About Me
Hello! Im Katherine and I graduated University of Portsmouth.
Katherine was inspired by her own interests and beliefs in witchcraft and mother nature, and how these can be used to create a better foundation for improving how the industry works, but reducing, reusing and upcycling scraps and working to find a safer way to dye and colour fabrics.
My goals as a designer are to create things that reduce waste, pollution and use up what we have before making more. We have enough fabric left over for everyone to use including deadstock and end of the roll as well as access to materials that can be turned into dyes. I want to showcase this approach to try and help change the industry and create a less wasteful world of fashion. We are the next generation to take over and we can be the change needed in a very old system.
INSPIRATION
I was inspired by my own interests and beliefs in witchcraft and mother nature.
Before the tomes and books of churches and government existed, pagans and witches believed in the respect and care of nature - also known as 'mother nature'. As a practicing witch, I wanted to incorporate these ideologies into a fashion textiles collection. Looking at the culture of witchcraft and the associated symbolism: sigils (or energy words), animals and flowers. For example, does (considered a messenger for Mother Nature) and orchids (seen as a symbol of reproduction)
There is a whimsical feel to the collection, rather than the stereotypes of dark, foreboding witchcraft representing the incorporation of witchcraft in contemporary lifestyles. This collection respects nature by using sustainable, zero waste methods in draped garments coloured with botanical natural dyes such as avocados, hibiscus flowers, black walnut husks and other botanical ingredients.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Photography - @chrisbrownpht Modelled - @aps_xo
Year of the Witch moodboards
Year of the Witch moodboards
Year of the Witch moodboards
Year of the Witch line-up
Colour scheme
Fabric dye
Print design
Work in Progress
Final piece, on a mannequin
DETAIL
A nature focussed collection that respects the ancient culture of witchcraft.
The oversized kimono zerowaste patern was inspired by the idea of a Supreme Witch, who was a mother-like figure for the coven who often had the strongest connection to mother nature. The dress is inspired by looking at the portrayals of young witches in modern media. The Orchid is a symbol of femininity and the reproductive system, so it’s embraced as a symbol of mother nature as well as being associated with love and sex. The doe is another symbol connected to mother nature, seen as a messenger for those looking for good luck, love and freedom. Sigils are used throughout witchcraft in order to push magic and give it a location to sit safely and focus on, with it being exclusively in light magic, as it's only used for good reasons
Fashion is powerful and you can create a change with it. We have the power to make an impact and change the fashion industry for the greater good. Never be sorry for wanting to change for the better.
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
