oH: Chester Design Foundation Launch 2nd & 3rd November 2023 by MONIKA Studio

THIS IS HOW WE CELEBRATED THE LAUNCH OF THE oH FOUNDATION

LILI SIPEKI

KALOCSA 1 COLLECTION

Upcycled denim, heritage-inspired, sustainable. KALOCSA is a sustainable denim collection inspired by the traditional Hungarian embroidery called ‘KALOCSA’. Using different methods like digital printing, embroidery and applique techniques the garments feature a unique flower pattern based on these old embroidery motifs. The collection offers a limited and collectable range of unique pieces made entirely by hand from upcycled denim and recycled materials.

NO MAN'S LAND END THE WAR BEFORE IT ENDS YOU COLLECTION BY BECCA PORTER

Functionality, longevity, connection. The objective is to create a functional, capsule wardrobe that encourages longevity in wear and emotional connection with the wearer and garment. It showcases multi-functional pieces, with oversized and adaptive shapes to ensure inclusivity across body types. All fabrications, hardware, and details have been carefully considered to create a sustainably focused collection.

OSCAR MUNRO CHAPTER ONE COLLECTION

Character, geometry & dynamism. This particular collection uses offcuts from material used to make dinner shirts. Influences include the dynamism and geometry of Art Deco, Georgina Von Etzdorf (“Since an early age I have been surrounded by fascinating prints and textiles my mum designed for Georgina- the eponymous fashion label and their crazy artistry unconsciously had a big influence”) Susan B Kaiser’s The Psychology of Clothing, people and experiences. And cheese! (Manchego). Favourite materials to use are hot air balloon off-cut, repurposed seatbelts and reclaimed sailcloth. “The material partly forces the design and I take much pleasure in finding textiles which have earned their character through time.”

BEPO

HUMANS ARE HUMANS COLLECTION BY BEN & NATALIA TAYLOR

Repurposed parachutes, confidence, energy. Bread and butter apparel for like-minded humans. Start a conversation about mental health through what you wear. Wearing any form of clothing gives you a feeling, a purpose, a sense of belonging and a sense of style. This fashion is a pure emotion.

LILI SIPEKI

KALOCSA 2 COLLECTION

TDS

A/W23 COLLECTION BY LETTIE & SALLY PATTISON

One-of-a-kind, empowering, circular. A mother-daughter duo created over 20,000 one-of-a-kind jackets using recycled materials. Featured in VOGUE and ELLE, they empower individuals to express their unique style with their creative, circular designs.

SIPEKI

REUNIFORM COLLECTION REDRESS AWARD FINALIST BY LILI SIPEKI

Multi-functional, zero waste, made from upcycled school uniforms. ReUniForm is a unisex collection reconstructed from old unwanted school uniforms. The garments were designed to be practical and multifunctional so they can be worn in different ways and personalised by the wearer leading to a longer product life. These elements like detachable pockets, frills and details allow the wearer to create multiple different looks from just one piece increasing the longevity of the garments.

Caroline Rush, our fantastic guest.

SPECIAL THANKS TO PEOPLE WHO HELP MAKE OUR EVENT MEMORABLE.

Chester Race Course, Louise Stewart. Storyhouse, Olly Hill and his team. University of Chester, Bernardine Murray and Delphine Wilson CWaC. Currans Unique,Lisa and Jon Curran. The Break Creative Agency, Molly Jones and Jakub Taylor. Think Wine. Edinburgh Gin. Pars Kahve, Adam and his team. Common Hall Socia, Stew and Freya and their team. FAD Models, Sam Perkins. Butcher’s Salon, Susannah Richardson and her team. SpaceNK Stefan Evans and his team. We Love Good Times, Izzy Grey. Photographers, Jakub Tayl and Ema Crompton. Videographers - Scott Clarksonand Josh Southorn. DJs Rhys Fairhurst and Mark Hanson.

Becca Porter No Man's Land Collection.

HOW WE’RE FUNDED & REGULATED:

Community Interest Companies (CICs) are specifically identified with social enterprise and are typically set up by entrepreneurs who want to do good in a form other than charity. ōH: Chester Design Foundation is registered with Companies House and has satisfied a Community Interest Test to show that its primary purpose is to provide benefits to the community, rather than the individuals, who own, run or work for the organisation. An annual Community Interest Report is submitted to the CIC Regulator. A CIC is designed to trade, whereas charities can only trade in certain circumstances. And so, because trading through the ōH Concept Store is integral to the Foundation programme, that’s the reason why we chose to be a CIC, rather than a charity. There are pros and cons to that – the main downside being that CICs don’t get any tax breaks – so we have to pay corporation tax at 25% on income and don’t qualify for GiftAid on donations made. As well as paying for equipment and training we also need to meet the day-to-day costs of keeping open the oH Concept Store and atelier space with staff, heating and lighting. And so, every penny we receive really does count…

Becca Porter No Man's Land Collection.

WHAT CAN YOU DO:

While major donors are crucial, they’re fewer in number, so small donations are vitally important. Whether you can give £5 or £5,000 it will have an impact that goes way beyond the amount you’ve donated. Every one-off or monthly donation you make helps us to buy equipment and training to meet our end goal and create positive change for our creatives, Chester city-centre and its community.

Donate today! Your small donation can help us make a big difference...

What your money can buy: • £5 will pay for a Posca pen used by artists • £50 will cover two hours of training in business management • £500 will fund a student placement for two weeks • £5,000 will buy specialist equipment such as a button-hole machine

DONATE HERE We also need your experience! Oscar Munro preesents his latest collection of unisex handbags that utilise discarted car seat belts.

To find out how to become a patron, mentor or volunteer please email: bense@ohfoundation.uk 34

CONTACT US: www.ohfoundation.ucontact: Bense Burnett _ bense@ohfoundation.uk Monika Swindells_ monika@ohfoundation.uk general enquiries _contact@ohfoundation.uk press enquiries_press@ohfoundation.uk