Imogen Shields’ highly saturated office space

Her graduate collection draws inspiration from something that happened in 2018, when she was working at a solicitor’s office. It was Imogen’s first time finding herself in a conservative and formal environment. During her commute the designer started observing everyday individuals all wearing the same uniform, rushing to work. When one of the lawyers of the office called her ‘a stupid secretary’, her inspiration sparked. “I got very interested in why he thought he was above me,” she said. Through her work Imogen wants to reclaim her position of power over that man who felt free to insult her, recreating his uniform, making him a project to study rather than letting his comment affect her.

“Why do I find men in suits funny?”

Exaggerated silhouettes, high volumes, enlarged houndstooth print. Tinted in colours such as ‘Staedtler green’ or ‘comfortable desk chair blue’, Imogen’s collection is a highly saturated version of the muse she despises but is constantly drawn to: the man in the suit. The designer’s offering is a direct response to a question she reflected upon throughout her studies, “Why do I find men in suits funny?”

“On one hand I realised that we are the first generation who has experienced this kind of creative work, but on the other I miss the thrill of seeing and touching the garment.”

Having to work digitally due to the pandemic, the British designer admitted she struggled. “I’m so not a computer person. At first it was hard but then we were introduced to Marvellous Designer and I started feeling like a little guinea pig exploring the possibilities of digital fashion.” The new approach she was forced to have towards technology helped her look at things from a different perspective. “On one hand I realised that we are the first generation who has experienced this kind of creative work, but on the other I miss the thrill of seeing and touching the garment,” she said.

To Imogen fashion draws inspiration from all sorts of interests and experiences. That’s why, just before lockdown, she applied to study science. Something she would have probably never done if the pandemic hadn’t happened. “I would love to blend both fashion and psychology in my creations.” Studying in the scientific field and having the chance to be in close contact with all stages of life, made the designer even more interested in people. “I think this experience will help me be a better artist and fashion designer.”

The British designer looks back at her years as a BA student with nostalgia. “It was amazing. How grateful and lucky I was to study in London for three years.” Her experience at Ravensbourne University was a journey to self-discovery and growth. “I miss the thrill of it, the competitiveness, everything. Not having the closure in my last year was hard,” she said.

The only regret Imogen holds is comparing herself to other people during the course of her studies. “Now I always tell myself ‘there’s no fashion book saying what’s right or what’s wrong’. I would like to say it to new students as well. You will never go where you want to be if you are so worried of being in the ‘right’ box. You are in the industry, you are going to be the future of it.”

“There’s nothing better than people who just came out of fashion universities. They are so creative, so resourceful. So eager and passionate about the world and wanting to change it.”

At the moment the designer finds herself slightly disappointed by fashion. According to her the industry is keeping its gates closed, not allowing recent graduates to access its coveted world. “I think there’s nothing better than people who just came out of fashion universities. They are so creative, so resourceful. So eager and passionate about the world and wanting to change it,” she said.

“You don’t have to be just one thing – that’s one of the best things I have learnt during this journey.”

Looking at the future Imogen realises that her priorities shifted from those she had a year ago, when she was determined to get a job in print or fashion design. “Everything has completely changed.” Right now, she plans to stay in science for a while, taking in as much knowledge as she can. After that, the designer would like to go back to fashion and take a master’s that could combine both of her degrees. “You don’t have to be just one thing – that’s one of the best things I have learnt during this journey.”