Saona Tomlinson

Contact:
saonatomlinsondesign@gmail.com
University/School:
Birmingham City University
Location:
Birmingham
Specialism:
Award NomineeFashion DesignFashion GraphicsGender NeutralIllustrationKnitwear Design
About Me

Hello, I am Saona Tomlinson from Birmingham City University

I am inspired by life experiences and feelings, incorporating these into my designs and work including the concept of my final project; connection and linking people together. Research has taken me exploring the postal system and how they can join individuals together, family connections and most importantly WHY do I feel so happy when receiving these letters?

Since the original spark of my concept over a year ago, my attitude towards my concept has evolved. Originally I feel like the idea stemmed from the sadness of being homesick whilst living overseas away from family and friends. But over time, it has turned into such a positive feeling and memory looking back as it just showed that I really do appreciate and love them. I think this has changed my attitude towards my whole collection, as it evolved into wanting to know why it makes me happy and the reason behind this feeling.

INSPIRATION

"Sent With Love - Happiness In An Envelope".

The starting idea of my collection was sparked in early 2020 whilst I was living away from home and feeling a little bit homesick; when a letter arrived in the post from my family it immediately filled me with joy and almost felt like the handwritten letters were a physical extension of home! There was something different about receiving a physical letter as it kicked off the start of my love for classic mail futhermore, inspiring my graduate collection - "Sent With Love - Happiness In an Envelope"

The main form of how my concept has evolved is due to the pandemic lockdowns, many others can relate to being away from family and wanting to reconnect physically with loved ones. This is why I feel like incorporating my own family photos and feelings into this project has become more meaningful as this year many others have had these same feelings of joy when something came through the mail... even if it was just an online shopping order!!

MY WORK

PORTFOLIOS

DETAIL

Transformational Garments with Washer and String laser cut disks

A crucial element of my collection is garment transformations and allowing my clothing to mutate to fit the individual wearing whether it be changing the length or personal aesthetic preference. Adjustable string and washer disks inspired from my research of connection and envelopes are attached at points of the garments which allow personalisation by adjusting the strength of the pull causing different gathering of fabric and the order/arrangement of the strings transforming the shape of the garments depending on which disks are pulled together. This allows my garments to have many possible outcomes for styling and can be modified to suit the body type of any person wearing them - making my collection more versatile when unable to make the full 6 look collection.

"Sent with love"
Award NomineeFashion DesignFashion GraphicsGender NeutralIllustrationKnitwear Design
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