DESIGNER Q+A MEET THE NEW BRAND - OLIVIA VICTORIA - FROM FASHION TO INTERIORS AND BEYOND COVID-19
The COVID-19 crisis has challenged us all and for one designer Olivia Sowinska lockdown offered an opportunity to harvest the experience of the past and build a new future, and an exciting Interior Brand.
As a Textile Designer with 10 years experience working for H&M, John Lewis and Debenhams, Olivia has adapted to the challenge of COVID-19 and used this once in a lifetime opportunity (we hope) to take stock and design the life she loves. Her new Interior brand - Olivia Victoria - is an extension to her existing freelance business, and provides an omnichannel outlet for her creativity.
Sustainability is at the heart of her work, life and future vision and is ever present in her Interiors products:
What or who inspired you to choose a creative career?
It may sound cliche but my love for creativity has been within me since I can remember. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do until college, but I did know it would be creative as I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. My art teachers were so encouraging and motivated me to work hard. Even at 12 years old, I used to draw a birds-eye plan of my room and measure out how and where I would place furniture, as well as the decor... and I do that to this day with the added help of Photoshop, Pinterest and blogs. I wasn’t always obsessed with fashion specifically, but more so the impact prints have on surfaces, how they can evoke a certain mood, nostalgia or vibe through colour, style and expression.
Where did you study and why?
I studied at Leeds College of Art over ten years ago; the tutors, facilities and prospects are incredible. The support and tools are everything when you are studying a hands-on course. We were encouraged to spend every day at the college to make the most of it, and that I think is really important for a creative, to be in this environment.
Tell us about your design journey / career so far - the highs and lows?
My design journey didn’t start traditionally fresh out of university. I did what made me happy at the time, I went to live in South Korea to teach English and travel Asia. I found so much inspiration and it opened my eyes to a different world of beauty, culture and people. When I came back to England, I applied for work placements and it started from there. Over a decade of experience, starting at suppliers, learning about the fast-paced fashion environment, designing collections in less than a week, I became a wizz on photoshop whilst liaising and travelling to factories abroad- which helped me learn about print limitations, pattern cutting, quality control, techniques and fabrics. I then got offered an incredible opportunity to work in Stockholm, designing for H&M and learned so much about the retail side of things and this was invaluable. A brilliant and unforgettable experience where I made connections for life. After working in a few retailers, suppliers, gaining managerial experience in the last few years, I started freelancing and making my dream a reality. There are ups and downs as with every journey. You have to learn to take constructive criticism well which is great for your self development, as you learn a lot from this, but you also have to be quite tough in fashion as truthfully, it depends on the managers and team you have. Personally, I think you should be whoever you want to be and should be accepted for being YOU!
Define your style and go-to for inspiration and creative respite?
Reimagined vintage, natural elements and culture encompass most of my work. I am drawn to flora and fauna and I see beautiful colour palettes in unexpected places. My photo album is full of random photos specifically taken for colour. And when I need some inspiration, I love to get myself to an exhibition, or stately home, walk around the streets of London for the colours, graffiti, buildings and gardens. I have also found amazing inspiration on my trips abroad including South Korea, South Africa, Poland and Venice.
Did you enjoy working in the fast paced world of fashion and what was the biggest takeaway?
I absolutely love working in the fashion world and still will part time- never say never, as it’s always been my first experience of design and where I truly fell in love with printed textiles. I believe my biggest takeaway is that the “fast” in fashion can be taken away. Especially in today’s world, things can be slowed down and consumer behaviour is slowing down. Fast, cheap fashion comes at a cost to someone else or an environment, and there needs to be change in that. That also relates to the fast paced environment in offices, I believe season-less is the way forward. Fashion makes people happy, gives confidence, make you, You, and that’s amazing. But there’s no need for trends to change so often and to throw away the last trend for the newest one. That’s why my brand is based on timeless prints, of the highest quality made to last, year after year.
How has your freelance work been affected by the current crisis?...and how have you adapted to the challenge?
As with most, I have been affected by the crisis, and as a freelancer a lot of work has been put on hold. I dedicated my "spare time" to learning new things. I've felt so creative throughout this period and I also wanted to "help" the NHS in any way I could. I learned how to sew scrubs in one day through online tutorials and sewing books- the first time I've ever made a garment. Then, I went on to make many more. This took a lot of patience, determination and guts - I was really nervous that it could go wrong and I would waste precious fabric! But slowly I got there and it was the best thing I've contributed to this year. It’s a drop in the ocean but if it helped someone, then I feel it was a worthy achievement. I also learned how to design a website and set up my own brand, something I've always wanted to do. This time period has helped me learn a lot and not to doubt yourself.
Tell us all about your online Designer Brand - What inspires you and what's your vision?
My brand is about creativity with meaning, focused on print and pattern of highest quality, made to last, made in the UK, as sustainable as possible, with minimum waste. There are no trends here, aiming to last a lifetime. Buy less, and invest in your favourite pieces. My main inspiration is mother nature and people’s connection to it; flowers especially, can have specific meanings to people or make them feel a certain way and I love that. My vision for the brand is to “do better” each day. I want to be fully sustainable, but always high quality, always made in the UK. I will support other small businesses or suppliers. I will support the environment and the future.
How important is sustainability to your company.
This is a top priority for Olivia Victoria. I believe in being kind, caring and meaningful. Art is nothing if it is not meaningful, and part of that is to be sustainable and kind to the planet.
All products made/printed in England, using the most eco-friendly high quality materials. They are sourced within the UK, using British manufacturing, by small businesses, and using FSC certified suppliers. I am working hard on products that aren't 100% eco friendly and will update as soon as I can. My fabrics and prints are made/printed in the UK. 100% of packaging is recyclable, and most of it is also biodegradable or compostable. The environment gives so much to me, and I want to give back. All fabric is also made to order - avoiding making more than is needed. I am working hard on products that aren't 100% eco friendly and will update as soon as I can.
Has it been a challenge to source sustainable fabrics and digital print partners?
It has been fairly challenging to source and find partners who are 100% sustainable and can print small quantities, especially on some eco friendly/natural fabrics. However, it can be workable with a lot of work and research and if you’re willing to invest in sustainable fabrics/products then there are options. There is a lot more that needs to be done and I am in conversations with suppliers for alternative options where I haven’t quite found fully sustainable options. When it comes to sustainable packaging, I have found it is a little easier to source, and I am pleased to see the progress being made in that industry. I am constantly looking out for new and more sustainable ways to do 'business' in every way!
