Today’s interview in the ‘Lockdown Clothing’ project is with Holly Williamson. Holly is a college teacher in Manchester, UK, who also makes things every now and again. “I’m 31 and actually loving lockdown a little bit! I love fashion and one day would like to make my own fashion photography book. I spend a great deal of time working out and dancing as well as cooking. I like to spread the love of fitness and food to my students and try and keep them healthy.” You can find Holly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1) Can you describe what your personal style was like before lockdown – what did you wear most often?
I liked dressing through the ages! 40s upwards to futuristic. Always had some eyebrows on or lipstick. Always had swish hair! Mostly in my Doc Martens.
I definitely don’t have one fixed style but I definitely made more of an effort before lockdown, even at work. Work clothes were often black skinny Levi jeans, Docs or Vans and a fun blouse or jumper. Out and about would vary greatly from vintage finds, Cyberdog clothing, leggings and fishnet tops, all sorts!
2) What types of clothing do you wear most often now?
Leggings, joggers, even when I’m teaching. Except on date night when I get dressed up. We make something nice to eat, or get a take away, wear something nice and put a record on and just sit in the living room. We had our 6 months just after lockdown started so that was interesting. Last date night, I wore my new velvet Killstar flares with a retro colourful blouse I picked up at a vintage market and a black belt.
Through teaching online now I get some students still in bed in their pyjamas, most are just relaxed. In class their styles were often the “relaxed fashion” that has always been around, smart joggers and crop tops, that sort of thing. Many just switch their cameras off!
3) What is your daily routine for getting dressed to remain at home?
I still get up and get dressed, workout and then get dressed again. Sometimes I will change in the evening just to feel fresh! As clothing is a big thing for me, how I feel in them really impacts my day. If I stay in the same clothes from waking up until night it just reminds me of being ill or hungover because they are the only times I would actually do that.
4) What were the social situations that you routinely found yourself in before the quarantine? And how did you dress for them?
Rock clubs, other clubs, dance classes! I would wear really interesting pieces mixed with vintage and bling. Dance classes I would never usually wear much. It’s too cold in my house to do that. Except when the sun was out and I was outside in my bikini! I have a massive wardrobe of clothing and shoes and I like to go out to day or evening events just so I can wear everything!
5) What’s your shoe situation at home? And how does this affect your sense of self?
I miss wearing all of my shoes! Pole shoes, Docs, all of my trainers, heels. The lot. I want to show them off! I’m a bit of an exhibitionist like that. Mostly with shoes. Although I do have a new pair of Vans purchased in lockdown and I wear those whenever I venture out of the house now.
If you’d like to take part in the project yourself, you can find all the information you need in the blog post entitled ‘Lockdown Clothing: a project documenting how we dress at home‘ dated 17th May 2020.
Leave a Reply