Fashion
Letters To... is a conceptual graduate collection where each outfit is the physical embodiment of a letter written to different addressees. Fashion meets typographic design in this playful yet sincere project, which serves as an advocate for annotated garments through the development of textile typefaces. The letters are addressed "To my Siblings", "To the News", "To my Future Self", "To the Neighbour", "To a Friend", "To Grandma", and "To God".
The wonderful people who helped to make my photoshoot come together, including my beautiful photographer Anwyn Howarth, my excellent videographer Saën Sunderland, my extremely talented hair and makeup artist Saori Suzuki, my stunning models Emily Bell and Kelly Maree, and my dedicated behind-the-scenes photographer and assistant Niccolino Ciranni.
And of course the wonderful photography and videography team that captured the runway, Vivien’s models, Unit Coordinators Lydia Pearson and Icaro Ibanez, studio technicians Libby Andersen and Mark Neighbour, my lecturer and tutor Alice Payne, Papas and Pace Hair, Academy of Makeup Brisbane, and all staff helping backstage in the dressing room with last minute touch ups. You will not be forgotten and I am so privileged to have worked alongside you all.
I would also like to thank the Australian Wool Board for selecting me as a recipient of the 2020 Student Wool Bursary. A large component of my collection demonstrates the versatility of wool and wool-blend textiles, some of which have been hand-dyed. I am truly grateful for their support.
Of course, I cannot forget to thank those who have been there through it all, my family, friends, and loving God. Without you, nothing would be possible.
LILY MERGARD is a fashion and accessory designer based in Brisbane. She loves anything she can make with her hands and dabbles in web design in her spare time. Her passion lies in crafting bespoke, one-off items with purpose. This year, she has dedicated herself to learning the craft of custom footwear design and manufacturing, as well as refining her patternmaking and garment construction skills.