BURBERRY COMPETITION PORTFOLIO - FASHION ON THE RATION
During the course of my university studies I had the opportunity to engage with external contexts through live projects and competitions. As part of my final year I took part in a competition for British luxury fashion house, Burberry. The concept for my Eleanor Steel X Burberry collection is a progression of my final major project. 'Crossing the Rubicon' explored the repercussions of climate change on the environment, this collection, 'Fashion on the Ration’ explores the recycling of fabrics and the upcycling of old, un-wanted clothes with the intention of creating something contemporary and fashionable whilst remaining sustainable.
Burberry's heritage was initially marketed for men at war with the invention of the gaberdine trench coat developed to serve the needs of the military. During this time period the women stepped in and worked in the factories and on the land. The functional clothes they wore (utility wear) became the basis for my silhouettes - six outfits featuring elements of boiler suits and siren suits with oversized shapes and overemphasised details.
Burberry's heritage was initially marketed for men at war with the invention of the gaberdine trench coat developed to serve the needs of the military. During this time period the women stepped in and worked in the factories and on the land. The functional clothes they wore (utility wear) became the basis for my silhouettes - six outfits featuring elements of boiler suits and siren suits with oversized shapes and overemphasised details.
Escape maps were issued to pilots and special forces incase they were shot down, trapped behind enemy lines and needed to escape. They were printed on silk because it was easy to conceal in a soldiers clothing and it was a durable, lightweight fabric. At this time there was a silk shortage so many of these maps were upcycled for clothing purposes alongside surplus parachute canopies recovered from downed enemy airmen. Although requiring a high level of seamstress skills and an element of dedication to disassemble the canopy, many were upcycled into lingerie and stunning wedding dresses during a period of hardship and rationing. Discarded clothing items, recycled silks and offcuts from fashion workshops and ateliers will be re-fashioned and patchworked, transforming the 'unwanted' into a fashionable line up. Offcuts and trims of old garments will be quilted together to create a check pattern fabric which will feature as a print throughout, a print synonymous with Burberry but with a sustainable twist. These elements together create six silhouettes inspired by the resourceful ‘Make Do and Mend’ attitude during the wartime.
This competition provided the opportunity for me to expand my portfolio and engage a wider audience by exploring an area of design not previously considered. This step outside of my design comfort zone and a fresh perspective on fashion enhanced my personal and professional development and broadened my career directions.
This competition provided the opportunity for me to expand my portfolio and engage a wider audience by exploring an area of design not previously considered. This step outside of my design comfort zone and a fresh perspective on fashion enhanced my personal and professional development and broadened my career directions.
COMPETITION PORTFOLIO - ELEANOR STEEL X BURBERRY | |
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