About Me
Hi! I'm Kathryn, a fashion graduate from Heriot-Watt University
I'm a Scottish designer, who is interested in exploring the sustainable future of fashion, especially handmade slow fashion. I value design that is both functional, but also brings a sense of joy to the wearer, whether through the use of bright colours, unique craft elements or interesting textures.
Building on my love for art and crafts as a child, I am passionate about learning and exploring how hand and craft techniques, like knitting, beading and smocking, can be used in modern and fresh ways within garment design. My design aesthetic could be described as eclectic, joy-filled Throughout my time at university I have gained experience designing for various markets, however for my honours project 'Kid' I focused on designing ready to wear womenswear.
INSPIRATION
Exploring the theme of childhood nostalgia, through juxtaposing influences in Y2k and regency style
In the wake of the pandemic, many people my age feel the last of their adolescence was stolen from them, as the expectation is to transition to adulthood, work full-time jobs, and live a functioning adult life. When reflecting on on this, and considering how rising trends like dopamine dressing, period dramas, and crafting all play into our desire to seek escapism and increase joy in our everyday lives, I drew inspiration from all these areas to explore this concept.
The contradiction of highly capable emotions and skills with the bizarre influence of social media slang and jokes give this generation a non-traditional adult perspective, which in this collection is represented by the juxtaposition in the bringing together of inspirations from regency era fashion and early noughties nostalgia. This unique market wants joyful, special and trend led pieces, which uplift and brighten the everyday, playing into the idea of dress up as a child.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
Unique Craft Elements
Developed from my trend research into the return to crafting, I explored several different techniques to add interest to my collection. Inspired by the regency era, I explored hand smocking, or Canadian smocking, where stitches are placed in certain patterns on a grid in order to create different folds and shapes on the right side of the fabric. This was a time consuming but rewarding process, and adds a unique textural element to my garments. Other hand craft techniques I incorporated were embroidery, beading, crochet and knit, as well as utilising technology such as lasercutting - to create the small acrylic beads- and sublimation printing.
I love using bright colours and a range of embellishments to bring depth to my designs, and most importantly, to bring joy to the wearer!
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