Textile Design Student Work Brochure 2022

TEXTILE DESIGN

2022

Nick Rodgers Programme Leader: Textile Design nicholas.rodgers@dmu.ac.uk dmu.ac.uk/textiledesign dmutextile.design

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This year we, again, celebrate the fantastic achievements of our Textile Design students. During their years at De Montfort University they have had to navigate through a global pandemic as well as their studies and they have done this with aplomb. This resilience, as well as their creative and technical skills, has prepared them for diverse roles as designers for fashion or interior textiles, as studio or freelance designers, designer makers, as well as careers in education and so much more. We also celebrate the work of students who have focussed on an investigation of themes relating to textile design in their writing.

The diversity of approaches to textile design can be seen not only in the textile disciplines of print, mixed media, weave and knit, but also in the themes that have been explored such as: Euphoric Transcendence, Lost Worlds, Shifting Tides, Florals at Dusk, Artificial Suburbia and many more. Our students have taken the opportunity to explore their discipline in depth and it has been a real pleasure to follow them on their journey, to see ideas evolve and to witness how they have grown in confidence.

Textile Design at De Montfort University has a heritage dating back to the school of textiles which was founded in 1885. The course continues to have a focus on creative innovation and technical expertise.

We provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary textile design practices including ethical and sustainable production, ensuring that our students have the knowledge and skills that are required for a global market.

This year students have continued to take part in national and international competitions such as The Bradford Textile Society competition, I-Dott wallcoverings award, Fashanne 2022 and New Designers awards. Students have also received awards and bursaries from The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters and The Leathersellers Company.

Since 2021 the course has also provided students the opportunity to work on live projects with companies such as Amtico flooring, Dulux and Sainsburys (for the Habitat range). Senior design staff in these companies continue to praise the course on the standard of work that the students create, and these projects have also led to employment opportunities.

All of the achievements by the students would not be possible without the fantastic support and knowledge of the technical teams that they work with so we must thank Claire Baines, Kelly Mc Robie, Michaela Wilson - George, Steve Slack, Yakshi Malhotra, Claire Hyson Alexandra Palmer, Sophie Ison – Dawson, Rob Jones, Graham Lee and Chris Ball. There will be many more staff throughout the university who will have had a great impact on the students’ journey, and we thank them.

We also must thank the Textile Design Course team for supporting the students throughout their journey: Nicola Taylor, Pasqualina larrobino, Kate Johnson, Elizabeth Scott, Dr Claire Lerpiniere, Dr Mark Bradshaw and Buddy Penfold.

We wish all of our graduating students well with the exciting challenges that await them in whichever career path they choose to follow.

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Rhiannon Weaver

Throughout my time at university, I have developed a specialist passion for embroidered and embellished textiles. With a particular emphasis on florals, my work features a variety of techniques including innovative beadwork, fabric manipulation, digital embroidery, and natural dyeing techniques. My work is predominantly designed for luxury fashion with a focus on creating threedimensional embellishments using experimental techniques.

An interest in sustainability encourages me to make conscious decisions which are fundamental within my design process. This was recognised by achieving a DMU Roadley Award for innovation towards sustainable design. My final collection ‘Silken Bloom’ is inspired by romantic floral motifs of the 1970’s, using a combination of techniques such as digital print, laser cutting and digital embroidery to approach this aesthetic in a contemporary way. I have explored using hemp fibres and natural dyes for some of my designs, to incorporate ideas of eco-fashion associated with the 1970’s.

rhiannonweavertextiles artsthread.com/profile/rhiannonweaver linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-weaver-7821081b9 rhiannon.weaver@hotmail.co.uk

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bethw_designs

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bethw.textiledesign@gmail.com

Beth Whiteley As a textile designer specialising in mixed media, I challenge myself to push the boundaries of traditional embroidery techniques. My work with unusual and surprising materials – such as PVC, leather and TPU, has allowed me to explore the possibilities of mixed media textiles within a contemporary fashion environment. I love to find odd materials and transform them into something beautiful. For my design work, I look towards various media such as film, photography and art for inspiration and to broaden my knowledge of conceptual ideas. A major part of my design identity is my use of colour and pattern; I gravitate towards playful pastels with pops of neon, creating palettes which feel youthful but still sophisticated.

