Winner of Fashion Futures 2012, graduating from BA (Hons) Textiles: Knit with Business Studies, University of Brighton
Taking part in Fashion Futures was a valuable step in pushing me towards the industry I wanted to be a part of. It taught me so much about myself and who I wanted to become, FAD had confidence in my work and helped push my creative process in the direction needed for me to be where I am today.
I have just finished my degree at the University of Brighton, specialising in Textiles: Knit. This degree was especially challenging because alongside learning my specialism knit, it is combined with Business studies and an industry year. These aspects were extremely beneficial to me in order to learn and grow as a professional individual which is why the course is so rewarding.
So my knit collection research is based on the area I grew up in Lewisham and the changes and gentrification happening within the area. Throughout the past year I have taken pictures and videos from all around Lewisham, walking around, driving about, taking snaps from friend’s flats in estates around Deptford; all showing the progress of the ‘regeneration’ happening around the borough. This all implies a sense of invasion, intrusion, and interference to the South East London area. To suggest this sort of ‘regeneration’ interference; I edited images which create a glitch series that expresses the intrusion of gentrification entering Lewisham.
I will start working at Country of Origin, a menswear knitwear company in August, a brand I interned\worked for last summer. Hopefully its uphill from there.
My advice to anyone taking part in Fashion Futures now is to not underestimate yourself! Throughout the competition, learn as much as you can, enjoy every part of it, network and have confidence in your work. Even if you are weaker in one area, make the other aspects stronger and memorable. It will all come together!
