About Me
Hi, I'm Abbie A Womenswear Designer from Birmingham City University
Abbie was inspired by women's harassment for her final collection, focusing on current issues that women face today regarding harassment, safety, and 'advice' on how to stay safe on the streets, published in police speech and the media. Screw 'Streetwise" 22 is a collection made to empower and celebrate the fierceness of women.
This collection includes varied garment types that explore an androgynous, sports/leisurewear style and silhouette and capture the aesthetic of the screw "streetwise" concept. The majority of the garments in the collection are quilted with a waterproof fabric, making the garments sturdy, compact and durable. Touches of sports/leisurewear and functionality reflect in the garments features. Print has been an important factor throughout- hand drawn illustrations, digitally printed onto fabric have been used to create four full looks, which also feature digital embroidery.
INSPIRATION
"women should be more streetwise"
Women’s safety has always been a crucial issue around the world. However throughout my time at university, I have witnessed it more harshly. 'Women should' 'Girls need to' and 'be more streetwise' are all ignorant and insensitive statements. Therefore, I have approached this topic and created a powerful fashion statement, in the form of a four look collection. Bold quirky prints and bright colours are key features that reflect the empowering & rebellious sports/streetwear style of this concept.
There was a desire to create a rebellious message within the collection. I wanted all four looks to be bold, and rememberable. Middle finger and mouth illustrations & screw "streetwise" newspaper clippings are main features that make up the print story of this collection. Touches of sports/leisurewear appear throughout combined with heavy quilting, feminine frills and stretch silhouettes to create unique texture and shape contrasts within outfits.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Introduction
Research 1
Research 2
Design development 1
Design development 3
Design development 4
Design development 5
Final Line up
Outfit breakdown 1
Outfit breakdown 2
Outfit breakdown 3
Styling
styling
DETAIL
Bold print work, Quilting, Frills and Embroidery
Bold print work and quilting were main focuses when it came to creating my collection. I explored different colour ways and print scales and digital embroidery which made my garments unique and edgy. I created my own illustrations that made up the key prints for my collection, printed on contrasting fabrics such as crushed velour and waterproof which really made the prints pop. I also designed illustrations that were digitally embroidered with coloured threads, which became a rebellious and fun feature throughout the garments. Touches of sports/leisurewear and functionality reflect in my garments. In particular key elements are seen in the boxing shorts, with an extreme high waist, short legs, made with shirring elastic to ensure multiple fits/sizes. Varied bomber jackets with sports inspired shoulder pannels, and elasticated cuffs/ hems/ neck bands , made with shirring elastic. In addition stretch garments made in crushed velour.
"A Girl Should be Two Things: Who and What She Wants" - Coco Chanel
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