Elizabeth Riley
Fashion BA Hons
Northumbria University
Specialisms: Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Formal/Couture
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Elizabeth Riley
First Name: Elizabeth
Last Name: Riley
Specialisms: Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting / Formal/Couture
Sectors:
My Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
University / College: Northumbria University
Course / Program Title: Fashion BA Hons
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 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.
Competitions
Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2025
Framework explores the delicate tension between structure and softness. Architecture and intimacy collide through a fusion of traditional bespoke tailoring techniques and sumptuous lingerie detailing, unveiling the hidden work of women’s undergarment craftsmanship to become unashamedly visible. This is a collaborative collection with Rokh for the Spring 2026 RTW season. Rokh’s timeless designs showcase how quality craftsmanship and adaptability being at the heart of the design process results in unique renditions of classically elegant garments.
Competitions