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About Me.

I am a final-year Fashion Design student at Sheffield Hallam University and an upcoming graduate with a strong focus on intimate wear, purposeful pattern cutting, and digital garment development. My work is driven by a desire to empower women through confident, body-conscious silhouettes that embrace sensuality without resorting to over-sexualisation.

Conceptually, I draw inspiration from the sex industry and its complex relationship with feminism, using fashion as a tool to explore identity, self-expression, and societal double standards. My designs aim to provoke conversation—challenging taboos while offering the wearer a sense of confidence, empowerment, and belonging.

Technically, I am confident in both digital and traditional methods of garment creation. I use CLO3D to visualise and prototype garments sustainably, reducing material waste while allowing for extensive design development. I have experience exporting DXF files for physical construction, bridging the gap between 2D pattern cutting and 3D garment realisation. My skill set also includes traditional pattern cutting, manipulation, and tailoring, with developed knowledge of lingerie industry production methods.

Additionally, I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which I use to communicate concepts visually through illustration, layout, and technical documentation.

During my placement at Panache Lingerie, I deepened my understanding of fit, construction, and commercial production practices—further refining my appreciation for functional, high-quality design.

With a background rooted in art and a strong interest in social and political issues affecting women, I remain committed to designing with purpose. I strive to create work that reflects modern womanhood through bold, intelligent, and ethically grounded fashion.

Projects

Final Year Collection: Unapologetically Sexy

For my final-year collection, I aimed to create designs that empower women through the expression of confidence, sensuality, and autonomy, while navigating the complexities of societal perceptions of femininity and sexuality. The collection explores intimate wear as outerwear, with a focus on sustainable design practices, high-quality craftsmanship, and an innovative approach to garment development.

The design development process began with extensive research, incorporating both feminist themes and the technicalities of lingerie design. I focused on creating garments that blend delicate yet bold elements, symbolising the tension between private and public spheres. Each piece in the collection was conceptualised to enhance the wearer’s sense of self-assurance while challenging the double standards often applied to women’s sexual expression.

Key aspects of my final-year collection include:

– Design Development: The design process began with initial sketches, which were further developed using 2D hand-drawing techniques and advanced 3D digital design tools, including CLO3D, to iterate and refine each piece. Additionally, I used Photoshop to digitally enhance my sketches and create mood boards that synthesised my sources of inspiration. Inspiration was drawn from various forms of media, including books, online resources, and exhibitions, particularly those focusing on the portrayal and sexualisation of women in society. These influences were integrated into the design process, allowing me to merge conceptual and technical aspects to create garments that are both visually compelling and functional.


– Technical Packs: Each garment was documented with a comprehensive technical pack, including detailed technical drawings, construction methods, fabric specifications, and garment measurements.
– Tailoring and Pattern Cutting: My designs feature intricate tailoring techniques, with attention to pattern manipulation to achieve fluid, feminine silhouettes that enhance the wearer’s confidence. Each pattern was meticulously developed and adjusted to achieve the perfect fit and structure.


– CLO3D Development: Using CLO3D, I focused on ensuring that the garments not only fit but flowed seamlessly. This involved simulating the drape, fit, and movement of the fabrics to assess how the pieces behave in real life. The digital development enabled me to refine these aspects, making sure the garments moved naturally with the wearer, reflecting the elegance and ease intended.


– Fabric and Trim Sourcing: For this collection, I intentionally used fabrics that are typically not associated with traditional lingerie or sensuality, such as gabardine and plush cottons, to challenge conventional ideas of femininity. To blend lingerie design with outerwear, I incorporated power mesh and various types of mesh fabrics, which allowed me to bring the softness and fluidity of lingerie into everyday wear. The trims were equally important to the design narrative; I carefully selected bra straps, hook and eyes, rings and slides, and decorative bows to subtly reference lingerie while making them functional elements in the outerwear pieces. These choices not only enhanced the visual appeal of the garments but also reinforced the themes of sensuality and empowerment.


– Sustainability: Sustainability was at the core of my design process. I focused on sourcing materials from sustainable suppliers and used zero-to-low waste techniques in pattern-making to minimise environmental impact.


– Final Garment Completion: The culmination of my work resulted in a series of garments that combine all these elements into cohesive, high-quality pieces. Each garment was designed with intention and care to reflect a modern woman’s desire for sensuality, confidence, and empowerment.

Through this collection, I have refined my skills in design development, technical drawing, sustainable practices, and garment construction, while addressing modern-day issues surrounding the expression of female sexuality. The result is a collection that celebrates feminine power, embraces innovation, and upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship and sustainability.

Panache Lingerie Work Experience: Lingerie Design and Production Practices

During my placement at Panache Lingerie, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the design and production of high-quality lingerie. My work involved assisting in the development of new collections, from conceptualisation to the final stages of design. I was involved in creating mood boards, conducting trend research, and helping to refine design concepts focused on both comfort and style.

I worked closely with the technical team, gaining experience in lingerie pattern cutting and construction techniques to ensure a perfect fit and support. I also contributed to fabric selecting, working with materials such as lace, silk blends, and power mesh. I used stabilizer fabrics for added structure in key areas, and carefully chose trims like straps, hook-and-eye closures, and decorative bows. This gave me a deep understanding of the importance of both aesthetic and functional elements in lingerie design.

Sustainability was an integral part of my experience, as I assisted in selecting eco-friendly fabrics and exploring sustainable production methods. Additionally, I supported the fit and prototyping process, helping to ensure that each garment met both design expectations and customer comfort needs.

For this work experience, I produced:
– Trend research and mood boards to guide design direction
– Fabric selecting and trim choice for collections
– Assistance with pattern cutting and prototype fittings
– Support in developing sustainable design solutions and production methods

Swimwear and Sportswear Design: Responding to the 80s Pornography Industry- year 2

For this project, I drew inspiration from the bold, provocative imagery of 80s pornography and Playboy magazines, exploring how these mediums depicted women’s sexuality, empowerment, and the intersection of glamour and objectification. I wanted to reclaim and reinterpret this era’s visual language in a way that felt contemporary and empowering, infusing modern swimwear designs with elements from 80s fashion while offering new, flattering silhouettes.

By studying the shape and structure of 80s swimwear—from high-cut leg lines to bold, sculptural details—I incorporated these retro elements into modern designs that celebrate the female form without objectifying it. The use of bold cuts, vibrant colours, and cheeky details from the 80s swimwear scene became a foundation for creating pieces that reflect both nostalgia and innovation.

I combined these vintage design cues with sleek, minimalist contemporary silhouettes to create swimwear that is both functional and expressive. The result is a collection that captures the confident energy of 80s fashion, while embracing the sophistication and body positivity of modern swimwear. By using cutting-edge techniques in 3D design and digital pattern-making, I was able to develop these ideas into a cohesive and fashion-forward collection that feels both nostalgic and fresh for today's audience.

For this project, I produced:
– 2D CAD designs, technical drawings, and illustrations using Illustrator
– Conceptual mood boards capturing the thematic influences and design direction
– Development of swimwear pieces through CLO3D to visualise garment fit and construction
– A comprehensive digital portfolio to showcase the design process, final concepts, and product outcomes

© 2024 by Emmalina Niewiadomski. Powered and secured by Wix

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