Throughout my final major project collection – ‘Artificial Suburbia’, I have abstracted visual information from various objects to develop exciting patterns, which I then translated into fabric and stitch. Within an ever developing, technological environment, I aim to experiment with modern technologies (such as laser cutting and 3D printing) to challenge peoples’ preconceptions of textiles and embroidery.

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Coleen Glover coleenglovertextiles coleenglover.art coleenglover7@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/coleen-glover-textiles I am a textile designer specialising in mixed media and a passionate watercolour artist. My designs are inspired by nature, florals and my love of historic period detailing. In my work I try to show the importance of colour and pattern with inspiration from influential artists such as William and May Morris, John Waterhouse and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. My design work is created via exploration of ideas through collages, watercolour painting, paper, stitch and fabric, manipulated and sculpted with reference to secondary research and prominent designers of past and present, such as Kit Miles and de Gournay textiles and wallpapers. My collection focuses on stitch, surface, texture and embellishment using conservational and sustainable techniques and materials. It captures timeless, beautiful designs that will appeal to all generations.

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Esme Lever

I am a textile designer specialising in mixed media. My work features a range of techniques including digital, machine and hand embroidery. I have a particular interest in exploring structure in textiles through pattern and texture which is why my final major project is inspired by manmade structures. I have a strong attention to detail and a love for texture, surface and colour. This is shown in my final collection which is designed for a cosy interior space.

esme_textiles esmelever@yahoo.co.uk

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Yasmin Waseem yasminstextiles

yasminwaseem328@gmail.com

My final collection “Exploring Lost Worlds” is based on the hidden fossils being discovered and the textures surrounding them. My inspiration came from my photography of fossils, which I then translate onto fabric. Through my research, it was highlighted how women are often dismissed within paleontology, motivating me to create a collection that incorporates both rough and delicate textures. This inspiration allowed me to create this womenswear S/S 202223 collection consisting of beading, hand embroidery, and digital machine embroidery. My final collection highlights my passion for detailed beading, with hand and digital embroidery, along with the use of macramé.

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Anning Li anning.coisini.textile

anningserenity@gmail.com

This project is about communication time travel, specifically looking at expression of feelings and thoughts through hand-written letters and stamp collecting. Design elements have been inspired by different patterns on the tickets, and everything you see on the way to the post office. A broad colour palette is utilised throughout the project taking specific inspiration from plants and botanicals. Fabric designs are intended for interior and fashion markets to be displayed as individual art pieces.

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Hoi Lam Leung hoilamleungtextiles artsthread.com/profile/hoi-lamleung hoilamleung0@gmail.com

Being a textile designer in a mixed media specialty, my strength and interests lie within drawing, designing, and the hand-making of lifestyle pieces combining both form and function. Creative ideas are generated from my affection for the nature, visits to exhibitions, and travelling. In the designing process, I consider it paramount to achieve sustainable and ethical objectives.

The pictures exhibited here show my collection titled “Majorelle” which was inspired by the botanical gardens of French artist Jacques Majorelle in Morocco. The garden stood out for its unique, blue-coloured, geometric architecture, cacti, and other botanicals. My collection features women’s accessories such as necklaces, headbands, and earrings. I have experimented with sustainable epoxy resin and polymer clay as the main materials utilised. The exercise was a real challenge, but I enjoyed the experience as this has always been my way of professional development and growth. I have a passion for fashion accessories and am planning on working in this area of industry.

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Chloe Leung I am a textile designer specialising in mixed media. My main focus is hand embroidery, embellishments, creating structures, and different textures. My final project is influenced by manmade structures versus nature.

