, the city where I completed my placement year. The city’s dynamic nature captivated me, where day or night there was a new place to explore. This collection has taken inspiration from my own memories and images that were taken throughout the year of 2022 and 2023. It has been infused with Ganni’s sense of fun, print, colour, silhouette, texture and sophistication.
"Our lives were our moodboard." - Simon Ungless
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
