Fashion is fearless for rising talent Ella Atkins

When designs by Ella Atkins first rolled across the printers we all observed in awe at how meticulous the placement print was, requiring technical talent on multiple levels from design, pattern making and construction. Equally impressive was the bold chaotic and colourful prints of leopard, studs, whips and chains that Ella had worked into her designs with a sense of punk rebellion meets classic couture.

Ella Atkins holds one of her fashion creations — Fashion Designer Ella Atkins.

Ella Atkins holding a kind leopard print satin fabric — Considered detailing.

Ella Atkins in leopard print dress holding velvet jacket — Ella and her velvet jacket.

Two models standing up wearing dramatic pink leopard print garments — Ella Atkins Collection.

Fashon Designer Ella Atkins holding pink leopard print kaftan — Ella showcasing her six metre satin train

Close up of studs in a velvet jacket shoulder — Printed velvet with hand painted studs

A volume custom printed leopard skirt is worn on a mannequin. — Ella blends structure and volume.

A model wearing bomber coat and full skirt with leopard print. — Whip placement print on skirt.

A cool fashion designer look down at her creations on a table — Ella and her leopard print.

Model wearing a strapless gown with leopard print fabric in the street — Feminine silhouettes with punk detailing in studs and cuffs print.

model wearing a pink bow leopard print kaftan. — Over ten metres of satin in the kaftan.

Fashion Designer Ella Atkins holding a huge pink leopard print bow. — Custom made satin bow.

Cool girl in leopard print standing in powerful close up photo — Fashion designer Ella Atkins.

Male model in leopard print suit looking down with loose hair. Against a red background. — A look from Ella Atkins menswear.

Close up of leopard print fabric with studs and pins and it. — Hand painted metal details.

Ella Atkins demonstrates the skills and creativity of an experienced designer, however this second year student at LCI Melbourne is only at the beginning of here career. How exciting it will be to watch her evolve in the years to come.

It has been a joy for us to work with Ella, her calm, organised and “asks all the right questions” approach has inspired us to get to know more about Ella and feel so proud we get to contribute to her creative process. Ella visited Next State so we could get up close and personal with her final work and chat more about her creative process.

Ella Atkins, tell us about yourself

Originally from Sydney, Ella moved to Melbourne to study fashion. Ella presents a calm quietly spoken vibe, she is well articulated and clearly passionate about what she is doing. “Living in Sydney I got a bit over all the judgey looks at my hair.” Ella Laughs. “I was dressing up and styling my self since before I could walk. There are photos of me crawling around the house in dress ups. From a very young age my grandmother taught me to sew and it was a skill I have kept developing.”

Why study Fashion?

“I just love it and always felt it would be a part of my future.” I questioned Ella on her skills in sewing and design, for a second year student she shows some remarkable technical abilities. Ella discussed how she was exposed to sewing and creating through school which placed her well to commence higher education. “I love every aspect of studying fashion, even the boring parts.” We talked about creating specifications and technical details for garments, which Ella says is another opportunity to learn and develop attention to detail.

How would you describe your design style?

After a long pause and a few hums, which I take to thinking it is hard to categorise the fashion Ella is currently creating, she responds, “couture, outlandish, extreme, pushing boundaries, extravagant and different.” Casting my eyes across the table laden with textural leopard print in bright colours and subtle bondage accents, her description checks out.

What role does digital design play in the creation of your fashion collections?

“A huge roll. I start with a paper pattern and then digitise the elements I can. Some of my pattern pieces are too long to be digitised so I will work them directly in Adobe. This is a really long process to make sure I have the pattern measurements correct and the file prepared.”

I then use the file and draw my design on top. I blend hand drawn techniques using Procreate on the iPad and AI elements. The final file I end up with is what goes to print.”

I asked Ella how long it took her from design concept to finished garment in the development of the Kaftan featuring the pink bow. Ella reflected for a while and struggled to put a time to it, what she did comment is that she has great time management and is more focused on working back from a due date to ensure key milestones are met.

What is your favourite part in the process of garment creation?

“Seeing the garment as a digital file on screen before sending it to Next State for print,” Ella commented. We discussed how it is such an exciting process to submit a job and await the physical translation. There is always a nervous excitement waiting for the fabric to be completed.

We’ve been loving your modern animal print textiles for a few years now, why animal and what is starting to peak your interest for future print concepts?

“I just love leopard print as a timeless design, it is fearless and empowering and really says something about the wearer. When I was ten I was given a faux fur jacket that was the beginning of the love affair.”

“My future vibe is still bright and maybe exploring other animal prints.” Ella says with a cheeky grin on her face that implies she is no where near done with leopard.”

We are so excited to see the boundaries Ella will keep pushing as she blends technology, technical skills and creative practice.