Nicole Keefe Sustainability Portfolio

NICOLE KEEFE

ECO-CONSCIOUS DESIGNER AND BUSINESS OWNER

FINAL MAJOR PROJECT

For my Final Major Project at Coventry University I produced a collection consisting of 4 complete looks with a total of 16 pieces. I used this project to explore the passion for sustainability I had found over my previous 4 years of at university. Through conducting thorough research into alternative practices, I considered a wide variety of options but concluded on predominantly two elements; upcycling and biodegradability.

OXFAM WAREHOUSE

This project focused on the importance of closing the loop by finding ways of preventing garments reaching landfill. Alternatively I wanted to expand on solutions when they do. With this consideration I collaborated with Oxfam and Graduate Fashion Week by upcylcing old garments that were unfit to be sold from their Huddersfield warehouse. For this aspect I selectively chose to use mainly neoprene as it is derived from non-renewable sources and does not biodegrade. Therefore, I deemed it a valuable material that should be a priority for utilisation instead of wasteful disposal.

PIÑATEX

Throughout the project I became highly interested in biodegradable materials. I carried out independent research into innovative companies such as Malai and Desserto, who both specialise in plant based leather. I was ultimatley however inspired and appreciative of the craft of Piñatex and the diverse opportunities it would give me for this collection. All my Piñatex, pieces were hand painted with Jan Davidsz inspired florals to tie the oversized, somewhat masculine silhouettes with a feminine edge. Further juxtaposed by a common feature of barbed wire throughout to secure a feisty yet feminine look. This project was later awarded with Coventry University's Sustainability award in appreciation of my efforts to mirror my enthusiasm for sustainable fashion development.

STARTING A BUSINESS

During the last few months of my FMP the UK went into the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. I finished my collection from my spare room and learnt to navigate true independent learning and relied on self teaching.

After my submission I was left on furlough and in lockdown with no project for the first time. This new found free time gave me the opportunity to begin expanding on the concept of my FMP. I was eventually able to transform it into my own small business with the name, Lumpy Coffee.

I started off wth upycling old leather jackets but developed these into biodegradable biker jackets and apparel, bags and masks sourced from organic materials.

At a time when everything was at a standstill, creating a business gave me the opportunity to excel in a huge range of skills. Due to social distancing I was limited to doing everything independently. I didn’t just create products, I handled marketing, social media, branding, web design and photoshoots on top of continuous research to keep up with innovative development within the sustainable fashion industry.

ABOUT LUMPY COFFEE

Lumpy Coffee was created to challenge the false mundane stereotypes of sustainable fashion by hand crafting bold and colourful pieces. Each product is made from biodegradable, recyclable and vegan materials. We want no contribution to the clogging of landfills when our garments eventually reach the end of their cycle.

Lumpy Coffee started out by up-cycling old leather jackets by hand painting them to give them a new life. Real leather takes 50 years to decompose, making leather one of the most damaging materials within the fast fashion industry.

As Lumpy Coffee grew I began using Piñatex and bamboo silk to produce new innovative pieces that are environmentally conscious. Through a lot of experimenting and development I transformed Lumpy Coffee into a vegan and sustainable brand that aligns with my ethical standpoint.

ETHICAL CLOTHING FOR BADASS FOLKS

#LUMPCOFFEE #MADEWITHPIÑATEX

BUILDING A COMMUNITY

BRANDING AND PACKAGING

I valued having a consistent brand style accross all platforms from the website to social media. I wanted to produce content that was identifiable to consumer and convey a relatable attitude to them. As an extetention of this I naturally took this into consideration with the packaging. It was however important to keep sustainability in mind when designing my packaging. The boxes are constructed of recycled cardboard and filled with recycled tissue paper. The finishing branded stickers are from an independent business and are plastic free. Finally the thank you cards are printed onto paper made from seeds so the customers can plant them once they’re done.

PIÑATEXGROWING WITH LC

My journey with Piñatex has been one I’m very grateful for. The compay that produces it, Ananas Anam has recognised Lumpy Coffee as a high quality example of how their material can be used. This recognition has been examplified through their use of my imagery accross their social media and even on their website under their #Madefrompiñatex section.

Promotion from the company that inspired me from the beginning was an achievement in itself During 2021 their team contacted me to request product samples as they wished to display them on their stand at Paris Fashion Week. This was a very surreal experience especially seeing it for myself. This was within the Smart Creation area at Premiére Vision, alongside likeminded company’s that have inspired my career thus far