Contents
- About Me
- FASHION X - Prove them wrong (2:1)
- Brand Consultancy - REFY: Beauty At Every Age (1st)
- DIGITAL CONTENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATION - ACNE STYLE DIARIES (HIGH 2:1)
- GLOBAL FUTURE FASHION - REPAIR REALITIES VR FOR CARHARTT WIP (1st)
- PHOTOSHOOT
- PHOTOSHOOT
- PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITING
- MODELLING
- AUDACITY
- DRESSER AT MFI GRADUATE FASHION SHOW 2026
- PLACEMENT
About Me
I am a confident, emotionally intelligent, and driven 21 year old creative with a strong interest in fashion journalism and editorial storytelling. Currently studying BA Fashion Communication at Manchester Fashion Institute, my work is informed by both academic research and hands on industry experience. I graduated from the Fashion Retail Academy in 2023 with a UAL Extended Diploma in Fashion Retail and Business (Distinction), building a solid foundation in article writing and consumer culture. Since then, I have continued to push myself creatively, using my knowledge to explore fashion through a critical and political lens. My work often examines current societal issues, trends, and cultural narratives, with research at its core.
I enjoy writing, editorial shoots, print and digital media, and am eager to further develop my skills in PR, digital software, and styled photography. Highly motivated and adaptable, I am excited by fast-paced, dynamic environments and am always ready to fully immerse myself in new creative challenges.
- 07940349288
- oliviamaywilliams0@gmail.com
- www.linkedin.com/in/livmaywilliams
- https://www.instagram.com/livmayvisuals/
- Full project outcomes, process work, and references available upon request.
FASHION X - Prove them wrong (2:1)
BA Fashion Comms, 2nd year, MFI A collaborative project creating a hypothetical franchise for a Condé Nast title aimed at Generation Z, with a chosen brand partner. Our group developed Prove Them Wrong for GQ in partnership with Adidas, exploring Gen Z’s progressive views on gender and challenging stereotypical fashion binaries through bold, unisex streetwear on women. Key themes
- Women in male-dominated spaces
- Gen Z–focused: raw, real, and relatable
- Gender politics and the modernisation of fashion traditions
- Editorial inspiration from Kim Kardashian’s GQ Man of the Year 2023 cover
My role – Production Lead
- Led initial ideation and research
- Managed project timelines, logistics, and team accountability
- Planned and produced the shoot (location & talent scouting, call sheets, budget)
- Oversaw post-production workflow
The module also included industry guest talks and guidance from Dom Kelly and Jasmine Day, strengthening my understanding of editorial production and collaborative creative practice.
Brand Consultancy - REFY: Beauty At Every Age (1st)
BA Fashion Comms, 2nd year, MFI
This module involved acting as a Brand Consultant, using problem based inquiry and creative research methods to identify untapped marketing and communications opportunities. The project was delivered as a 15-slide pitch deck accompanied by a recorded voice-over presentation, designed to reflect professional consultancy and industry pitching standards. For this project, I developed an inclusive new creative direction for REFY Beauty and addressed the EDI issue of ageing in beauty, exploring the lack of representation of older women within contemporary marketing.
DIGITAL CONTENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATION - ACNE STYLE DIARIES (HIGH 2:1)
BA Fashion Comms, 2nd year, MFI
For this brief, I created a digital content marketing plan for Acne Studios, developing a new digital content feature in response to the growing market trend of user generated content. The proposed feature, Acne Style Diaries (ASD), is a consumer led community hub hosted on Acne Studios’ website and amplified across multi-channel platforms. ASD allows real customers to upload short form videos and images styling Acne pieces in everyday, real life settings. The concept aims to humanise Acne Studios’ brand image, build a sense of community, and increase engagement while expanding global reach. By showcasing ordinary consumers, the feature provides visual reassurance that Acne’s premium pieces are wearable and repeatable, encouraging relatability, representation, and long term brand loyalty.
GLOBAL FUTURE FASHION - REPAIR REALITIES VR FOR CARHARTT WIP (1st)
BA Fashion Comms, 3rd year, MFI
This module explored how emerging technologies are transforming global fashion communication and how brands can integrate digital tools to strengthen audience engagement while responding to sustainability and cultural shifts. The project required the development of an innovative technology led communication concept for a chosen fashion brand, supported by research, analysis, and visual communication. For this project, I proposed a Virtual Reality based communication concept for Carhartt WIP titled Repair Realities. The immersive experience allows users to enter a virtual workshop where they can learn garment repair techniques through interactive tutorials led by figures from the brand’s subcultural community. The concept responds to Carhartt WIP’s values of durability and authenticity, positioning technology as a tool for education and circular fashion while strengthening long term engagement with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Through this module, I developed skills in researching emerging technologies and the future of fashion communication, while experimenting with AI tools, Photoshop, and digital editing software to visualise a forward facing concept. It challenged me to adopt a more technological and innovative approach than I had previously explored, encouraging critical thinking about how fashion brands can use technology responsibly while maintaining authenticity and cultural relevance.
