About Me
Hi, I'm Kirsten, a Fashion graduate from Northumbria University
I am a womenswear designer from Edinburgh, specialising in Leather Outerwear. I use pattern cutting and a variation of traditional and digital print methods to develop atmospheric and conceptual narratives.
When researching, I create mood boards of reference imagery before delving deeper into archival garment construction and detail. It is important for me to understand social issues behind the subcultures and trends that I research so my response can convey my own take on their message. My Initial collage takes imagery from modern and historical sources, juxtaposing silhouettes and fabrication to offer a unique and versatile range of contemporary garments. My collection has been designed with quality and craftsmanship at the core, allowing the wearer to feel empowered and provocative.
INSPIRATION
Exploring womens rights surrounding sexuality and reclaiming the witch as a symbol of female power.
‘Nicnevin’ is an AW23 Collection inspired by the great Scottish witch hunt of the late 15 and 1600s and the reasons in which women were accused of witchcraft; their intimidating knowledge and intelligence, their sexual freedom or promiscuity, and their connection to nature. The organisation ‘Witches of Scotland’ are campaigning to the Scottish government to pardon those who were historically tried and killed as witches, seeking justice so that their souls may rest at peace.
In this project I will be linking the way these women were persecuted to current affairs including the revoking of women’s rights surrounding her sexuality and bodily autonomy, and redefining the witch, a woman who is willing to challenge the norm, politically radical, provocative, sexually liberated and reclaiming the word as a symbol of female power. I will be juxtaposing historic garments and traditional print methods with 1970s punk subculture, exploring punk zines, occult erotica & the femme fatale.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Initial Research Collages
Biker Jacket Development
Biker Jacket Process
Leather Pant Process
Sublimation Print
Collagraph Print
Graphic T-shirt Process
Collagraph Repeat Lining
Leather Skirt Process
Harris Tweed Coat Process
Monoprint
Look 5 Development
Collection Lineup
Range Plan
DETAIL
I use pattern cutting and print to develop a narrative juxtaposing lightweight fabrics and leather.
With nods to my own Scottish roots, I investigate traditional fabric techniques and the landscapes around me where these women existed for colour and texture. I use leather for its durability that will stand the test of time & show domination, as well as donated deadstock Harris Tweed. In my print experimentation I use traditional methods such as monoprinting, relief printing and collagraphs to communicate the nature that they were surrounded by and nurtured so greatly as well as sublimation printing to create ethereal and atmospheric textiles. Using herbs, leaves and dried plants all found in my garden and the Pentland hills on my doorstep, one of the many places in Scotland that witch trials took place, I want to create beautiful prints inspired by the land and nature that the women accused of witchcraft lived. For some of these women it was their knowledge of herbal medicines and connection to nature, and ability to yield healthy crops that lead their neighbours to suspect their links to the occult.
“The witch is at once female divinity, female ferocity, and female transgression. She is all and she is one."― Kristen J. Sollee
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