About Me
Queer trans designer, maker and performer based in Manchester, UK.
Jo's practise is heavily influenced by their experience as a trans person; marginalised by wider society. They also find themseleves unrepesented and unserved in fashion. They reflect on intersectionality and sustainabilty, and their work aims to be as socially and environmentally responsible as possible within this climate.
"I want to make other people feel seen, I want to show trans people that someone in this industry realy cares about their wants and needs." Jo says, "As a trans person myself I understand the nuances of gender diversity, my insight is not universal but I'm always learning and listening to other peoples experiences."
INSPIRATION
Following trans people's relationship to fashion and lack of representation in kink clothing.
The collection 'T4T KINKWEAR' was created pimarily due to the lack of inclusion of trans people within kink fashion. The designer, models, makers, photographers, interviewees were all transgender. Notably the collaborative work with a fellow trans designer, Scar Kennedy, who helped to produce beautiful knitwear pieces within the collection. Queer nightlife and culture is also an influential part of the design process with Jo taking inspiration from performing as a drag clown, Jelly Tot.
Jo states "I just really wanted the opportunity to work with latex; to explore such an unusual fabric. A lot of my design work comes from understanding materials and their qualities." They explanin that an important aspect of sustainability was achieved through reusing offcuts given to them by a friend, with careful placement of patterns and some patchworking to limit waste too.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
T4T KINKWEAR. Laser cut latex details.
Inspiration imagery.
Colour, fabric, pattern.
Inflatable latex concept.
Drape; rope, rubber, latex.
Clown panties, patchworking second hand latex.
Styling the latex ruff collar.
Working final lineup, to be developed further.
Interview and resulting CADs and final design.
Interview and resulting CADs and final design.
Details, CADs and final design.
Interview and resulting CADs and final design.
Final outfits, styling and photography.
Close up final outfits, styling and photography.
Final outfits, styling and photography.
DETAIL
Harnesses made more sustainable by using recycled tire inner tubes.
After contacting a local bike shop, Jo collected a bag of popped tire inner tubes - destined for the recycling centre. This rubber could be put to a more fun use, and take a lot less energy to give it a new life within fashion. The tubes had to be washed then sewn flat, into long strips to work with. Utilising beautiful chunky hardware into some aysmetric shapes. These alternative accessories layer into the collection and reflect aspects of the kink fashion subculture perfectly.
"Marginalised voices must be heard and fashion needs to change dramatically. It is socially and environmetally harmful to continue current practices. Reject capitalism."
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