University News Last updated 14 June 2019
An aspiring fashion designer is studying the style of pop group Little Mix for her university degree.
Self-confessed superfan Lauren McDonnell is researching the history of the X Factor winners’ music and styling as part of her final year project at Birmingham City University’s School of Fashion and Textiles.
Performing since the age of four, Lauren has experienced being part of a girl group herself and appeared on The X Factor in 2016.
“It didn’t work out but as I got older, I became more and more fascinated with costumes and found I was good at textiles during my GCSEs,” said 21 year-old Lauren, who hails from Baginton in Warwickshire.
“I’m very passionate about the same topics that Little Mix stand for, such as gender equality, LGBT rights, embracing your imperfections and loving yourself for who you are.
“As well as researching the history of Little Mix’s style, I’ve conducted lyric annotations of songs from their most recent album to allow me to create outfits that are designed for their upcoming tour.”
Lauren annotated the lyrics of ‘Strip’, ‘Think About Us’ and hit single ‘Woman Like Me’, which scored the pop quartet their thirteenth Top 10 in the UK Official Charts. The group premiered their new single ‘Bounce Back’ on BBC Radio 1 today (14 June).
Lauren has worked with tribute act ‘A Touch of Little Mix’ to create physical costumes and determine their suitability for performance.
“The corset has been my favourite garment to make, as I love the intricacy, style lines and how polished the final look is.
“In the future I’d love to work with artists and celebrities on designing tour costumes, music video looks and promotional outfits.”
“I’ve had great feedback and the tribute act has already asked if I might be able to create costumes for their performances later in the year, which I’m delighted about. Here’s to the future!”
See Lauren’s work on display at Birmingham City University’s Inspired Festival until 16 June.
