About Me
Hi, I'm Amber a fashion graduate from Arts University Bournemouth
Amber Colao is a fashion design student, specialising in womenswear. Incorporating sustainable studio practice has become an integral part of her design process, alongside the use of digital fashion software, such as CLO3D. Previous work has included topics on culture, the natural environment and identity, to create thought-provoking outcomes.
Having previously come from a fine art background, drawing and illustration is an important aspect for me to bring into my fashion work (hand-drawn print designs, embroidery, or final fashion illustrations). I integrate the natural world into my garments, whether this is through print, shape and silhouette, or fabric choices. Being half Italian inspires me to bring my family heritage into my designs in previous projects, and will continue to influence my designing. I enjoy combining my digital skills in software with more traditional fashion design methods to create an integrated approach.
INSPIRATION
Forget-me-not - a collection inspired by the forgotten women in science.
This collection aimed to raise awareness of the contributions women in science made on our understanding of the natural world. Forget-me-not is an eco-conscious and sophisticated collection that makes women feel strong and beautiful. Focusing on Mary Anning (an English Palaeontologist), along with other female scientists. Inspired by the vegetation, landscape and fossils of Dorset, in particular Lyme Regis where Mary Anning lived.
The garments take inspiration from these women, the fossils they were searching for, with the aim to create pieces that make the wearer feel feminine and confident. The collection also tackles the fashion industry’s negative impacts on the environment, through more sustainable studio practice. By using digital pattern cutting software, the toiling process was reduced by half, minimising waste fabric and saving resources. The collection is fresh and modern with historical references.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Concept
Concept
Design Development
Design Development
Toile Development
Final Dress
Toile Development
Final Blouse
Final Flared Top
Final Jacket
CLO3D Garments
Photoshoot
Photoshoot
Photoshoot
Photoshoot
Photoshoot
Final Lineup
Illustrations
Range Plan
DETAIL
Combining digital with traditional
This collection combines the use of digital fashion with traditional pattern cutting methods. I used this integrated approach to design, enabling an eco-conscious outcome. I drew a screen print design inspired by the flora and fauna Lyme Regis, with variations to scale and colour. A fresh choice of colour palette and fabrics, with a modern aesthetic to make the historical references current. All fabrics and trims were sourced from the UK to support local companies. I collaged images of my fossil and shell collection to inspire the shape and silhouette of my designs.
Grateful for where I'm at, excited about where I'm going
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