Grandma's Pajamas

My design style represents a contrast between functionality, playful and nostalgic design. I am very textile influenced and believe surfaces and materiality are so important within design. I take a lot of inspiration from childhood memories and old photographs. Utilising up cycled and reclaimed materials within my work, I think there is an unnecessary need to produce new textiles within the industry when there is so much that can be re used and reclaimed from a sustainability standpoint. I love experimenting with unique materials to create colourful and expressive designs. My concept starting point for my final collection was an old vintage curtain that belonged to my great, great grandma. I was fascinated with the history and stories one item held. I then decided to explore my heritage. Specifically looking at both my nans on either side of my family. Exploring their differing upbringings, styles, memories and how these have shaped them into the people they are today. I took themes of motorcycling and farming within my heritage to influence silhouette and materiality. My second theme explores sleep and how our mentality can affect sleeping. I was interested in how fabric moves and changes while we sleep and the different positions that distort the body and our clothing. I wanted to explore sleepwear both in a contemporary and historical sense, looking at features that have remained through history as well as how sleepwear has been modernised and adapted. My pattern inspiration was largely taken from both historical sleepwear and old family photographs. Sourcing materials predominately second hand from my network of family and friends such as my grandma’s old curtains and my families leather sofa which is feature throughout the collection. https://etrend8aa2.myportfolio.com/work