A recent graduate and artist in residence at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Carmarthen School of Art has been hand-picked by Vogue magazine to feature her Wales-inspired fashion work.

23 year-old Lian Poulson, from Llandovery, heads her own fashion brand called Lian Cara Designs and through social media, her Welsh countryside-inspired designs drew Vogue’s attention.

Lian Poulson’s designs are being published in British Vogue magazine’s January, February and March editions where part of her Natural Reflection collection will be featured. “The collection combines architectural arches and shapes to inform the silhouette and structure of the garments, whilst maintaining a sense of fluidity and movement which can be found in Wales’ natural landscapes,” said Lian. “The natural textures and shapes there are truly inspiring.”

Fashion is not a subject that initially drew Lian’s interest, but sewing was, and she was using her first sewing machine by the age of 12.

Lian was unsure about what to study at university but she knew it was the drama of costume that she loved so much. However, the idea of someone wearing a garment she had made also drew her towards fashion. “In the end, I decided to study fashion, but keep the drama I loved so much within my designs,” she said.

Carmarthen School of Art played its part in helping Lian’s work become stronger. “Studying there is one of the best decisions I have ever made,” said Lian. “It opened so many doors for me and I found what I thought I had lost in me as a designer after studying at a larger institution, which wasn’t for me. It also offered me the opportunity of competing for the Beacon Bursary, a competition for start-up businesses. I was lucky enough to win the first-prize of a £3,000 bursary this summer which was presented at my graduation.”

Lian is currently working as a fashion resident at Carmarthen School of Art where she is designing a ready-to-wear collection, entwining and promoting the college’s fashion facilities into her designs, such as intricate laser cutting.

Keen to support emerging designers, Lian is hosting a fashion event on Saturday February 3 in Myddfai, Carmarthenshire, which will feature up-and-coming designers from South Wales. Tickets for the event will soon be available at liancara.com along with her new collection.

Lian Poulson added: “I still can’t believe it, seeing Vogue appear in my emails is the best feeling ever.”

Lian Cara Designs is available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.