My name is Paola Calatayud-Serna. I am a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I currently reside in London as a student studying Fashion Design with Communication in Central Saint Martins.

My work focuses on exhibiting the process of how gender, combined with the nature of human interaction can be subdued because of cultural expectations. I seek to celebrate unconventional human transformation through personal stories and images of people who have, at some point, struggled to breakthrough and transform. Surrealist artists combined with primary research of my personal upbringing inspire the garments I design. I work with mostly hand stitching my garments and textiles, as I find poetry and craft in creating a garment that is without technology. In my designs I prioritise the silhouette, as I find creating a garment as a sculpture has the ability to capture the emotions of my though process, whilst having an impact in the space we live in. Most of my materials used in this portfolio are unwanted or discarded garments that I have completely transformed into a textile or are purchased deadstock fabrics.

My goal is to find solutions to create more sustainable fashion practices for better happier planet and a more ethical fashion industry.