University Centre graduate degree project comes to fruition in new exciting children’s clothing brand, Lola Starr


Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design Graduate from the Hugh Baird University Centre, Kate Hill has founded a unique exciting Liverpool children’s clothing brand, Lola Starr, specialising in interchangeable clothing.

The concept behind the brand Lola Starr, began whilst Kate was designing her final major project for her end of year degree show at the Hugh Baird University Centre. Kate, with extensive research and hard work, designed the concept of children’s interchangeable clothing independently using knowledge she gained during her time at university. Kate received a positive response from people whom attended the degree show, including industry experts, that once she graduated she developed the brand further. The concept developed into a children’s clothing brand, with full e-commerce website and several successful Northwest pop up shops.

Kate Hill, founder of Lola Starr, said:

I was a seamstress for 10 years prior to starting my degree and have always been a fashion lover, experimenting with different designs using various techniques and fabrics. Building on this passion during my time at Hugh Baird University Centre, I gained the skills and knowledge to turn my designs into a reality. The feedback from my degree show showed an interest and need for interchangeable clothing, so along with the positive feedback and my new found industry knowledge and confidence, Lola Starr was born.

Kate prides her designs being manufactured here in the UK, and plays an active role in visiting her UK based manufacturers to see the factories and meet the people making her garments. As well as having a British made brand, Kate also actively promotes sustainability within Lola Starr. The brand encourages consumers not to waste clothes and re use what they have by pairing it with a Lola Starr item. As part of her research Kate has travelled around Britain with Lola Starr taking part in trade shows and participating in forums. Alongside this Kate is a member of the Make It British team and makes sure that all the fabrics are ethically scoured.

This July Kate will be participating in her first trade show, PURE in London and is currently looking into working with key retailers who share her values and passion, with her sustainable brand.

Angela O’Brien, course leader for the BA (Hons) and Foundation Degree in Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design courses, approved by the University of Central Lancashire, said;

I am immensely proud of what Kate has gone on to achieve since finishing her degree here at the Hugh Baird University Centre. It is exciting to see the concept she developed for her final year degree show coming to life in the brand of Lola Starr. As part of the Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design courses we actively encourage students to focus on life after university to ensure they leave career ready. Kate has shown that if you put in the hard work you can achieve your dreams and she is an inspiration to our current students. I wish Kate every success with Lola Starr.

The Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design courses at the Hugh Baird University Centre are approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). For more information please visit: www.hughbaird.ac.uk/university-centre or call 0151 353 4444.

For more information about Lola Starr, visit www.lolastarr.co.uk

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