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Throughout graduation, we’re excited to celebrate the extraordinary students who make up the latest cohort. Our Meet our 2025 Graduates series shines the spotlight on a few outstanding graduates. 

Libby Martin, BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design, will be taking to the graduation stage on Thursday 31 July. Ahead of the big day, she reflects on her university journey and what will come next. 

Have you always been interested in pursuing a career in fashion? 

I’ve always had a passion for creativity, whether that be baking, crafts, drawing or sewing. When I was little, my mum used to host these craft days where we’d make any craft you can imagine. For example, bird feeders, body scrub, Christmas garlands and animals made out of pom poms. That's where my creativity started, and drama and textiles became my favourite subjects in school.

Starting textiles in school, I learned a lot about different techniques and applied them to my work, and I wanted to explore how I could use them further in fashion. In sixth form, I put my passion on hold to pursue my other interest, musical theatre, which I studied alongside, with a focus on being an actress. Through auditioning, I soon learned that this life wasn’t for me, and even though I loved and still love performing, it became more of a chore than a passion. 

I returned to my love of fashion and textiles at university. What interests me most about fashion is how incredibly versatile it can be. It's an art form which you can physically feel and embody, and it is different to every wearer and designer. Lastly, it's so much more than just design; it is practically architecture, and the construction and design possibilities are endless.

Can you tell us about the process of applying for your degree?

In my sixth form textiles class, we had a ‘looking for courses’ session. By chance, I opened a �������� prospectus and found the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design course. I chose it because it focused on both fashion and textiles; most fashion design courses expect you to have advanced knowledge of design, pattern cutting and construction, which is not the case at ��������. They guided me through the basics, from group projects to our independent work, where we continued to develop our knowledge. 

Is there something you are most proud of from your time at ��������? 

I am most proud of my determination and drive to keep going, no matter the workload and no matter my mental state. Especially after losing my mum this year, who was my best friend and cheerleader, I never knew it was possible to feel such pain. But despite this, I kept going and have tried to finish my final modules to the best of my ability. 

Could you tell us a bit about your final collection and what it was based on?

This collection is inspired by the bold glamour of drag pop star costuming and the playful sensuality of burlesque, brought to life through heart and star-shaped motifs. These symbols, both sweet and cheeky, capture the spirit of the work - unapologetically loud, soft, and feminine all at once. A major influence emerged last summer when I discovered Chappell Roan. Her theatricality, vulnerability, and fearless embrace of femininity perfectly embodied the themes I was exploring. In her, I saw someone I could relate to, an artist who made space for self-expression that felt both personal and performative. 

Designing this collection also became a deeply emotional process of reconnecting with my younger self. As a child, I was proudly girly and drawn to pink, poofy dresses, glitter, and anything over-the-top. But growing up, I was often teased or dismissed for being “too feminine”. Over time, I distanced myself from that softness. This project became a reclamation of that identity, an embrace of hyper-femininity through silhouettes, textures, and details that celebrate who I was and who I’ve become. Rhinestones and metallic vinyl accents emphasise the influence of performance costuming while also nodding to the vibrancy and expressive freedom of the LGBTQ+ community, which has shaped and uplifted my creative voice. A warm, radiant colour palette, featuring tones of gold, silver, red, orange, purple, and pink, intensifies the collection’s sense of seduction, celebration, and feminine confidence. 
 

What inspired you during the creation of your final collection? 

The creation of this collection was made possible not only through my vision but also thanks to the incredibly supportive technicians who helped bring it to life. Their guidance and encouragement made the process feel less daunting and more collaborative. I’m always searching for new inspiration, often drawing from my love of theatre, like seeing ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ in London, which reignited my passion for performance and costume. 

Staying creative for me means immersing myself in what I love and making work that genuinely excites me. I believe that if I’m not personally connected to what I’m creating, there’s no point, so I make sure my themes are always ones I enjoy or deeply relate to. I stay inspired by surrounding myself with music, musicals, TV shows, experimenting with makeup, and exploring fashion history, particularly from the 1950s and 60s, often through the lens of creators I follow on social media. These everyday rituals help me stay connected to the playful, glamorous world that fuels my design practice. 

What does life after graduation look like? 

After graduation, I’m excited to continue learning and growing, both creatively and professionally. I plan to apply for apprenticeships in both costuming and fashion, where I can build on the skills I’ve developed and gain new industry experience. During my time at university, I became confident using the Cricut machine, and I hope to invest in one of my own to start creating and selling custom products through platforms like Etsy. I’m looking forward to becoming fully independent while doing something I love. 

Ultimately, my goal is to establish my own label, something that feels true to who I am and the themes I care deeply about. One of my biggest dreams is to design a future collection dedicated to my mother. Her influence has been a constant presence throughout my journey, and she will always carry on through my work. Every design I make is, in some way, a tribute to the people and passions that shaped me. 

What are your plans for graduation day? 

My main plan for graduation day is simply to get through it in one piece. I know it will be a deeply emotional experience, one filled with pride over everything I’ve achieved, but also with grief. The thought of reaching this milestone without my mum by my side is incredibly difficult. I fear the day will be overwhelming, caught between the joy of success and the sorrow of her absence. 

Still, I’m incredibly grateful for the loved ones who will be there to support me: my dad, my grandma, my two brothers, my sister, my aunt and uncle, my mum’s best friend (who has since become one of my guardians), and my amazing, supportive boyfriend. Their presence means the world to me. I know that while my mum won’t be there physically, she’ll be carried in all of our hearts, and especially in mine. I plan to fully enjoy the ceremony alongside my family, classmates, and boyfriend, soaking in every moment of this milestone. Afterwards, we’ll celebrate with a much-deserved dinner, a time to relax, reflect, and share in the joy of this achievement together. It’s going to be a bittersweet day, but I’m choosing to face it with strength, gratitude, and love, for myself, for those who have supported me, and most of all, for her. 

What do you wish you’d known in your first year? 

Looking back on my first year at university, I wish I had truly understood how capable I was and how far I would come despite all the battles and self-doubt. I’ve completed every module and shown up to every lesson, even when it wasn’t easy. I wish I could tell my past self just how talented and resilient I am. It’s not boastful to say that, especially knowing the hard work I’ve put in while navigating mental health challenges. Recognising my strength and progress feels empowering, and I hope I can carry that belief forward.