About Me
Andrea Patterson, upcoming Heriot-Watt University fashion graduate
Fashion designer with a key interest in womenswear, loungewear, the commercial market, sustainability, fashion history and women's rights. Excels at innovative/functional design, quality construction, and attention to detail; within design process. This interest in women's rights and fashion history has lead to the creation of the Fight for Rights collection.
This collection is a reflection of the advancements both feminism and women's clothing have made; with the success of the suffragette movement, and revolutionary female clothing items such as, workwear all in ones, sportswear pieces, and the iconic miniskirt. I also wanted to recognise some current feminist issues such as; sexist stereotyping, under appreciation, harmful attitudes, and lack of support; some of which I aim to visually highlight within the collection, all whilst creating commercial pieces for the young modern female feminist.
INSPIRATION
'The Fight for Rights' collection is largely inspired by feminism and female attire progression
A focus of the collection was to demonstrate a contrast between typically masculine and feminine elements. I wanted to highlight the differing roles women can play within society, and how females can dress to multiple styles; whether that be masculine, feminine, or both. The print design present, was inspired by my own and fellow women's personal experiences; of sexist statements/stereotypes we commonly hear. These phrases are often used without any consideration for the effect they may have as a result.
This collection also drew inspiration from the 1910s to 1920s suffragette movement; for the lilac, green and white colour palette, choice of lace fabric, and some silhouette/style shapes. The decision to make overalls, as well as the cut and style, was influenced by the women's land army from both the 1st/2nd world wars. I also choose to make both a polo shirt and miniskirt due to research into colours, silhouettes, styles, shapes, patterns and details that were popular during the swinging sixties era.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Final illustrated outfit line up for collection
Some fabric choices alongside custom print design
Close up hem/patchwork construction of overalls
Hand pleating process of miniskirt construction
Paired with green/gold eye look and space buns
Features overalls and a lace top with underlay
Classic feminine lace against masculine workwear
Low neckline and high collar fits edwardian style
Overalls reminisent of Women's land army dungarees
Merging of both feminine and masculine influences
Outfit one and two styled photoshoot
Nude/purple eye look and high plait for 2nd outfit
Look 2 of poloshirt, miniskirt and matching shorts
Feminine pleating paired with sportswear style
Pleating, draping and block pattern construction
Elements of tailoring and minimal waste cutting
Notable influences from the swinging sixties era
CAD illustration of collection photoshoot
Outfit one colour CAD illustration
DETAIL
Constructed with detail in mind of simple fastenings, new/recycled fabrics, and stand out elements
Details used are simple button up front openings with internal facings, and long length basic button and zip jean style fastenings. The fabrics choosen for this collection were a mix of old and new with; a repurposed McHale boilersuit, striped cotton bedding, recycled Laura Ashley fine lace curtains; and new lilac polyester, white twill and custom print panama flo. Eye catching style elements include; low square neckline, dart shaping, patchwork contrast draping, rolled seams, exaggerated cuffs, wide fit roll neck collar, hand pleating, wrap around fitting, neck facings, rounded lace collar, contrast side panelling, and runched sleeve manipulation.
'Big girls don't cry, but strong ones do' by Frank Newman. The Fight for Rights collection begins to highlight the harmful female stereotypes/attitudes that are still in place and the need for change.
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