Arts Thread

Elizabeth Riley
Fashion BA Hons

Northumbria University

Graduates: 2025

Specialisms: Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Formal/Couture

My location: Brighton, United Kingdom

elizabeth-riley ArtsThread Profile
Northumbria University

Elizabeth Riley

elizabeth-riley ArtsThread Profile

First Name: Elizabeth

Last Name: Riley

University / College: Northumbria University

Course / Program: Fashion BA Hons

Graduates: 2025

Specialisms: Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Formal/Couture

My Location: Brighton, United Kingdom

Website: Click To See Website

About

Final year BA (Hons) Fashion student at Northumbria University; specialising in womenswear pattern-cutting, striving to produce garments that showcase the beauty and skill of quality craftsmanship through innovative, sculptural designs.In 2023, I completed a year in industry as part of my degree. I completed a 4-month internship as a Production & Development Intern at Jenny Packham in London, and a 2-month internship as an Atelier/Design intern with Dawid Tomaszewski in Berlin. Professional Instagram: @lizriley_fd

the architecture of perfection

The Architecture of Perfection is a Couture A/W 2026 collection that investigates the history of women’s undergarments and shapewear; reclaiming the intricate craftsmanship behind the “perfect” silhouette, drawing inspiration from the construction of Victorian crinolines and bustles as well as the delicate engravings of scrimshaw corset busks. The cage crinoline was regarded as a “potentially threatening tool of emancipation” for women, offering greater mobility and comfort, and allowing women to assert physical space in public; their voluminous skirts forcing men to the margins of the street or the ‘omnibus’—at least according to complaints made evident by satirical illustrations in Punch Magazine. This collection subverts traditional cage crinoline construction by manipulating a metal framework into undulating ruffle shapes inspired by horsehair bustles. It features considered ‘cut-outs’ and translucent fabrics, including chiffon and crinoline, inspired by the predominant negative space within cage crinolines. This collection also features fitted body-contour panelled foundational garments that will be laser-etched with satirical ‘Punch’-inspired scrimshaw designs.