Location : Clerkenwell London, UK
Profession / passion : Costume and Clothes maker
Website : www.mademywardrobe.com
Instagram : @mademywardrobe

One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.

A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
Audre Lorde - Uses of the Erotic

What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
In 2016 I decided to make my entire wardrobe from scratch. By the end of that year I had made over 60 garments and given away all the clothes I had ever bought from shops. I wrote a blog about the process, mademywardrobe.com . I had lots of people get in touch to say they would love to make their own clothes too, so I started teaching workshops across the UK. This year I digitised my patterns and released four of my favourites so that people all over the world could make them. When I’m not working on my patterns I make costumes for theatre and dance. Since moving back to London I’ve had the chance to work for the Royal Opera House and Sadler’s Wells which has been mega exciting.

How do you want people to react to your work / passion?
I think most people get it straight away. The desire to clothe yourself is very instinctual. Making my own wardrobe makes me feel self sufficient and in doing so I’m removing any need to buy into the mass consumerism of fast fashion.

If you work with a partner, when and how did you meet?
I work solo but the building where my studio in Soho is home to 40 other artists which is great. I also have a handful of other female makers who I consistently come to for advice and problem solving, so I rarely feel lonely.

How has the current situation affected how you work?
All of my sewing workshops have been cancelled/postponed. All of my costume work for theatre has been cancelled/postponed. My income has dropped by 70%. I’m totally relying on the sales of my sewing patterns. Let’s see how long this little rollercoaster can last shall we?

What is the most inspiring text you read recently?
Jaqueline Suskin is a beautiful poet who I visited in Northern California last month. Her collections have been a good balance of escapism and real talk.

Your greatest achievement?
Being a really good Auntie

Define what beauty means to you.
Expressive honesty.

Function or form?
Don’t make me choose. Both are essential - especially in clothing.

Analog or digital?
Analog crafting, digital sharing.

Describe a smell that brings back memories to you.
Aesop geranium body wash is my favorite smell, gonna have to wait till the finances are a little more balanced to invest in more of that tho.

Your best trait?
Feeding people is my love language.

What traits do you treasure in other people?
Vulnerability and strength.

Your most treasured possession?
My fleet of 16 sewing machines and a little painted stool from my grandparents canal boat.

What was the most defining moment in your life?
Learning to orgasm again after being sexually assaulted

Quality or quantity?
Quantity

Who do you miss?
My sister, my three brothers, my nieces and nephews.

How was your spiritual and religious upbringing and how did it shape you?
Over the new year I do 7 days of silence in the Black Forest which tends to sort me right out. I have a strong faith, but I can’t put a label on what I put my faith in. I just trust.

When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
My neighbour leant me a cello just before we went into lockdown. I’m having lessons on facetime with a teacher who lives round the corner. I’m loving it!

Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
I think you have to actively choose London, otherwise it will destroy you!

How do you relax?
Meditation, yoga, sex, food - all the good stuff

If you were forced to sit still for one month straight without pursuing your current profession, how would you spend your time?
Oooo great question! I think I would just meditate it out for a month. Or I would love to have somebody who doesn’t speak any English sit opposite me and we would have to learn to communicate.

Live in the same house or move to a different country every month or for the next ten years?
Move every month - I’m Sagittarius ;)

What does freedom mean to you?
Right now it has to mean a choice between the living room or my bedroom.

Do you have any regrets in life?
Nah!

Should calm come from within or be facilitated by the environment?
Within for sure

Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
I think it’s too soon to say.

One Day : Lydia Higginson - costume & clothes maker