For this project I have decided to do something different in terms of colour and concept. My theme includes looking at nature, specifically vibrant florals as well as symbols found in cultural traditions such as folklore and festivals. In the future I would like to assist others and I would like to develop my skills in mixed media and learn more techniques and methods within this pathway.

chloeleung112@gmail.com cl_designs1

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Charlie Jones

As a mixed media designer, I focus my work on surface design. Throughout this project I have explored the many opportunities the specialism provides such as digital embroidery, embellishment and have developed my own surface manipulation technique through my time on the course. I have also taken an interest during my third year in printed and woven textiles. Throughout my final major project, I have developed on this by adapting my digital print knowledge and also weaving with leather to create a new fabric form.

Euphoric Transcendence investigates the rave and drug culture scene of the 90’s inspired by music, art and fashion of the time. This has resulted in a contemporary couture fashion collection that pays homage to the iconic movement. Inspiration was gathered from many designers including, Damien Hirst, Dior and Bridget Riley. The fully resolved collection presents a juxtaposition of colour clashes with textile techniques.

crjtextiles charliejones2405@gmail.com artsthread.com/profile/charliejones linkedin.com/in/charlie-jones-a67726232 12

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Kitty Hall kitty.anais.textiles linkedin.com/in/kitty-hall-55a95822a kitty.a.hall@gmail.com

Throughout my studies, I have gravitated towards specialising in mixed media textiles because of the experimental and creative nature to build a surface from a base material.

The process of taking a plain piece of material and transforming it through my skill, processes and vision is second to none. My degree has allowed me to advance my technical skill and design abilities whilst also developing my textile testing, written work and research processes.

My final collection explores ‘Florals at Dusk’, translating this into mixed media textiles. My collection is situated in the high-end fashion market, using techniques and materials that are suitable for a fashion outcome whilst also being experimental. The high contrast of black and white is echoed throughout my collection, symbolising the lightness into darkness at dusk. I have explored digital embroidery, hand embellishment and fabric manipulation to represent my theme.

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Aidah Chishti aidahctextiles

aidah_27@hotmail.com

As a textile designer specialising in mixed media, I like to take an innovative and contemporary approach to design. My work is inspired by bold, vivid colour and finding ways to combine a range of techniques for ready-to-wear womenswear.

My final major project titled ‘Wild Aura’ inspired by nature focuses on shape, texture, and repeat. I have taken a unique approach in this project using techniques such as laser cutting, digital printing and fabric manipulation.

My project is heavily influenced by Paco Rabanne’s chainmail collection.

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Kate Toogood

The inspiration for my final major project comes from my surroundings in the urban environment, particularly the textures, shapes, and colours. My work has been created on domestic, dubied and digital knitting machines, exploring different types of stitches and processes. Specialising in knit has allowed me to develop skills on these machines and my design aesthetic. The samples I have created use a variety of yarns and my consideration of natural and recycled fibres, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, have helped me achieve the DMU Roadley Award for sustainable techniques. I also achieved the Rouse Award from the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters for my innovative experiments with my knitted samples on a range of different knitting machines.

kt.textiles katetoogood20@gmail.com 15

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Daisy Lawrence

In the current cultural climate, perception of body image, unfortunately, defines us and influences our everyday decisions. My collection aims to eliminate the stigma around nontraditional body types. I aim to create garments that are all-inclusive and do not discriminate against anyone while making the person wearing the garment feel like the best version of themselves. The inclusion of sustainability elements in my pieces aim to address the negative impact that fashion related manufacturing has on the environment.

With body positivity being my core ethos as a designer my use of knitted textiles has allowed my garments to be more forgiving and have more stretch to them, which in turn celebrates rolls and accentuates curves rather than hiding them away to fit into an unrealistic beauty standard that today’s society has set for all genders. My knitted pieces use specific techniques to highlight the body shapes by aiming to generate movement and fabricate light and texture on the skin.

daisylawrence5@gmail.com

daisylawrence5.wixsite.com/portfolio

linkedin.com/in/daisy-lawrence-41aa22148

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Charlie Atkinson charlieatkinson_textiles artsthread.com/profile/charlieatkinson linkedin.com/in/charlie-atkinson charlieatkinson2010@hotmail.co.uk

As a textile designer specialising in knitwear for fashion I find inspiration through bright colours, fun textures and responsible designing. My collection is for S/S womenswear which is based on coral bleaching and the effects it has on our environment. Throughout my time at DMU I have been able to experiment and learn new techniques to find my favourite aesthetic as a knit designer which has influenced my final collection.

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Antonia Hayward Experimenting and sustainability are two key aspects I include in my textile design process. I specialise in woven textiles and enjoy designing for fashion and interiors. My collection explores hidden details such as looking at how things change in different circumstances. For example, how colours and shapes will change in different lighting. In order to emulate the colour variations in my woven pieces, I ended up dyeing my collection. My revised concept enabled clear decisions for fibre choices. I researched into current sustainable fibres on the market including production and sourcing issues that may cause the fibres to not to be as sustainable. My concept won the DMU Roadley Award for supporting innovation in sustainability. My understanding of sustainability was developed through my placement year in which I worked with DMU’s sustainability team on implementing the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ across the university.

antonia_textiles_design linkedin.com/in/antonia-hayward-5a4b6a230 antonia.hayward11@outlook.com

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Sam Thornton My work is inspired by my desire to incorporate aspects of the natural world in my design work through a combination of relaxed colours and dynamic structures. My goal is to create fabrics for the home environment to be used as soft furnishings, cushions, throws and seat coverings, without contributing to the consumption of non-sustainable materials. I almost exclusively use sustainable fibres and yarn when weaving and designing. I prefer not to design for a specific season which is reflected in my work and colour schemes which majorly consists of light, calming colours and neutral tones.

samthorntontextiles linkedin.com/in/sam-thornton-613679236 thorntonweaves@hotmail.com

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Daisy Searle

As a woven textile designer I have a particular interest in creating both meaningful and vibrant pieces to enhance interior spaces. This collection explores the surrounding architecture in Leicester and uses the Cubist perspective of multiple viewpoints to distort imagery and develop geometric designs. I enjoy experimenting with blocked colour and weft-faced designs to create bold patterns. I am an enthusiastic and passionate designer who enjoys learning new techniques and I am excited to continue this journey into the woven textiles sector.

daisy.textiles daisy.searle@hotmail.co.uk artsthread.com/profile/daisysearle linkedin.com/in/daisy-searle-92a669230

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Phoebe Scragg phoebescragg.textiles phoebescragg@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/phoebe-scragg

I am a bold and vibrant designer specialising in weave. I am confident in handling fine and fiddly yarns and have enjoyed working with a variety of fibres and experimenting with different woven techniques within my design collections. I love experimenting with photography and CAD to develop interesting compositions and patterns to inspire my weaving. I am fascinated by the world of colour and enjoy developing colour palettes from inspiration I find in everyday life; inspiration is everywhere. My final major project is inspired by neon lights and iridescence with a dynamic use of colour being the centre of attention.

I have used viscose and lurex to recreate some of the luminosity found throughout my photography and sketchbook.

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Clare Allgood allgoodweaves

clareallgood@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/clare-allgood-32208b1b8

Having grown up near the Lake District, I have always been surrounded by nature which continually inspires my design work. My passion for photography allows me to capture the colours and textures of the outdoor environment which I then transform into woven designs.

My final project is a collection of woven interior fabrics inspired by the dynamic environment of coniferous forests. I explore biophilic design and the idea of blurring the line between outdoor and indoor spaces. After winning the DMU Roadley Award, I was able to source multiple sustainable yarns, including hemp, Tencel and linen, which has allowed me to create a collection made solely of cellulose fibres. I love to challenge myself technically and develop my designs by using different warp set ups and dyeing my own yarn. After spending a year as a product developer intern at Disney, I gained a great insight into the commercial fashion industry and was able to apply and develop my technical textiles knowledge to actual products.

