Nex gen designers: Lauren Elise Trend

Fashion’s new class.

Guys, VAMFF is next week and if you’re still deciding which runway tickets to buy, then we might just be able to sway you.

This year’s National Graduate Showcase Presented by Target is going to be a whole lot of yes. Not only because we are the Supporting Partners (woo!) but because Australia’s most impressive fashion graduates will be showcasing their collections.

One of those graduates is Lauren Elise Trend from RMIT. You might recognise her from issue 152 of Fashion Journal but if you’re not familiar, then don’t worry, we’ve spent some more time with her.

Describe your grad collection in three words: 

Intuitive, repetitive and extensive.

What was the most challenging thing about the creation of your collection?

Putting things down and stopping, I could have gone on forever – luckily I wasn’t allowed. 

If you could design an outfit for any person alive or dead, who would it be and what would it look like?

A softly tailored suit for Jane Birkin to perform in, hair all messy, no shoes on – ugh, the ultimate. 

What is your favourite song or album to play when working on your designs?

When I was making the collection, I was listening to Boozoo Bajou’s album 4. The repetitive nature of the tracks really made for the perfect rhythm while having to get things done. At the moment it’s a lot more relaxed in the studio, so Lou Doillon’s Lay Low is perfect for what I’m working on. 

Is there a designer you aspire to be like or look up to? 

It’s been said before, but Phoebe Philo really epitomises the type of woman I wish to be – designer or not. She’s intelligent, means what she says and while she is so committed and excellent within her work, ultimately her family is her first priority.  

Where do you think there is a gap in the fashion market?

I think there needs to be a shift in the way people are not only buying and consuming fashion, but making it too. I can’t really see the point of making excessive amounts of product to sit statically in stores, or online for that matter, for it to only reduce in sales and become less desirable… So a return to more bespoke models is definitely where I see opportunity for emerging designers and intelligent consumers.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

It’s hard to say, I’m an extremely intuitive person, so I just go with opportunities that feel right, however contradictory to my vague ‘plans’ they may have once been. Hopefully I’m still making things and sharing/experiencing fashion with people somewhere/somehow. 

If you weren’t into fashion design, what would you be doing?

I have absolutely no idea. I like the idea of being a musician but I’d have to learn an instrument first, I guess?

What fashion trend do you most dislike?

I think everyone’s entitled to like and wear what they like, for whatever reason, so it’s hard for me to say. I’ve never really payed too much attention to fleeting or fictitious sartorial trends but there’s something really interesting in observing why people associate themselves with their wardrobe choices.

Favourite fashion moment? 

Harry Styles in a flared, floral Gucci suit at the AMA’s – I’m absolutely not joking.  A+ 100 per cent. Google it. You’re welcome. 

What advice you would give to someone wanting to study fashion?

I can only really speak in relation to my experience at RMIT but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. An enormous amount of dedication is needed, both time and energy-wise. The people you study with become the only people you see. I think it’s imperative to note, that a degree in fashion is no longer solely concerned with designing pretty things.

RMIT is an interdisciplinary institution and there are opportunities to explore fashion, that extend far beyond making clothes. Classes explore film, curation, performance and CAD, as well as fundamental technical skills. In saying that, it is an academic program and there’s a level of criticality, conceptualism and innovation that is valued and expected from students. 

laurenelisetrend.com