Nicky’s award-winning journey began with a dream to blend the elegance of ballet with the comfort of lingerie. Inspired by the discipline and grace of dancers, she created the “Lady Ballet” collection for the 6ixty8ight Creator Competition 2024. Nicky experimented with soft lace, airy mesh, and flowing chiffon, determined to balance beauty and practicality. She faced challenges translating ballet’s fluidity into wearable designs, but with guidance from PolyU mentors and feedback from peers, she refined her work. Winning the Champion Award was a proud moment, affirming her belief in the power of creativity and collaboration. Nicky’s story is a testament to resilience, artistry, and the joy of empowering women through thoughtful design.
Ms. LAI Ching Yan
School of Fashion and Textiles
Understanding the properties of different fabrics is crucial in fashion design, especially for lingerie. Nicky’s collection required knowledge of lace, mesh, satin, chiffon, and spandex blends. She selected materials based on their stretchability, breathability, and ability to mimic the fluidity of ballet costumes, ensuring both comfort and durability.
Creating lingerie that fits well and moves with the body involves advanced pattern-making skills. Nicky adapted elements from ballet costumes, such as high-cut leglines and soft draping, into lingerie-friendly patterns. This required technical expertise in drafting, cutting, and assembling garments for both aesthetics and functionality.
A strong sense of aesthetics and color theory is essential for cohesive and appealing designs. Nicky chose a pastel palette inspired by ballet, incorporating blush pink, ivory, and soft purple. She also used embellishments like satin ribbons and bows, drawing from the visual language of ballet to tell a story through her collection.
Lingerie design demands a deep understanding of body ergonomics to ensure comfort and support. Nicky conducted fabric stretchability tests and experimented with spandex blends to create garments that fit snugly yet flexibly, accommodating a range of body movements and shapes.
Effective fashion design often involves research and narrative. Nicky studied ballet costumes and drew inspiration from the art form’s elegance and discipline. She translated these qualities into her collection, using design as a medium to tell a story about strength, grace, and femininity, which resonated with both judges and wearers.
Throughout the design process, you encountered challenges such as balancing aesthetic beauty with functionality and translating the fluidity of ballet into wearable lingerie. Nicky addressed these by experimenting with fabric compositions, testing materials, and refining patterns, demonstrating a strong ability to analyze problems and develop creative solutions.
Fashion design often requires adapting to new ideas, feedback, and unexpected obstacles. Nicky showed adaptability by incorporating feedback from teachers and the 68 design team, as well as by participating in multiple competitions to broaden her experience and exposure.
Nicky worked closely with mentors, teachers, and peers, valuing their input and integrating their suggestions into her designs. Effective communication and teamwork were essential in refining her collection and achieving a successful outcome.
Nicky’s journey involved independent research into ballet costumes, fabric technologies, and design methodologies. Nicky proactively sought out new knowledge and skills, demonstrating initiative and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.
Balancing multiple competitions, research, design development, and feedback integration required strong time management and organizational skills. Nicky successfully prioritized tasks and managed deadlines, ensuring the completion of a cohesive and high-quality collection.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey! To further expand your knowledge and continue your personal and professional growth. Click and explore the following learning resources:
Fabric Technology and Selection
Pattern Development and Garment Construction
Research and Storytelling in Design
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving