Veronica Wallace
Fashion Design BDes
Otago Polytechnic
Specialisms: Creative Direction / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Visual Merchandising
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Veronica Wallace
First Name: Veronica
Last Name: Wallace
Specialisms: Creative Direction / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Visual Merchandising
Sectors:
My Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
University / College: Otago Polytechnic
Course / Program Title: Fashion Design BDes
About
I am a 2023 Bachelor of Design in Fashion graduate from Otago Polytechnic Dunedin. I value fashion as one of the greatest forms of self expression, and I find a continuous sense of reward in being part of the world of design. I place a strong importance on sustainability, and supporting small & independent designers. I love being in a role that allows me to exercise my creativity and strengthen skill sets I have learnt during my studies. I also aim to be part of a brand/company that is sustainability-focused. As a designer I aim to create pieces that combine elegance and whimsy for results that invigorate the wearer and they'll want to keep in their wardrobe forever. I believe one of the first steps in practicing sustainability with fashion, on an individual level, is to connect with your own personal style expression and cherish the clothes you own.
‘Growing Pains’ refers to both my journey through my studies and looking to a lifetime ahead. I designed from the perspective of being in a transitional stage of life; graduating and looking at the different stages of life to come. I pictured what I would want to wear, as I grow older, and subsequently keep in my wardrobe for as long as possible. I aimed to create pieces that are feminine and expressive yet versatile. Each piece can be incorporated into outfits made up of one's existing wardrobe or worn together as sets. The "Duo Vest" is reversible, the "Amelia Bloomers" (pictured on Yulia in the 'Runway Image' and Joyammi in the 'Studio Image') can be worn gathered or un-gathered and the "Ruch Skirt" can be worn ruched or un-ruched. My mum became one of the cornerstone inspirations in the designing process and is pictured wearing the "Duo Vest" and "Duo Skirt" outfit in the 'Studio Image'. This collection challenges the idea of what timeless clothing means and looks like. Seeking a more personal connection with our clothes and considering each piece's timelessness within the context of our own wardrobe, inadvertently encourages a passively sustainable relationship with fashion. It also encourages the wearer to explore their own style and inner creative. ~80% of materials were locally sourced deadstock.
An illustrated lineup and an actualised sample dress called the 'Cocktail Mini'. The inspiration came from the Victorian's love of Scheele's green; the colour that required arsenic for it's brightness and killed many who loved it despite it's deadly nature. All the death would cause more people to wear black in mourning, which is referenced with the black organza "vieling" the bright green of the brocade beneath. Photographed in studio by Anna Harcus, modelled by me.
Upcycled patchwork pants made in collaboration with and to fundraise for the Red Cross Dunedin op shop.
A Dr. Seuss style illustration I drew and screen printed on the cotton sateen matching set I designed and made in my Certificate course. Photographed by Veronica Wallace (myself).
Two variations of a small 'Utilitarian' collection; one focusing on the technical features and the aesthetic of practical utility wear whilst ironically being Avant Garde, and the other, a collection that aims to be wearable and timeless without losing out on the charm not often associated with utility.