When fashion designer Emily Walton set
out to create her university project, she didn't just want to make a
collection, she wanted to establish a brand. From that, Civestism was
born.
Interesting prints, silky fabrics and
defined silhouettes are the essence of Civestism's identity. However
there is much more than meets the eye in terms of what exactly
inspires Walton to create her bespoke pieces. I spoke to Emily to
find out why domed roofing, the world, and circles are at the
forefront of her mind when she's at the sewing machine.
So I have to ask, what actually is
Civestism, what does it mean?
The word Civestism means 'strange and
obscure clothing.' A concept known as circular cut is what I heavily
lean towards when designing. It is a concept that was derived and
developed through research into architecture. Architecture is taken
into consideration when designing, ensuring each design is unique and
has an element of circular cut. It is reflected in the clothing in
the form of carefully placed seams, raised hems and informed drape. I
take this whole concept into consideration when designing for
Civestism. Inspired by circles, I'm about creating new silhouettes
without distorting or misshaping the body.
When did you start your collection?
I started it in October 2012, from my
penultimate university project. I'm hoping to continue and develop it
into my final collection in 2013 and then hopefully even further
after I graduate.
How did you get to where you are today?
I got to where I am today due to my
love for fashion and art. From a young age I was always drawing and
colouring, and when I took up textiles in high school I instantly
fell in love. When I turned 16 I joined a sewing class and bought my
first sewing machine, so I could pursue my dreams of making my first
garment. Continuing textiles through college, I made the decision to
further my passion and study at university. Some people laughed at
first, which just made me want to work harder and prove them wrong. I
obtained a place at my first choice university, which has broadened
my knowledge, enabling me to know most of things I know today.
How would you describe your label?
Civestism has its own identity. It is
both unusual yet traditional, taking inspiration from the natural
world. It is dark and mysterious, yet playful and adventurous. I aim
for my clothes to be subtle, yet eye catching.
Who is Civestism aimed at?
My clothes are aimed at anyone who is
fashion forward and dare to wear something different. The market
level I am designing into is he designer diffusion level.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration has come from several
places. The shape of my clothes originally came from architecture,
and in particular domed roofing. I am currently working on designing
my own print to reflect Civestism. This is inspired by the natural
world, but not necessarily just pretty flowers. I look at the world
as a circle in itself: It's born, it lives, it dies. Taking this into
account I set about on various trips to places, where nature is free
to grow in it's own weird and wonderful ways. From this I have
derived a series of photos which I am in the process of photoshopping
together to create the print.
Is there anything that your
particularly proud of?
I guess I'm proud of most things that
I've done, it's all been one big learning curve. But I think I'll be
most proud when I see my final collection go down the catwalk. I'll
probably cry!
What do you enjoy about fashion design?
I enjoy the final result when it comes
to designing. The process between the initial design and the finished
piece is usually quite long. Seeing the end result is always so
rewarding. When I hear someone say they love a garment I've made, it
makes me feel amazing!
Do you have a favourite piece?
I do have a favourite piece, although
it isn't actually made yet. I've practiced making a jacket, but not
in the final fabric. I want to use real leather that has a foil
effect, in a bleached gold colour, it's going to be a key piece in
the final collection.
What does the future hold for
Civestism?
In the future I would love for my label
to be desirable. To see women wearing it on a day to day basis.
Although I know there's a long way to go from now until then.
Finally, what advice would you give to other aspiring fashion designers?
To follow your dreams, don't let anyone
get in the way and don't ever look back...
I must say that writing this piece, for
me, was incredibly interesting, I feel like Emily has taught me
something I didn't know about before. I'm not a fashion designer
myself, but I see the way the design process works in a whole new
light. The obscure and odd items that some may see as nothing, become
a whole concept and act as inspiration in a person's label. I wish
her the best of luck in completing her final collection, and when the
time comes, have tissues at the ready!
