Arts Thread

‘A home is mine’ is a practice-based research project driven by methods to build emotional durability, and therefore longevity, into clothing. It also documents a technical journey, developing a unique methodology for knitted garment design as well as an understanding of advanced knit technology. The outcomes marry together this conceptual research and deep technical thinking, and the final garments stand alone as beautiful 2D pieces. They invite a connection and relationship with the wearer by becoming a recognisable garment once on the body. This collection should be used as examples of new ways of thinking, exploring alternative garment making methodologies and challenging the use of knitwear technology.

Passive designer is a concept driven project developed by William Hector and Minnie Reed. The project was developed out of a frustration for the current system of fast fashion and looks to explore a potential fashion future. Although inspired by the efforts made in sustainability globally, they share the belief that the only way to evoke real change to save our planet is a systematic shift of how the industry operates. This project explores a future where sustainable design is achieved through new technology and digital manufacturing. Working with a new digital methodology has potential to challenge the design process and reduce waste in production. AI generated imagery has been used as a way of embracing our looming digital reality and exploring how this will become a creative tool for the future as well as questioning  whether AI is the new frontier of de-platforming creatives. The final knitwear garments explore both the use of AI as a creative tool for inspiration (look 1 -simul(ai)ted) and realising a garment as AI has created it (look 2 – generated) This is a conversation which will go onto shape the future of our industry and William and Minnie hope this project raises some interesting questions as well as a glimpse at what the future of design could look like with sustainability at its core.

Minnie Reed’s graduate collection ‘Crafted Tactility’ explores sustainability through value. Evolving from researching domestic knitting as an inherently sustainable craft, it explores the ideas of value, process, and use. To capture her research the focus was put on the use of contrasting neutral and natural materials, such as lambswool and paper. This exploration of subtle texture guided the development of the fabrics. By placing an emphasis on hand finishing, her final collection is made up of fabrics that highlight and celebrate imperfection, irregularity, and repair. By championing slow crafts in this way, she aims to spotlight the importance of valuing the textiles and garments that we own and choose to buy. BA TEXTILE DESIGN_CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS

WINNER OF THE SHIMA SEIKI EUROPE STUDENT COMPETITION.

Faded Luxury began initially with the personal feeling of luxury I felt living at home during COVID-19 lockdown and progressing to explore more physical and typical indicators of luxury. The architecture of a Georgian mansion begins to mix with the organic imagery. The project resulted in conceptual interior solutions exploring the idea of protecting ordinary objects with knitted cosies. BA TEXTILE DESIGN-CSM

Exploring the principles of emotionally durable design through the concept of 'home'. Home as a feeling represents a connectedness that many people relate to and is central to my research. Learning and discovering the possibilities of knitwear, both technically and within this concept. MA FASHION KNITWEAR_NTU