My design choices come from what I see around me, often creating outcomes that reflect my interests and memories which can be related to by many. I think that fashion creates a platform for us all to show where we fit into society and my designs are a way of showing who I am as I create a path for myself and my career.
My aim is to make work that amplifies the beauty in the things that surround us. This includes objects, relationships and structures. I enjoy working with modern technology and unconventional materials to create products that are displayable and functional. I take inspiration from traditional techniques to adapt into my design process making my products contemporary with a nod to the past.
INSPIRATION
During lockdown living with my partner the way we would make each day feel different was a fact of the day. He is a graduate of physics so I would often receive facts on space and time and he would learn about art and fashion techniques. I began my research thinking of our differences and seeing if I could create a concept with them then I remembered some photographic slides of astrological events I had gifted him. I then came across observatories during my research, which perfectly joined our interests.
My third year at University I was set a two week project where I had to choose a book as a concept to create a garment. I chose a book called 'The Natural History Of Britain & Europe'. I used to take this book with me on walks when I was a child. I used the imagary inside to inspire my product which I used bamboo silk to make as I wanted to use a high quality natural fibre to reflect my research. My end product included circular channels and charms in response to berry forms.
DETAIL
I had to use leather offcuts to fit in with the briefing set by ARTSTHREAD and Rollacoaster for their 'Real Leather, Stay Different' International student Competition. I chose to use 3D printing to create a frame for leather slots to fit in so I could utilise smaller, thicker pieces of veg tanned leather. I created a capsule to hold two 3D printed figures creating the appearance of a couple laying inside an observatory stating up at the stars to further my concept. In order to make the 3D printed and leather pieces match in colour I chose to use a spray paint, which also covered imperfections in the leather offcuts.