The summer of 2017 was a busy one for me. I was designing and sewing my very first runway collection. I was only 19 and it was a huge undertaking for me to pull this off while planning a trip to Europe plus working a full time job. I was barely past my hot glue and safety pin stage in terms of garment construction. I remember sitting at my sewing machine crying because I had spent 5 hours working on a very detailed pair of pants, only to realize I had made the same pant leg twice 😂 I learnt so much during that time about my resilience and continued to power through the frustrating moments, and get shit done. I have an amazing support system of friends and family who kept me motivated and driven. Without them things would definitely have turned out differently! When it came down to show day at Van fashion week, I was sooo ready to get the show on the road. My segment was first up, they rolled the intro for the show. I was behind the curtain COMPLETELY in my own world, when all of a sudden someone yelled “Lillea get out there!” I was so confused, but I did what I was told! I ran out to the runway as I watched my mom, sobbing (happy sobs), run up to meet me there. I was honestly in shock and I guess I couldn’t hear straight for a while, but finally I could clearly hear my mom (and probably everyone else who was paying attention) say “YOU’RE GOING TO TOKYO FASHION WEEK”!!! I had won the Nancy Mak award ❤️ what an honour that was 🥺 My next post will be my runway looks from that collection! I can’t wait for you to see them! Stay tuned ❤️❤️