Jordan Williamson’s graduate collection explores fear, exposure and constriction

“If you think you might even have an inkling towards the creative, reach for that.”

When LCI design student Jordan Williamson first started studying design, they’d never sewn before. Instead, Jordan first got their start in adjacent fields, studying hair and makeup, and performing as a drag artist. When he discovered fashion design, it became a way to channel his love for creativity and theatricality into one medium. Now, a year into their studies, Jordan is able to hand-sew an entire garment, almost to completion, within one week.

He’s also been busy, finalising his graduate collection, ‘Fear and Loathing’. Comprising five looks, Jordan refers to it as an homage to identity, where each garment pushes the boundaries of tradition, exploring themes of androgyny and power. “I wanted to speak to the innate fears of the self, exposure and constriction, feelings I personally experienced during the actual making of it,” they add.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

On a technical level, this has meant drawing on a variety of mediums, including hand-stitching, embroidery and textile manipulation, as well as materials such as leather, silk and wool, in order to realise his vision. “[I’m proud to have been able to] authentically explore, adapt and develop my ideas, and by extension create them,” Jordan says.

‘Fear and Loathing’ is one of many student collections that will be on display at the National Graduate Showcase as part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival on February 24. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the runway will feature 12 graduate designers hand-picked from Australia’s leading fashion institutions. It’s always an exciting glimpse into the future of Australian fashion and Fashion Journal is proud to be a long-time media partner of the event.

Fashion Journal: Hi Jordan! Tell me about how you first got started in the fashion industry. Did you always want to be a designer?

Jordan: Truthfully, no! For a long time, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do, but I was given the opportunity to study design by Todd Anthony, who was my lecturer at the time. Todd, who saw initial potential in my design ability and my passion for the work, gave me a chance!

I kind of fell into fashion through my work in hair and makeup, as well as my drag artistry, which influences the more theatrical elements of my work.

Tell me about the collection you’re showing for the NGS runway. What was your inspiration, and what is the message behind it? 

The collection is called ‘Fear and Loathing’, and truth be told, it comes from a variety of inspirations (which, if you’ve met me as a person, makes sense).

This collection is my ode to the term ’emotive design’. I like to tell a story and weave in a message, drawing the wearer in. In this collection, I wanted to speak to the innate fears of the self, exposure and constriction – feelings I personally experienced during the actual making of it.

What has the process been like? Have there been many setbacks or challenges along the way? 

There have been many, many challenges and setbacks. It’s been an experience, but that’s fashion!

As for the process, I’ve created five looks in total for the graduate collection, using a variety of mediums and an abundance of hand-stitching, embroidery and textile manipulation, in addition to more experimental methods that challenged my craft (and sanity).

How would you describe your collection to someone who’s never seen it before? 

An homage to identity, told through form and craft. I want every garment I make to go beyond being just clothing; I want the wearer to feel it. And to feel good in it.

If we’re speaking more literally, it’s a variety of materials, leather, silk, wool and more, explored in a non-linear way to create non-traditional, androgynous and most of all, powerful garments.

What are you most proud of in your work so far? 

Honestly, being able to achieve it. When I started my studies, I’d never sewn a day in my life.

But also being able to authentically explore, adapt and develop my ideas, and by extension create them. Oh, and also, hand sewing nearly an entire garment in one week for a photoshoot. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Not without hiring a team!

What do you wish you’d known when you first started your collection? 

Probably how much is required to meet industry standards – and the workload! The expectations for designers, especially at a couture and haute couture level, are phenomenal.

On an individual level, it’s harder to craft at that level without the team support or outsourcing to assist. To put it simply, fashion isn’t a closed door, it’s a community!

Who is exciting you the most in local fashion right now?

Many, many people! Firstly, there’s Eli Christopher and Gerard O’Connor, both talented photographers. Also, Hagen Designs (Peter Hagen), a local printmaker; Corde Couture, which makes incredible macramé fashion; and Shoe Scum, custom shoemakers!

Stylists Stuart Walford and Karinda Mutabazi have both been pivotal in showing my work to the world, and Carlos Mangubat is another fantastic editorial stylist. Row Rodriguez is a stunning model, and Yen Nguyen is an incredible model and dear friend.

Nam Tran was the winner of the student runway in 2024, and their work is incredible, as are many of the students at LCI Melbourne (you know who you are!). And definitely the singer Nyassa, who’s helped keep me sane these past few years, both through their support and absolutely fab music!

What about the local fashion industry needs to change?

Truthfully, I believe a larger respect for the craft is needed. Australia, in general, is a commercial environment, and while we do have our community that respects the more bespoke and artisanal, the larger market doesn’t.

That’s not to say it’s impossible to make it as a designer, but it’s just about having more events, more opportunities and more exposure like PayPal Fashion Festival, and showing the world what we as a nation are capable of.

Who are your dream collaborators? 

Probably Matieres Fecales, Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler or Yohji Yamamoto, in regards to work, I’d love to just be in the room with them and their teams.

If I had the opportunity, I’d love to dress Daphne Guinness, Glenn Close or Gwendoline Christie. In the same territory, I’d love to just pick the brain of Laura Weir, the current head of the British Fashion Council. She has incredible business acumen but also a strong designer focus in her support of the community!

Where do you hope to be in the next five years? 

I want to study further, ideally at Central Saint Martins in London, although I’m open to other options. I’d like to work towards releasing a ready-to-wear and couture collection next year but at the moment, it’s anyone’s guess!

I like to believe life guides you in the direction you’re supposed to go, one way or another, so who knows where I’ll be. Hopefully it’s somewhere nice!

How can we see more of your work? 

You can find me in the streets, usually staring at random textures or fabric for ideas. Or there are the normal ways, like my website, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Anything else to add?

If you think you might even have an inkling towards the creative, reach for that. We need that. With that, you can create brilliance!

Get your tickets to the NGS Showcase at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival here.