About Me
I AM MILLIE SMITH A GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON.
The outdoors creatively charges me. Stimulated by exploration, I am inspired by the adventurous. Designing in a resourceful and environmentally considerate way is essential to my process. Womenswear design and textile experience gained at Finisterre, Cornwall. Denim and casual wear design experience at French Connection, London.
My process is defined by leaving minimal environmental impact yet making a lasting impression to protect the planet. The Atlas collection explores and executes the process of upcycling denim in an original way. Reworking the fabric and reinventing the application of print and graphics onto the textile with a non-toxic environmentally considerate method. Providing disused denim with a second life.
INSPIRATION
‘Out the door to explore.’ I am creatively alert when outdoors.
Getting ‘out the door to explore’ is my daily mantra. The wilderness relieves anxiety and fuels exhilaration, building and releasing physical and mental energy. An Atlas shows what’s possible, a map invites you and a backpack carries you. Adventurers Jane Goodall, Florence Arthaud and Cheryl Strayed inspired this collection. Sustainably sourced and repurposed fabrics have been used throughout, validating the environmentally conscious nature of the Atlas collection.
Design influence originated from my muse’s outfits: structured adventurer uniform, makeshift relaxed hiking gear and playful maritime activewear. Shape and silhouette informed by backpacks, tents and tarpaulin, the protection and safety needed in the wilderness. Adaptable and multifunctional, the garments can be worn in many ways, responding to their wearer and surroundings. Vintage Lectratone textures, stimulated a laser etched landscape graphic print, that runs through the collection.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
Deconstructing and repurposing denim
A story of an abstract rural landscape takes you through the collection. Etched into the denim is the narrative of topographic textures, drawing and symbols that create graphic scenes, interpreting my muse’s surroundings. Denim swimwear and sits amongst the looks, a playful juxtaposition between fabric and silhouette. Alfresco shelters influence versatile asymmetric shapes that can be worn multiple ways. Details of ties, drawstrings and straps hold the Atlas garments together, allowing for variety in how the garments are worn, increasing their longevity. The collection is responsive and personal to the wearer.
My process is defined by leaving minimal environmental impact yet making a lasting impression to protect the planet.
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