I'm closing today the Pratt Institute special (that started on Tuesday and) that I did for Zoot Magazine, republishing an interview with Meredith Lyon.
Anti-smoking propaganda slogans have often been criticised for being ineffective, but they hadn't been used yet as the background inspiration to create ironic pop designs. At least until Pratt fashion graduate Meredith Lyon decided of doing so.
Lyon designed a sporty collection that moved from this theme, coming up with tops inspired by the messages on cigarette packets, light dresses in sheer fabrics with screen printed cigarette butts accessorised with cigarette socks, and white trousers with big brown and yellow speckled designs reproducing a filter.
Designs were accessorised with burnt or nicotine stained shoes and rucksacks reduced to a leather strap incorporating a cigarette packet holder with space for a lighter as well.
Maybe this collection is not the best thing if you want to kick your habit, but it's a good way to mock the smoking industry and the tactics they use to successfully recruit new consumers.
Lyon was selected, together with her colleague Kate Wilkoff, to compete in the annual Supima Design Competition, which will be held during New York Fashion Week.
Can you tell us more about your background?
Meredith Lyon: I spent my childhood around the Boston area of Massachusetts. It wasn’t until college that I truly left which is when I moved to Brooklyn to study at Pratt.
Who has been the greatest influence on your career choices?
Meredith Lyon: In my opinion, many aspects of fashion are taken too seriously. I am drawn to collections that have a sense of humor in their pieces or presentation. I love how designers like Viktor & Rolf use a subtle bit of humor in their concept. I’m also influenced by more graphic humor in fashion, such as looks created by Daniel Pallilo.
What does fashion represent for you?
Meredith Lyon: Fashion to me is a really great tool to express not only yourself individually. Fashion also reflects what is happening politically, socially and economically in the present society.
Can you tell us more about your creative process?
Meredith Lyon: I most always start brainstorming a focus to my collection and then begin sketching. However, I continue to evolve each piece through all the steps of the process.
What inspired your collection?
Meredith Lyon: My collection is a light-hearted take on anti-smoking PSAs and is meant to poke fun at how major tobacco companies often fund anti-smoking advertisements. It’s very print and graphic based so I kept the silhouettes fairly simple and young. I experimented a lot with techniques such as screen-printing, laser cutting and even burning to create my desired aesthetic. It was important to me to have a really light, sexy look to my collection in order to play on the theme of smoking and sexuality. As a result, I used fabrics like chiffon, lightweight cotton and denim.
How did you feel about showcasing your collection at the Pratt fashion show?
Meredith Lyon: Pratt has really stepped up its game in terms of the fashion show this past year. I am extremely grateful I got to participate in it alongside my peers. My collection has been very well received, and thanks to the press at the show, I’ve been able to make a lot of great connections within the industry.
What are your future plans?
Meredith Lyon: I’m very fortunate and have been chosen to participate in the Supima Cotton competition this upcoming September. I’m required to make a capsule collection out of their fabrics that will show at Mercedes Benz fashion week. I’m pretty sure that will be keeping me occupied for the next couple months at least!
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