Annie Bateman: RUBBER SIDE DOWN

My collection is titled ‘Rubber Side Down’ which is a biker term for stay safe. The concept for the collection was based on 90s grand prix motorcycle racing, also taking influence from motorcross, I used recycled motorcross armour to add to the aesthetic of the collection. The collection was made mostly from a fire-resistant aramid and spacer mesh provided to me by CQC, who sent me many technical textiles in order for me to create garments with actual protective qualities. I am a menswear designer with a specific interest in creating protective garments and performance clothing. I have a keen interest in technical textiles so I try to use these within my work to create fashion with true protective qualities. Growing up in a motorbike mad household, I spent a lot of my childhood at races and surrounded by bikes, and a lot of this influence can be seen across my work.