‘The Shoe Makers’ is a graduate collection centred around the rich trade and shoe making history within Norfolk and Norwich. The collection is heavily inspired by traditional, minimalistic work-wear mixed with the use of durable and timeless fabrics. The story portrayed through the collection imagines what a working family would’ve worn when making a living at the shoe factory in the early to mid 1900s, intertwining classic silhouettes with a natural modernistic design aesthetic to tie the past and present together. The collection holds nostalgic tones, reminiscing upon the never forgotten history of our fine city, Norwich.

An outfit made by Lillie Westgate showing a shoe cobblers apron.

My work has always been weighted on my surroundings and the history they hold. I enjoy finding charming ways to reminisce the past whilst recognising the importance of the future of fashion. My design style has evolved throughout my degree, becoming more curated as each project passed. I now possess a clean cut and concise style which i am excited to progress.

A short film by Lillie Westgate and Jack Jarvis showing Lillie’s graduate collection.
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An outfit by Lillie Westgate showing a Fisherman’s work clothing.
An outfit by Lillie Westgate showing a Fisherman’s work clothing.