West Scholes

West Scholes is a collection that narrates life in Queensbury, West Yorkshire, circa 2009, drawing inspiration from the traditional occupation of the rag-and-bone man. The collection explores how sportswear serves as the uniform of labourers, easily adapted and functional for manual work by being tied up or tucked into socks. The ethos of the rag and bone trade is reflected in the use of equestrian silhouettes and the reworking of discarded garments. These silhouettes are adapted with technical fabrics, alongside heritage cloths sourced from West Yorkshire. Fabrication plays a crucial role in conveying the narrative of this collection, with the effects of deindustrialisation on the region being a reoccurring theme. By sourcing fabrics from the area of interest, the collection supports local industries struggling to survive.