Graduate Collection
A street wear inspired menswear collection. The collection looks to create a more positive outlook on the portrayal of poverty and the individuals experiencing it. I wanted the collection to be different to other collections focusing on this societal issue, by being more respectful and innovative in what I design. As well as challenging the negative connotations and sub cultures that become associated with poverty in the hope of using fashion to move away from a society that exhibits an ‘Us and Them’ ideology and in turn promote inclusivity.
Academic journals were an initial starting point for my research: ‘Poverty first hand - Child Poverty Action Group’ and ‘Child Poverty - Scottish Government Report 2017’. I hope that the collection can educate the wearer on poverty and teach them that it is simply untrue that ‘one size fits all’. Thus, conducting this initial research was a vital step in the preparation of my collection as it allowed me an insight into how poverty manifests itself, allowing me to take a more empathetic approach in my design. In order to gain first-hand experience of poverty, I visited local areas known to have high levels of deprivation. Everything appeared neglected and unadorned, there was an overuse of primary colours, suggesting a poor attempt to brighten up an isolated area. Charity shops and supermarket clothing stores were visited, as these are regarded as affordable clothing stores for individuals on low income.
Bold and contemporary prints were created and used in creating a multimedia collection. Fabrics are diverse and reflective of the market and concept. Colours are kept bright and colourful to further develop a more forward thinking collection; wearable, contemporary and considerate. The collection sports oversized silhouettes and exaggerated proportions mirroring reality. It also includes a sense of sustainability and responsibility and promotes working on refashioning negative connotations.
I position the collection in a young contemporary market. The designs mixes urban wear with an athleisure aesthetic. I want the collection to retain its core ethos and so I propose it be positioned at mid-market level where it would be more accessible to those on lower incomes and thus more attainable by its target market. Positioning it here also allows it to be successful in its educational purposes and promotes a message of equality.