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Aimee Zanetti aimeeztextiles artsthread.com/profile/aimeezanetti linkedin.com/in/aimee-zanetti-408bb7230 aimgeorgiazan21@gmail.com

I am an enthusiastic woven fabric designer. My passion lies within the construction of fabric and my design style incorporates unique shapes and colour combinations to produce an innovate and sustainable collection. I like to use fibres such as wool and organic cotton as I want to make my designs as sustainable as they can be and also use scrap yarn from previous warps to minimise the amount of waste in the manufacturing process. My collection “The Wild Ones” is inspired by the mods and rockers subculture- focusing my research into music and fashion during the swinging 60’s, I have developed a clear juxtaposition between the two subcultures. This collection is constructed using fancy fibres such as merino and mohair for a luxurious touch as my end product is premium scarves. I have taken inspiration for the pattern from the marks on tyres and woven fabric designers Margo Selby and Lori Seidemann.

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Chloe Rolfe

chloerolfe_design

crolfe1@hotmail.co.uk

“Rejuvenation” is a collection of woven textiles that aim to improve the mental wellbeing of consumer’s by meeting specific sensory needs. I decided to design for wellbeing due to the recent COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns, and the negative effect they had on many people’s mental Health. I based my concept on biophilic design, and how nature is being brought into home environments due to its beneficial effect on mental health. Key research included the Barbican Conservatory, and the textile designs of Hannah Brown. I developed my ideas by obtaining primary photographs of my selected subject matter, nature in urban environments. I used a variety of medias and drawing techniques to translate my imagery into woven design ideas. My market level was high-end, bespoke fabrics hand-woven in independent mills for a Spring / Summer 2022 Collection. The intended context was soft furnishings for home interiors, particularly multi-disciplinary textiles that met sensory needs.

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Marnie Walker marniewalkerdesign marniewalker20@icloud.com

My final major project ‘The Power of Colour’ was inspired by consumerism and how colour and shape can influence the consumer. My visual research consisted of photographs taken of shop shelves which I then abstracted to create simple block shapes. Exploration of repetition and scale combined with a fun, bright colour palette resulted in a dramatic geometric design collection presenting a collaged aesthetic.

My collection comprises of a mix of colourful and exciting hand and digitally printed fabrics and wallpaper. It explores a range of surface techniques, intended for interiors and lifestyle markets.I have embraced the imperfections that occur with hand screen printing, and have made the slightly imperfect handprinted look a part of my design aesthetic.

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Olivia Drew oliviadrewtextiles

oliviad73@sky.com

The initial concept for my final collection focuses on the classical subject of mosaic tiles and scenes from the Ancient Byzantine Empire but updating it with a modern, bright colour scheme. I wanted to push the traditional colour palette, combining a large mixture of bright and deep colour to create a sophisticated collection. My design aesthetic encompasses unique pastel marks in a range of scales used within my own mosaic scenes. From this I was able to turn traditional floral and foliage imagery into something abstract and graphic. I used this style to construct a totally new body of work taking a contemporary approach to mark making. My designs have a strong focus on pattern, colour and texture, meaning that they could be applied to a wide range of garments or products. I have explored both hand and digitally printed techniques finding that I am strong at creating interesting and marketable designs in both styles. In the future I would like to work in the fashion industry, taking my design aesthetic to the ready-to-wear market.

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Samantha wong foliages_design wongsamantha147@gmail.com

I am a textile print designer from East Asia and my collection has mainly been inspired by my own cultural heritage. Traditional art heritage techniques such as paper cut outs have been particularly enjoyed throughout this project and although time intensive, the results have been a huge success. To develop the designs I have created repeating patterns for digital print and laser cutting outcomes combined with fabric layering to enhance the result. For this project I have pushed my digital skills and experimented with various textile processes to create unique combinations.

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Hollie Newton hollienewtontextiles

hollienewtontextiles@gmail.com

I am a textile designer specialising in printed textiles for interiors focused soft furnishing and wallpapers. My collection is greatly inspired by the intricate patterns and shapes associated with India, with my own twist on colour palette and texture. I really enjoy researching other cultural textiles including the influences traditions, surroundings and colours. My innate desire to travel and explore the world has influenced my style and is featured throughout my project.

