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My main interest in fashion has always been sustainability, believing in the importance of reimagining existing materials before creating something entirely new. During my time at Anglia Ruskin, I have had the opportunity to explore this topic in both commercial and one-of-a-kind experimental pieces, allowing me to balance creativity with environmental responsibility.
Throughout my course, I have had countless opportunities to explore various aspects of fashion design and given the support needed to enhance my skills. I am very keen on trying out new textile techniques and this has helped to keep me inspired through my creative design process. I chose to continue pursuing textile design during my final year for my own collection. This experience has been both creatively fulfilling and technically challenging, allowing me to refine my design identity while deepening my understanding of materials, processes, and personal expression.
My collection Rewoven Waste is a five-outfit sustainable collection that explores themes of consumption, waste, and the drastic impact this has had on the planet. Inspired by 1960s fashion, a pivotal era when mass garment production became mainstream. This collection reflects on how the fashion industry's rapid growth has contributed to environmental degradation. I used deadstock and recycled fabrics, as well as recycled plastics fused to textiles.
Through the exploration of weave, I hand-crafted my own unique materials, combining traditional techniques with creative processes to highlight the beauty and potential of reclaimed waste. Rewoven Waste aims to evoke a sense of responsibility and awareness towards the planet.
Designer HODAKOVA was a big inspiration for me throughout this project. HODAKOVA created innovative designs from waste and unconventional items. The history includes spoons, bras, berets, old trousers, and many more.
I took historical garment references from the 1960s, particularly from Pierre Cardin and his infamous space age designs. From a young age I was influenced by hits of the swinging 60s as my father is a huge fan of the music from that decade. I was also able to look at family photos for reference and this heavily swayed my choice of garment types used in this collection.
In order to stick to my topic of sustainability on a budget and strict time schedule, I involved my community by asking friends and family to collect unwanted plastics such as bubble wrap and plastic bags. I also sourced discarded textiles headed for the rag bin from a local charity shop. Using these materials, I conducted a series of sampling and design development. I considered how this may work for commercial use and researched other designers who have worked in similar ways.
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