PHOTOSHOOT
A politically driven photoshoot responding to American political discourse at the time, inspired by comments from Donald Trump on how women should dress in the workplace. The shoot deliberately contradicts traditional expectations of feminine office wear, presenting women in masculine, oversized tailoring with no makeup or nails.
An accompanying written article examining feminist themes was produced alongside the shoot and is available upon request.
PHOTOSHOOT
This photoshoot explored 1970s fashion and the resurgence of vintage shopping and hippie culture. The project brief required the creation of a publication based on a niche interest, for which I chose the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54. The publication examines the lasting influence Studio 54 has had on the modern generation, alongside a wider revival of 1970s fashion, music, culture, and disco. Through visual storytelling and trend analysis, the magazine celebrates the era’s impact on contemporary style and creative expression.
PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITING
During my third year at university, I was approached by a few drag performers within Manchester’s drag community to photograph content for their social media platforms. Working closely with performers allowed me to further explore an area of photography that I am particularly passionate about, while developing my understanding of visual storytelling and creative direction. These opportunities enabled me to strengthen my technical skills across Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, refining my approach to image editing, colour grading and retouching. Moving forward, I hope to continue developing my photography and editing practice across a range of sectors, expanding my experience while exploring different subjects, environments and forms of visual communication.
MODELLING
Modelled for a dissertation project exploring adaptable unisex design within streetwear and outdoorwear, with a focus on introducing more feminist perspectives into traditionally male-dominated industries. The shoot was developed as part of a hypothetical brand pitch to 'size?'.
AUDACITY
AUDACITY is an ongoing hypothetical brand concept first developed during my time at the Fashion Retail Academy, where I followed pathways in communications, buying, and merchandising. The project initially consisted of a print and digital magazine alongside an inclusive seasonal clothing collection. I later expanded this concept at university within the Branding and Marketing Communications module, producing a full brand rationale and brand book.
AUDACITY is a project I intend to revisit and continue developing, as it is rooted in a message that is deeply personal and important to me. The brand is a homage to the transgender community and serves as a platform for empowerment and activism within fashion. Over several years, I have conducted extensive research into LGBTQIA plus history, designers, runway culture, and the social and retail challenges faced by marginalised communities. This research has informed a series of creative outcomes, including photoshoots inspired by queer icons.
The core mission of AUDACITY is to challenge societal norms, amplify underrepresented voices, and position itself within the future of fashion with a clear and meaningful purpose. The brand aims to offer a unique selling point through its future facing approach, encouraging acceptance, inclusivity, and positive cultural change across communities.
I continued developing AUDACITY during my final year at Manchester Metropolitan University as my dissertation/Final Major Project, achieving a First-Class grade of 78. Informed by primary research and interviews with members of Manchester’s drag community, the project evolved from a fashion brand concept into a drag-focused foundation wear brand. This shift responded directly to the structural, financial and practical challenges identified within contemporary drag practice, positioning foundation garments as essential tools for transformation rather than secondary accessories.
The dissertation explored drag as a process of construction, labour and self-expression, resulting in a campaign centred on education, visibility and accessibility. Due to the intimate nature of the research and photoshoot, which document the physical transformation process involved in drag performance, the full dissertation and accompanying imagery have not been made publicly available within this portfolio. However, I am happy to share selected sections of the dissertation upon request. The work presented below showcases the final campaign outcomes alongside edited imagery that communicates the project’s key themes while respecting the privacy and comfort of those involved.
BA Fashion Comms, 3rd Year, MFI
DRESSER AT MFI GRADUATE FASHION SHOW 2026
Worked as a dresser during the Manchester Fashion Institute Graduate Show, supporting backstage operations across fittings, dress rehearsals and the final runway presentation. Responsible for managing multiple look changes, dressing models under time-sensitive conditions and collaborating closely with designers, stylists and fellow dressers to ensure the smooth execution of the show. This experience strengthened my skills in organisation, teamwork and problem-solving, while providing valuable insight into the fast-paced nature of fashion show production and backstage coordination.
PLACEMENT
As part of my time at the Fashion Retail Academy, I completed a one-month industry work placement, which I independently secured at Pretty Rascal, a swimwear and womenswear brand based in Essex. Due to exceptional performance, I was invited to extend my placement for an additional month and was later offered a full-time position, which I declined in order to progress to university.
Key responsibilities and experience included:
- Personal Assistant during the A/W 22 photoshoot, working closely with models, hair and makeup teams, and stylists.
- Coordinated quick outfit changes and assisted with shoot logistics.
- Involved in model selection and outreach.
- Supported social media content creation, building anticipation for the new collection.
- Liaised with local influencers, organising gifted stock and managing communication regarding selected pieces.
- Contributed to visual merchandising, ensuring in-store displays aligned with the brand’s aesthetic and identity.
- Conducted stock takes.
This portfolio will continue to be updated as I reflect on past projects and experiences, and as I progress through my studies at university and into post graduate life. Further information regarding additional experience, skills, and certifications can be found on my CV, with selected professional experiences also available via my LinkedIn.