Holly Laidler
Fashion Design BA Hons
University of Westminster
Specialisms: Womenswear
Location: London, United Kingdom
Holly Laidler
First Name: Holly
Last Name: Laidler
Specialisms: Womenswear
Sectors:
My Location: London, United Kingdom
University / College: University of Westminster
Course / Program Title: Fashion Design BA Hons
About
Cheltenham born womenswear designer Holly Laidler has recently graduated from the University of Westminster. Laidler celebrates the everyday woman, creating garments that embody the personas she imagines up and has fun with every step of the creative process. Her graduate collection "Hotsy Totsy" - a term used from the 1920's to describe someone as ostentatiously fashionable. A woman of the past, dressed for the future. Always immaculate, always in control. She's a socialite with purpose, commanding attention wherever she goes, not because she seeks it, but because she is simple magnetic. Key influences came from combining classic military uniforms of the 1940's - most notably the MA-1 bomber and the flight suit with the opulence and more feminine shapes from the 1930's. A sharp satirical take on vintage glamour reimagined through a modern lens. The palette: greys, taupes, and greens, takes direct inspiration from military tones, with bright orange as a striking accent, referencing traditional artillery linings. Detail-heavy topstitching adds structure and craftsmanship throughout. Trompe l’oeil elements appear at the backs of garments, subtly revealing mesh underskirts and underwear for a playful, unexpected twist. Draping techniques developed during industry placements enabled me to explore sensual, wrapped forms—most notably in my twisted waistcoat dress, bringing together seduction and strength in equal measure.
At the heart of Hotsy Totsy is a persona: my interpretation of a 1920s term used to describe someone ostentatiously fashionable. She’s a woman of the past, dressed for the future—immaculate, in control, and magnetic without trying. Influenced by classic military uniforms from the 1940s—particularly the MA-1 bomber and flight suit—combined with the opulence of 1930s silhouettes, the collection offers a sharp, satirical take on vintage glamour reimagined through a modern lens. I paired luxurious and utilitarian fabrics to echo the blend of 1930s elegance and 1940s military structure. A palette of greys, taupes and greens—punctuated by bright orange—references artillery linings. Detail-heavy topstitching reinforces craftsmanship, while trompe l’oeil effects reveal mesh underskirts and underwear at the back of garments for a playful twist. Draping techniques developed during my placements helped shape sensual, wrapped forms—especially the twisted waistcoat dress, which merges seduction and strength.
Competitions