During my time at DMU, I have had the opportunity to learn and experiment with many different techniques and digital design programmes. I enjoy working both by hand in the print studio and digitally, to produce unique and eye-catching designs, whilst consistently aiming to develop my skills, discovering the possibilities of where I can take colour and pattern to.

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Kelis Akua-Tima Darko

akuatextiles

linkedin.com/in/kelis-darko-790724200 kelisakua@icloud.com

As a printed textile designer who loves hand-rendered paintings and fashion portraiture my inspiration revolves around part of my West African heritage. Design elements such as colour, pattern and composition have been the main focus of my couture S/S womenswear/childrenswear collection. I decided to name this project “Sculptural Heritage” as it drapes around the concept of black Britain and elements of our culture that still draw us closer. Many of my designs were influenced by African sculptural hairstyles, life drawing and textural marks found in nature. Black fashion magazines and creatives like Nadine Ijewere and Amoako Boafo have helped me embrace my design identity and creative path.

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Chloe Smith chloesmithdesign chloesmith2409@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/chloe-smith-b2240b167 artsthread.com/profile/chloesmith3

Throughout the course I have found a particular interest in architecture. Photographing and drawing structures inspires my design work and personal style heavily.

My final major project followed architecture, the feeling of the night-time and the serenity that comes from the stillness of the evening. When night falls, shadows and silhouettes gather and form the caliginosity of the night so combining manmade structures with the evening was a concept I wanted to explore.

Inspiration for my drawing and design style comes from artists such as John Piper and companies such as Graham and Brown. My drawing style can be described as detailed and precise and my initial drawing and experimentation plays a large role in my designing.

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Madeleine Dempster madgedoesprints madeleinedemspter@yahoo.com

I am a printed textile designer inspired by urban society, upcycling and surface pattern. My final collection focuses on Leicester city and its diverse cultures. Inspiration has been taken from my own personal perspective and captured though my photography.

The majority of my collection pieces were digitally printed from designs I created on Photoshop and highly embellished using different techniques. Contrasting colours, bold lines and graphic writing define my unique style and has allowed me to create for both fashion and interior.

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Addison Hurst-Coker The aim throughout my work is to explore what is known very little to mankind. I am a curious and enthusiastic individual who enjoys working with vibrant, contrasting colours and loves learning various topics. I have refined my digital design skills via multiple types of software as I prefer to design my work digitally. Despite this I still use a range of techniques via screenprinting as I enjoy layering and experimenting with colour to find intriguing results. I therefore find myself drawn to unique designs and colour combinations that tend to stand out.

tales_of_textiles

addisonhctextiles@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/addison-hurst-coker-22b968210 32

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Emma Dronfield printsby.emma

emmadronfield@gmail.com

My design collection “Fallen Inflorescence” consists of a range of large-scaled prints, concentrating on flowers that my Grandad grew in his garden over the years. Throughout my time at DMU I have been drawn to the interiors side of design, investigating all areas specifically soft furnishings, this has also been the case for this collection due to tailoring it towards the comfort aspect I wanted to achieve. I have explored a range of processes and techniques both hand printing and digitally. With my knowledge and interest of Adobe Software and Procreate, I have been able to produce a variety of digital prints selectively combined with traditional techniques for my final collection.

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Sally Kennedy sallyhazeltextiles

Sally Kennedy

shk07kenn@gmail.com

My final major project “Natures Paintings” is an interior collection made up of a selection of hand printed fabrics and wallpapers. I adore flowers and nature and my work expresses that. I use my own photography and botanical findings to inspire paintings and screen-printed textiles. I use a variety of rich colour in my prints as it makes them come alive, my use of colour is heavily inspired by vintage florals and fabrics. I am excited about the future of my design work and where it will take me.

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Robyn Hill ‘Finding Beauty In The Shadows’ is a collection of screen-printed fabrics intended for the luxury fashion market. The concept behind this project is rooted in emotive expression and gender fluidity. I wanted to create a feeling of sensuality for the wearer by straying away from the typically prescribed masculine fabric choices, drapey satin and sheer silks contrasted with more structured denims creates a range of garments that can be layered together. A dark moody colour palette consisting of shades of grey and rich burgundy adds to the overall romantic aesthetic. With sustainability in mind the collection consists of a blend of luxury sustainable fibres as bamboo, orange fibre and ahimsa silk.

