CUTTING edge fashion inspired by medieval sword fighting will contrast with Beatrix Potter-styled children’s wear as the region’s newest designers premiere their work.
The culmination of three years’ study, students at Cleveland College of Art and Design will see their collections modelled professionally for the first time.
Hannah Matthews relocated to Hartlepool from Staffordshire to study a BA (Hons) fashion enterprise degree at CCAD.
The history-mad 22-year-old, a member of the Society for the Study of Swordsmanship, will show her inspired collection of doublets and sheer armour, with bags that mimic medieval shields, at the annual Graduate Fashion Show on May 28.
Hannah said: “My passion is history and I love high-end fashion. I spent hours in Leeds Armoury sketching to come up with my collection.
“My dad taught me to sew and I have been making theatre costumes since I was 14. I have set up my own business, HEM, and would also like to do a masters degree in history. I have had a brilliant time at CCAD and it was well worth moving to the region.”
In complete contrast to the bellicose wears of Hannah will be the children’s wear of Emma Wray, who is influenced by Beatrix Potter.
“I developed my print of children in the garden and came up with a trans-seasonal collection for young girls including skirts, playsuits and a rain-mac,” the 20-year-old, of Hartlepool said.
“I started off making jewellery and did a course at CCAD Middlesbrough which led to this degree course. I love making clothes and am really looking forward to seeing them on the catwalk.”
Louise Bibby is about to enjoy the sweet taste of success as she prepares to take her liquorice-inspired collection to the catwalk for the very first time.
The 24-year-old, of Morpeth, has designed four outfits for teenagers inspired by Liquorish Allsorts.
Louise said: “The aim was to make something for teenagers that is cute and appealing and the Allsorts design just stuck with me.
“I love design and think I might have found my niche in teenwear. I like texture and quirky and can’t wait to see my work on the catwalk.”
Kelsey Campbell has come up with the perfect answer to the work-life balance – career clothes that are ready to party.
Made from lightweight, breathable, anti-bacterial materials, the dual-role outfits can switch from smart work-wear to trendy clubbing garb in a matter of seconds.
“I have gone for vivid colours which you can turn inside out and off you go,” said the 20-year-old, of New Herrington.
“It is quite out there. The sleeves also zip off and I have included plenty of pockets so you don’t need to take a handbag when you are clubbing. There is a hole in the market for this and plenty of room to develop and grow.”
Designing proved to be child’s play for new mum Camile Thomas after using her own experiences to come up with a fashionable line of maternity wear.
“When I was pregnant and looking for things to wear there was nothing,” said the 29-year-old.
“If you are having a baby then you might as well throw fashion out of the window. Everything is just so clingy.”
She has put her experiences to good effect designing a range of maternity wear that uses flowing drapes while capturing the essence of Teesside with prints with elements of steel and industry.
“I know which parts of the body are on show and how material can fall nicely over your bump,” she said.
“I also used hidden panels making the dresses adjustable according to the size of your bump and one even has a panel in the back that can be microwaved to ease any pain there.
“I created a papier-mâché bump for manikins and models to see how best to cut the fabric ensuring it fell correctly – I think we all had a turn wearing that.”
By contrast her colleague Sarah Tiffney, of Middlesbrough, had her head in the clouds while designing her collection.
The 20-year-old, of Middlesbrough, was influenced by aeroplanes going on to make women’s wear from paper nylon.
“It was really difficult to work with and I was really proud of how it worked out,” she said. “I can’t wait to see them on the catwalk.
“I have always been interested in fashion and developed this while studying at CCAD Middlesbrough, before taking the degree at Hartlepool. I have really enjoyed it because the courses are really hands-on and set you up for the industry.”
Special guest Michelle Taylor, of Gateshead luxury lingerie company Tallulah Love, will introduce the show and present the coveted Designer of the Year prize to the most motivated, enthusiastic and committed student.
Programme leader Vicky Wake said: “Michelle is a great supporter of the programme and we are all really looking forward to the night.
“The students have worked very hard under pressure gaining a real insight into industry demands.”
Students are drawn from all over the country to CCAD, one of only three specialist arts colleges in the UK.
After the catwalk extravaganza, the collections will form part of the national Graduate Fashion Show, due to be staged on May 30 in Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London.
This provides the students with an opportunity to network with industry specialists and attend professional workshops, as well as discuss career routes in an environment relating wholly to the fashion industry.
For more information on opportunities at CCAD log on to www.ccad.ac.uk or phone (01642) 288888.
