Kate Lavender

This collection is based around a fictional band that I’ve created called ‘Lady Vengaza’. For inspiration, I looked to various iconic subcultures and eras, such as 60's mod and 80's punk as well as female musicians from the past three decades; the topics they sang about and their general aesthetic.

The idea behind my designs was that they would be something this fictional group would wear on stage or in music videos. While designing I kept in mind comfort while incorporating expressive details and eccentric prints.

The main highlight of my collection is my original, illustrated prints. Every garment in this collection has been customised either through digital printing, surface design or beading. Texture was very important to me when designing this collection and I've mixed different weights together, such as silk and mesh with faux fur, quilted velvets, and sequins.

Surface treatments were another key focus for this collection, with some garments featuring up to ten layers of screen printing, foiling and flocking. An extra layer of texture was added through layers of beading, embroidery, and applique.

This, combined with street-style sensibilities and unique embellishments, ties 'Lady Venganza' together as an energizing and exciting collection.