The inspiration for the prints themselves stemmed from the idea of ‘blooms emerging from the darkness’, a visual take on an emotion. Expressing that there’s always a way of creating something beautiful from the unexpected. Imagery was developed from cyanotype printing using dried roses, focussing on silhouettes, shadows, and negative space. The main purpose for this collection is to exhibit an unconventional way of expressing femininity and masculinity alongside one another. Giving a more luxurious yet alternative way for gender fluid people to express themselves visually.

robynhill.textiles@gmail.com

robynhill.textiles

linkedin.com/in/robyn-hill-64b903239

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Amy Williams Bygone days of horses and dreams is my latest collection. It combines my love of horses with a captivating bygone era of grace and flow in the form of carousels.

Looking at the movement, detail and vibrancy of the carousel animals, the exquisite detail in the paintwork and the geometry of the lines of the poles, and patterns in motion. Influenced by my recent work with electrical tape I was inspired to create complex designs exploring the properties of the tape further and use them to develop more definition and depth in the designs. I used a minimalist approach initially with a focus on the bridle and decorative detail of the carousel horse. The collection is in the form of silk prints creating quality scarves and accessories that have bold patterns and eye-catching colour. A combination of abstracted and minimalist detail and repeat pattern imagery provides a variety of prints. The collection lends itself to be used for wallpaper and interior décor as well as fashion ware.

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Harriet Billson WHAT ARE THE PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS AND AWARENESSES OF UNETHICAL CLOTHING FACTORIES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH?

This Research Project consists of the awareness of knowledge and opinions regarding young adult’s perceptions of the subject unethical clothing factories in the Global South. It acknowledges both the positives and negatives to unethical clothing factories and explores what could happen to underdeveloped countries if these factories were to diminish. The introduction provides necessary information regarding the subject and why this topic has been selected, it establishes the aims and objectives that are to be accomplished throughout this dissertation. The primary research provided opinions and knowledge on whether 18–25-year-olds are educated on unethical clothing factories. The findings from the primary research provided useful information in identifying how much young adults understand and are aware of the issues workers in unethical clothing factories face and what could be done to improve this. This research offers an insight to how the use of unethical factories could reduce if there was more education on them as consumer consumption may have the potential to change. Recommendations are discussed for further research on this topic.

hdbillson@gmail.com

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Amy Rowntree HOW SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CAN BE USED TO INFLUENCE SUSTAINABLE FASHION CONSUMPTION

With climate change on the rise, sustainable options are becoming commonplace; however, the fashion industry is one of the greatest polluters on earth and the uptake of sustainable fashion options is currently low (Lindsey and Dahlman, 2022; Clean Clothes Campaign, n.d). Arguably this is down to the comfort in mainstream fashion and the misconceptions of sustainable fashion.

Instagram is a valuable marketing tool due to it being built on visually appealing information. This thesis aims to find ways in which Instagram can be used to influence positive attitudes towards sustainable fashion options. With Millennial and Gen Z social media users becoming more socially aware, Instagram is the perfect grounds for sustainable fashion education.

Secondary research into the marketing of sustainable fashion, was followed by a content analysis focusing on the sustainable Instagram posts from the brands H&M, New Look and Lucy and Yak. Interviews were then completed with marketing professionals, to discuss the decisions behind the brands’ choices; a subsequent series of interviews and tasks with consumers, aimed to see which brand’s posts had the greatest influence on their sustainable fashion practise.

The research revealed Instagram is a valuable source for sustainable fashion education when the information is authentic and appealing. This information can have a positive effect on the consumer depending on their personal passions and knowledge levels. Recommendations are drawn as to how brands can use Instagram to spread awareness of sustainable fashion whilst creating a connection with consumers.

amyrowntree26@gmail.com

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