Nicole Ballard
Fashion Design BA Hons
Winchester School of Art
Specialisms: Casual/Streetwear / Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Nicole Ballard
First Name: Nicole
Last Name: Ballard
Specialisms: Casual/Streetwear / Womenswear / Atelier - Pattern Cutting
Sectors:
My Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
University / College: Winchester School of Art
Course / Program Title: Fashion Design BA Hons
About
Womenswear designer studying at Winchester School of Art specialising in streetwear, with research focusing on silhouette, colour and practicality.
Inspired by the emergence of social media, paired with the unrealistic body standards imposed on young women. My final collection "Are You Listening Yet?" explores jovial excitement portrayed through fluorescent colours, with visually stimulating silhouettes to empower the wearer.
"Are You Listening Yet?” is a vibrant collection addressing the pressures young women face in the digital age, driven by social media and influencers promoting specific beauty standards and cosmetic surgery. Inspired by Olivia Attwood's documentary “The Price of Perfection” (2024), the collection explores the emotional and mental toll of pursuing perfection. The collection features fluorescent colours, extreme silhouettes, sportswear elements, emphasising style, functionality, and comfort. Highlighting the importance of individual voice and authenticity, it offers a joyful outlook on body image amidst an oppressive digital environment.
Competitions
Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024
Thread by Thread: 2 years of Design Evolution
This portfolio traces the development of my design work throughout years 2 and 3 of university. It features my pre-collection, "Nip and Tuck," which examines beauty through fabric manipulation with pin tucks. It also includes three Salvation Army projects, where I crafted outfits from deadstock Burberry fabric, upholstery materials, and recycled clothing. Additionally, there's a snippet from a project based on a brief by Justin Thornton, founder of Preen. My designs burst with youthful energy and vibrant joy, blending street style with bold colours and dynamic silhouettes.