During lockdown, instead of continually staring at LinkedIn, contemplating our navels and annoying prospects, we decided to make ourselves useful.
And, as we love all aspects of design, we asked Val Jacobs, the inspirational course leader for the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles degree at University Centre Colchester (@ucc_ftdesigners), if we could help to support her final year students. Ordinarily they’d be gearing up to show their collections on the catwalk and in the static show, one of the best ways of attracting attention from those in the business, but that can’t happen as nothing’s ‘ordinary’ anywhere in the world these days.
But you just might be able to help too. You may know someone who knows someone who is looking for talented fashion or textile designers and, if you do, please tell them about these fantastic four:
Paradise Lost
The aim is to raise awareness of the destruction of the coral reef ecosystem and the warming of our oceans. This playful, colourful and trans-seasonal childrenswear collection emphasises the natural underwater beauty that is in rapid decline.
Thick imperial cotton contrasts with soft floaty habotai, reflecting global fluctuations in temperature. The vibrant colour palette showcases traditional screen-printing techniques and references the thriving coral; the faded colour effects, achieved using natural dye techniques, imitate bleached coral.
Annie Barford is in her final year at University Centre Colchester where she is studying for a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles. If you are interested in Annie’s work, you can contact her here.
Grandeur
I have created an eclectic collection of prints inspired by Brighton Pavilion, British flowers and historical architectural details. My scenic wallpaper mural, influenced by the Pavilion’s lavish oriental interior, features motifs of a pagoda, heron and willow tree, all hand-drawn in ink, then digitally developed. Detailed hand-painted gouache motifs have been designed as a series of digital companion prints. I specialise in hand-drawn illustrative textiles for interiors and loungewear, working freehand and on a large-scale; ink is my preferred medium.
Cady Dolan-Roberts is in her final year at University Centre Colchester where she is studying for a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles. If you are interested in Cady’s work, you can contact her here.
Fearful Ocean
A conscious collection prioritising sustainability and highlighting the change to our oceans and our impact on the planet. Weather worn sails are reworked into oversized protective coats and garments; the random placement of printed graphics and numbers make each piece in this collection unique. Layered undergarments carry digital prints referencing data and recoloured imagery from natural disasters around the globe.
Chloe Beth Jones is in her final year at University Centre Colchester where she is studying for a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles. If you are interested in Chloe’s work, you can contact her here.
Alpine
In response to a mountainous adventure in Switzerland, my versatile print collection evokes memories of the extraordinary landscapes and natural elements of the alpine region, which co-exist with the manmade elements of architecture, transportation and human activity. Using predominantly digital drawings, alongside screen-printing techniques, captivating vistas have been created that work in fashion and interior design. My conversational stories are also influenced by the Japanese ukiyo-e style of painting.
Sophie Felgate is in her final year at University Centre Colchester where she is studying for a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles. If you are interested in Sophie’s work, you can contact her here.
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