Our Journey from Countryside to Couture

Having worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, textile and fashion designer Lauren Barfoot is now preparing to launch her interior collection. Chris Low caught up with her to explore how growing up in Dorset continues to shape her creative vision.

Lauren Barfoot’s journey began in Dorchester, where she studied art and textiles at Thomas Hardye School. Her passion for design led her to the Royal College of Art, graduating in 2011. Since then, she’s earned multiple awards for her textile work and collaborated with industry giants including Alexander McQueen, Zandra Rhodes, Thierry Mugler, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer.

Today, Lauren splits her time between her London design studio and her role as a visiting lecturer at Arts University Bournemouth, where she teaches professional development and textile design. 

Inspired by Dorset

Lauren’s creative roots run deep in the Dorset landscape. “I’ve always been creative,” she says. “In middle school I worked with furnishing fabrics and painting, and my interest in textiles grew from there. Growing up in Dorset, with its vivid natural environment, helped to inspire me and still does. Often when I’m in Dorset I take photos of the landscape and use them in my floral print designs. First-hand research is always more inspiring!”

Learning from the Best

Her early career included internships with fashion legends Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. “It helped me to be more professional in my work and attitude,” Lauren explains. “I gained a better understanding of the expectations placed on a designer and learned a lot about the hierarchy within the industry. It also improved my knowledge of trends.”

She later ran the textile department for Zandra Rhodes, an experience she describes as “challenging but tremendously rewarding.” Working for such a prestigious brand gave her valuable insight and boosted her confidence.

Launching Holland Street

Lauren’s new label, Holland Street, is a luxury brand featuring contemporary kaftans, kimonos and loose-fitting robes made from 100% pure silk. Every piece is manufactured in the UK using minimal waste processes. “As a specialised textile designer, my main focus is on the fabrics,” she says. “I design intricate prints to fit the garment styles rather than printing repeating lengths.”

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is central to Lauren’s practice. “It’s very important,” she says. “I try to implement policies such as reduced waste and shorter production runs. I also try to source fabric that is made in the UK.”

Teaching the Next Generation

As a visiting lecturer at Arts University Bournemouth, Lauren finds joy in mentoring young designers. “I really enjoy encouraging a new generation and giving back to the community,” she says. “I like providing students with industry contacts and offering the benefit of professional insight.”

On British Fashion

Lauren believes Britain’s fashion scene thrives on innovation. “Our unique selling point has always been about new designers,” she says. “As the industry becomes more global, we need to keep developing fresh talent to stay original.”

To encourage more young people into the industry, she advocates for creative courses in schools and stronger links between students and successful brands. “While running the textile department for Zandra Rhodes, I offered over 100 students the chance to see what it was like to work in a design studio.”

Advice for Aspiring Designers

“Training to be a textile designer is a lengthy process,” Lauren says. “It requires a lot of determination and focus. You need to stay constantly updated on industry trends and understand that it’s fast-paced and highly competitive. But it’s also incredibly rewarding and fun.”