About Me
Fashion Design Graduate from Leeds Arts University
Eli Heijink is a multidisciplinary Fashion Designer, specialising in Gender Neutral Fashion and collaboration, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Eli showcased his collection at his own event 'Mx GRRRL' as well as at the GFW24 Collective Show and GFW24 Talent of Tomorrow Creative Photoshoot, he was also shortlisted for the GFF Snag Inclusive Fashion Award.
Whilst studying Fashion Design, I have gained experience from a variety of opportunities. After completing an internship at Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, I was able to put my knowledge of collaborative creativity towards organising my own event to showcase my graduate collection: 'Mx GRRRL'. Additionally, throughout my graduate collection I have connected with the DIY aesthetic, based on both the sustainable approach and the ability to customise clothes to reflect individuality and self expression. Utilising a genderless approach, I design garments to celebrate and empower underrepresented people.
INSPIRATION
Utilising music, collaboration and customisation as an outlet of self expression.
Mx GRRRL is a gender-neutral collection celebrating and empowering women, Trans, and Non-Binary people within the feminist community. Focusing on collaboration and the DIY aesthetic, Eli Heijink addresses social issues personal to him. As a Transgender man, Heijink uses this collection to communicate his relationship with feminism. The initial inspiration from the Riot Grrrl and Punk movements stemmed from Heijink’s experience discovering his identity, reflecting on these movements as an emotional outlet.
Heijink creates expressive collages inspired by Riot Grrrl and Punk music, which he discovered during a period of self-discovery. Inspired by the DIY ethos of Riot Grrrl, 'Mx GRRRL' also became a collaborative event aimed at raising awareness and creating a safe space for minorities to explore identity and use fashion to inspire change. This embodies Viv Albertine's idea that "everything we do in life is meaningful on a political level."
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
Mx GRRRL: Sustainable DIY Fashion Blending Queer Culture, Cyanotype Prints, and Deconstructed Styles
'Mx GRRRL' as a collection features a variety of deadstock fabrics, including wool, denim, woven cottons, cashmere selvedge trims, and scrap leather. Heijink’s approach embraces the DIY spirit, advocating for sustainability in the face of climate change. The designs highlight large metal eyelets, oversized safety pins, abstract draped shapes, and cyanotype prints. Blue is a prominent colour, seen in bleached denim and blue tartan, with cyanotype printing contributing a raw, homemade look. Heijink's techniques showcase a draped, free-flowing DIY aesthetic that resonates with Queer culture. A standout feature is the print, created by layering a collage painting inspired by music and a childhood photo. Cyanotype printing emphasises Prussian blue tones, enriching the fabric textures with a deconstructed Punk vibe. Some pieces merge cyanotype with tailored elements for a cohesive style, including frayed seams and a 3D, double-layered lapel, reflecting advanced techniques within the deconstructed theme.
“use clothes to shock, irritate and provoke a reaction but also inspire change […] Its OK not to be perfect, to show the workings of your life and your mind.” - Viv Albertine
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
