About Me
Helen Protheroe - Menswear Designer [specialising in knitwear]
Hello, I’m Helen Protheroe a BA Fashion Design Graduate from Edinburgh College of Art. I specialise in knitwear and digital embroidery looking at layering tactile and sensory materials. My design approach looks to creating practical garments that are stylish and comfortable.
After studying fashion at Edinburgh, I realised my interest within functional fashion. Looking at sustainability in a way of responsible and considerate design, there was this idea of 'fit for purpose' and how this can be achieved through resolved design details. Whilst studying I applied for a bursary award with the Framework Knitters Company who have helped fund my yarns. It has been such an interesting experience developing my knit innovatively through the exploration of yarn properties and different woven techniques to create durable and long-lasting garments.
INSPIRATION
This collection represents the modern nomad man and proving him with shelter, protection and style.
‘From The Cradle To The Grave’ is a menswear Autumn/Winter 2023 collection centred around the urban nomad, the idea of adventure, exploration and is designed for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. With reference to Craig Green’s 2019 collection with Moncler, entitled ‘Wearable Habitats’, discussing how the conceptual themes of the home and family can be realised through design.
In discussion with friends and family about the role of a parent, keywords such as comfort, protect, educate and guide were quick to come up and I began exploring how these could be seen through textiles and fabric display. There is cosiness and almost relief in garments that have been with you for years and I wanted to push this idea forward in my collection weaving together different materials to create something new that still holds these personal qualities.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
From The Cradle To The Grave A/W 2023
DETAIL
I designed my knitwear pieces surrounding the idea of base layers looking at 70s ski apparel.
Alongside the wax cottons, ripstops and wools which ensure protection from all environmental elements, my knitwear and textiles were used to create a playfulness and excitement within the collection. I designed my knitwear pieces with less focus on the silhouette, concentrating instead on the use of panelling and colour blocking to create texture and pattern. Knit trims such as mohair piping, paracord drawstrings and rib details were used to provide functional design details within the knitwear. These base layers were inspired by 70s skiwear, leading to my eccentric and fun colour choices.
“What Could be More Radical Than Making Nothing At All?” — Christopher RÆBURN.
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
