About
I am a graduating BA Hons Fashion Design student. In my final year I specialised in Menswear and Knitwear, and have been nominated for the Menswear Catwalk show event and the NEXT Trend Forecasting awards at this years Graduate Fashion Week event, which my collection was selected for the UCLan catwalk show in London (13th June 2025).
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCLAN, learning and developing not only design techniques and skills, but also becoming a confident fashion designer with encouraging support. The course and its challenges have helped me grow as a person, become more confident and independent. Whatever path is next for me I feel my time at UCLAN has greatly improved me and helped to shape the young creative woman I have become and will be of benefit for my future.
I am conscientious and enthusiastic whether this has been in approaching new projects and designs or designing my own bespoke individual projects, applying a hardworking ethos and commitment ensuring all stages of development are completed from concept to final result. I work well independently and also within a team environment, equally adaptable to any number of roles to enable the team to progress and reach our goals. I apply a diligent approach when managing workloads and deadlines as has been evident during my studies and combining a part-time job. I thoroughly enjoy aspects of the design process such as design development, garment construction and trend research. Additionally, throughout my studies, I have found myself drawn towards the visual merchandising which I have first-hand experience of in my part-time job as a Sales Advisor/Visual Merchandiser at New Look. I respond well to challenging targets, working under pressure when the situation demands it, both in my studies and the workplace. I am keen to expand my working experience and secure a post-graduation job within the industry.
Project overview
Flexible Formality
Flexible Formality is my final project menswear collection inspired by images of my dad, in the office setting, in what appeared to be an uninspiring uniform that all men wore and thus looked practically identical! This notion gave me the idea to challenge what was seen as the traditional ‘uniform’ or 'office-wear' that men selected for work and consider what clothes are appropriate now for this new more relaxed way of working in the 21st century.
My research took me back to the 70’s Glam Rock era with its extreme fashion that became everyday wear i.e. extreme flares, platform shoes etc., that was so integral in breaking gender norms and blurring gender lines within menswear. Taking inspiration from icons including David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Elton John the idea of exploring an extroverted and feminine silhouette was explored and I began to consider how these men might dress for the office creating a hybrid collection of smart garments, infused with a peppering of 'ultra glam-ness'.
The fabrications for my collection are both nostalgic and new, with sustainability a key element, reusing my Grandad’s old office shirts to repurpose into new patchwork fabrics and sourcing deadstock corduroy alongside soft and flowing fabrics to create a softer more feminine silhouette. My colour palette is influenced by opposing elements of traditional masculine and feminine shades, utilising delicate pastel tones mixed with colours associated with office settings. I combined light and dark tones to create an alternative mood to menswear that fulfils the growing desire for men to present more than one characteristic regarding their masculinity.
Inspiration also came from ‘normcore’ items such as lever folders, office located signs and other executive paraphernalia, which also inspired silhouette details such as the embroidered logo tab elements that run throughout the collection, which were inspired by a vintage rolodex.
The collection has added artisan skills by incorporating craft elements such as crochet to create a beautiful softness and textural layered effects. Humour is inserted with embroidered elements featuring quirky slogans such as 'Out to Lunch' or 'W.F.H. - work from home' to create a contemporary, eclectic feel presenting a new gender fluid outlook.
Flexible Formality, Final Collection
Flexible Formality, final collection
Flexible Formality, Final Collection
Flexible Formality, Final Collection
Flexible Formality, Final Collection
