Freya Clewlow: Finding a creative language
‘Surreptitious Violets’ explores how queer women/lesbians have created a unique masculinity of their own, separate from heteronormative ideals. It separates masculinity from maleness, forming distinct visual languages using clothing, and challenging the gender binary. Each look showcasing a similar silhouette and fabric palette to reference the signifiers and uniformity in queer dress. This collection pays tribute to the lesbian women whose courage and resilience created space for future generations to express themselves freely.
Freya’s practice is anchored in exploring the relationship between gender binaries, queer identity, and dress. They are interested in the architecture of clothing, honouring the body’s presence without designing to define it. Their designs focus on silhouette, structure, and fabric behaviour. Gravitating towards detail and construction, aiming to create garments that are a form-driven expression. Asymmetry, experimental pattern-making, and exaggerated proportions are at the forefront of their mind while designing.
Freya Clewlow graduated at the end of 2025 with a Bachelor of Design, majoring in fashion design. Her journey into fashion began when she realised that studying political science and media studies at Victoria University of Wellington wasn’t the right fit for her.
“I figured that wasn’t my jam, and I needed something more creative.”
After taking a year away from university, they began experimenting at home and making “random stuff” on a sewing machine. That process revealed an enthusiasm worth pursuing more seriously and eventually led them to study fashion at Massey.
Freya describes collaboration as one of the most valuable parts of their university experience. Working closely with classmates created opportunities to exchange ideas, while supportive lecturers offered the technical and creative knowledge needed to develop their practice.
Their family also played an important role, encouraging Freya’s decision to return to university and celebrating the discovery of something they genuinely loved doing.
Being shown at New Zealand Fashion Week was an unexpected and exciting opportunity. Freya applied without knowing what might happen and was thrilled to learn that the collection had been selected.
“I never even thought it would happen. I just applied because I was like, ‘Why not?’ When they said that I got it, I was so excited.”
Presenting Surreptitious Violets on a national stage feels especially meaningful because of the collection’s personal connection to Freya and their community. Moments before the show, hearing music from the runway made the experience begin to feel real.
“I’m so excited. Hearing the music from the other show and imagining our music playing and our stuff walking, it’s exciting.”
Looking ahead, Freya hopes to work in the film industry and explore costume design. They’re also keen to build their tailoring skills after discovering how much they enjoyed creating suits for their graduate collection. Whether their next step takes them into fashion or film, Freya is excited to keep making, learning and telling stories through clothing.