About Me
UWE Fashion Textiles graduate designer, pattern cutter and maker
Hello! I’m Laura, a BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles graduate from the University of the West of England. I’m a multi-disciplinary, concept driven creative and my practice spans from research to final production - I am a womenswear, menswear and unisex designer, knitwear designer, creative pattern cutter, machinist, machine knitter, maker and researcher.
My aim is to employ environmentally-conscious design and production methods within my practice (to promote longevity and consideration within the wardrobe and industry alike) alongside a portfolio of unisex garments to ensure inclusivity and the relaxation of stereotypes. My work also delves into functionality and explores the ideas of multi-use and adaptable clothing – how can a piece of clothing work throughout the day for the wearer?
INSPIRATION
Material communications.
My graduate work – The 3-in-1: Daily Conscious Living – began with an exploration of juxtaposition. How do contrasting materials, techniques and textures communicate? How are they attached to one another? How do they behave when combined? Does this form a new relationship with the body? The inspiration for my research was focused around historical and modernist architecture - the contrasts between exterior and interior, the hard and soft, the draped and the structured.
Alongside this ran the concepts of layering, shelter, protection and functionality. The themes resonate with the time we lived/and continue to live in the pandemic – with all aspects of our lives having to function within our personal/home architecture. The collection blends knitwear and woven garments within neutral and monochromatic colour palettes to ensure the contrasting compositions become the focus without distraction - as a whitewashed or concrete wall would show it’s textures upon the surface.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
moodboard and inspiration
colour research
architectural exploration
knit interpretations
toile development
toile development
structure and drape
collaged line up
the adjustable trouser
draping, frames and colour
layering with colour
solid colour, flat plains
monochromatic explorations
fabric dyeing
working drawings and line up
DETAIL
Longevity, functionality and adaptability.
‘The 3-in-1’ presents a collection of outfits that can be worn throughout the day and within various different situations. The toile here tests 3 garments that work as one: the one-piece pattern outer garment (a structural layer), the stretchy knit base dress (posting through the outer layer to fasten the two) and the waterproof poncho that gathers up, acting as a pac-a-mac (adding the elements of shelter and protection). I have also designed an adjustable trouser that is a one-size-fits-all design – the pleated waistband can expand and contract as desired. The process ensures that only one trouser is produced for all and therefore eliminates the need for multiple patterns and sizes, in turn reducing waste. Making more sustainable choices is also key – I have used scrap materials to build my toiles, biodegradable and recycled yarns, peace silks, milk and plant fibre fabrics, and recycled and organic fabrics – reusing as much waste as possible also (for belt loops etc.).
‘’But the surface is far from superficial. Details matter. Textures are telling.’’ - White walls, designer dresses: the fashioning of modern architecture. Wigley, M. (1995)
Graduate Fashion Week in partnership with:
