Henry McElroy

a bit about henry.

Henry McElroy is Sydney based fashion designer known for their passionate storytellingthrough modes of clothing and textiles.

Henry’s designs are deeply rooted in a respect for narratives and notions of the past, often taking inspiration from history yet creatinginnovative and wearable garments. Henry’s work tells stories of heritage and tradition.reimagined for the present day.

Henry considers the importance of textile manipulation in championing a sustainable future for the industry, incorporating eco-dying as well as upcyling to create textiles which are fresh and environmentally responsible. Henry, especially has an affinity with wool as a fibre, appreciating its sustainable methods of production as well as endless opportunities for manipulation, particularly smocking and pleating which Henry is known for.

Instagram: @wsmcelroydesign Email: HWSMceloy@gmail.com Linkedin: Henry McElroy

HEIRLOOM

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Please be aware... the CONTENTS of

this document may enduce flashbacks from a past life HENRY MCELROY

I . C ONC E P T S TAT E M E N T I I . MO ODB OA R D III. LINE UP I V. L O OK S V. AC K NOW L E D GM E N T S

CONCEPT

“HEIRLOOM IS A TESTIMENT TO SECOND-HAND CLOTHING, SUSTAINABLE FASHION CONSUMPTION PRACTICES AND DETAILED HANDWORK. THE COLLECTION REIMAGINES NOTIONS OF CLASSIC FOLK ATTIRE AND 17TH CENTURY WESTERN COSTUME, REFLECTING PIECES WHICH ARE TIMLESS AND INNOVATIVE” At the heart of the collection lies a commitment to sustainability. Each piece is a testament to the careful use of upcycled materials. Antique lace, intricate crochet, and delicate tatting—sourced from skilled regional artisans—are repurposed, bringing new life to forgotten textiles. Calico fabric scraps, often overlooked, are transformed through smocking and manipulation techniques, becoming integral to the collection’s innovative silhouettes.

This collection encapsulates the essence of slow fashion—where every stitch, fold, and pleat speaks to a deeper narrative of heritage, craftsmanship, and conscious consumption. The interplay of vintage textiles, artisanal techniques, and eco-friendly practices in HEIRLOOM creates a contemporary wardrobe that not only looks to the past for inspiration but also to the future for sustainable solutions.

Eco-dyeing plays a significant role in the collection’s ethos. Instead of relying on harmful synthetic dyes, natural alternatives such as onion skins are used to create soft, earthy hues. This method not only produces unique and subtle color variations but also champions environmental responsibility.

Wool, a naturally renewable and biodegradable fiber, forms the backbone of many of the garments.

Selected for both its sustainable properties and its unique ability to hold shape, wool lends itself beautifully to the intricate pleating techniques employed throughout the collection. The fabric’s malleability allows for dynamic, sculptural designs while maintaining a strong sense of wearability.

Bed Curtain Embroidery, Saint Louis Art Museum

HEIRLOOM

A/W

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 1

LOOK 1. ONION SKIN DYED WOOL DRESS WITH SMOCKED DETAIL AND DETATCHABLE COLLAR

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 1

100% Onion Skin Dyed Cotton Voile

100% Onion-Skin Dyed Worsted Wool Suiting

100% Onion-Skin Dyed Woolen Wool Suiting

LOOK 2. WINDOWPANE CHECK DRESS WITH SMOCKED DETAIL AND DETATCHABLE LACE COLLAR

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 2

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 2

70% Wool 30% Nylon Scarlet, Black and Cream Windowpane Check Suiting

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 3

LOOK 3. SHEPARD CHECK SMOCKED WOOLLINEN BLEND JACKET WITH LACE DETAILING. LACE AND SMOCKED COTTON SHIRT DRESS. WOOL PINSTRIPE TROUSERS.

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 3

100% Cotton Unbleached Calico

100% 100% Cotton Cotton Cream Lace Upcycled Tablecloth Lace

70% Wool 70% Linen, 30% Wool 30% Linen Shephard Check Shepards’ Check

100% Linen Sand Suiting

LOOK 4. SCARLETT EMBROIDERED COTTON GABERDINE TRENCH DRESS WITH MALTESE LACE COLLAR.

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 4

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 4

80% Cotton 20% Nylon Gaberdine

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 5

LOOK 5. SURPLUS SILK AND NYLON POLKA DOT BLOUSE WITH PLEATED COLLAR. DOUBLE WOOL CREPE WIDE LEG TROUSERS.

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 5

85% Nylon 15% Silk Chiffon

100% Wool Double Crepe Biscuit

LOOK 6. SURPLUS SILK AND NYLON POLKA DOT EMPIRE LINE DRESS WITH BILLOW SLEEVES AND SKIRT.

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 6

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 6

85% Nylon 15% Silk Chiffon

HENRY McELROY PRESENTS

LOOK NO. 7

LOOK 7. WORSTED WOOL BLEND PLAID TAILORED PANNIER JACKET WITH LACE DETAILING. TEA DYED DOUBLE WOOL CREPE TROUSERS. TEA DYED DOUBLE WOOL CREPE SLEEVELESS TOP WITH DETATABLE LACE JABOT.

TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN LOOK NO. 3

78% Wool, 20% Polyester, 2% Polyeurethane Buffalo Check Suiting

100% Wool Tea Dyed Double Crepe

70% Wool 28% Polyester 2% Polyeurethane Buffalo Check

HENRY McELROY WOULD LOVE TO EXTEND OUR WARMEST THANKYOUS TO OUR TEAM

SURRY HILLS, AUSTRALIA

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALIYA RYAN STYLING: HENRY MCELROY CONSTRUCTION: HENRY MCELROY DYING: HENRY MCELROY SOURCING: HENRY MCELROY ILLUSTRATION: HENRY MCELROY MODEL: LAYLA PRESTON, BRADY JONES, JAKE BARINGTON MAKEUP: HENRY MCELROY DIGITAL DESIGN: HENRY MCELROY

AS WELL TO OUR SOURCES WHOM WE REVERE FOR THEIR TIRELESS DEDICATION TO KNOWLEDGE CARTWRIGHT, M. (2020). CLOTHES IN THE ELIZABETHAN ERA. [ONLINE] WORLD HISTORY ENCYCLOPEDIA. AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://WWW. WORLDHISTORY.ORG/ARTICLE/1577/CLOTHES-IN-THE-ELIZABETHAN-ERA/.

VOYAGE VINTAGE (2022). WHY WE LOVE HAND SMOCKING - VOYAGE VINTAGE - MEDIUM. [ONLINE] MEDIUM. AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://MEDIUM. C O M / @VOYAG E V I N TAG E 6 2 / W H Y-W E- L OV E- H A N D - S M O C K I N G A2DC5427D427#:~:TEXT=SAID%20TO%20BE%20FOUND%20AS [ACCESSED 21 AUG. 2024].

WELTERS, L.M. (2022). EASTERN EUROPE FOLK DRESS. [ONLINE] LOVETOKNOW. AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://WWW.LOVETOKNOW.COM/LIFE/ STYLE/EASTERN-EUROPE-FOLK-DRESS.