Retrospective Research of Personal Practice.

Retrospective 

research of personal practice.

I am a textile designer/accessories designer who has previously worked with yarns to create knitted fashion accessories for the upper end fashion industry including supplying to designer lead stores.This is the job role I since leaving University with an honors degree in Knitwear design. I have since freelanced for a number of years and have spent the last 5 years teaching on a supply basis in order to raise my daughter and enjoy my family life a bit more.

                 1989-2003 Designer Director Original Sample Ltd                                                                         Nottingham                  London                               

·         Designing and selling designer lead knitwear to a World Market.

·         Customer base- Paul Smith Ltd. Harrod’s Ltd, Selfridges Ltd, French Connection, Oasis Stores Ltd, Japanese Department Stores, United Arrows Ltd, Hanku Department Stores, Small independent designer Stores, U.S.A Macy’s Stores, Sax  5^th Avenue, Barney’s Stores, Parisian designer Stores, Gucci Stores, Et Vous, Rue Rennie Stores. Celebrity Customers-   

·         Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Christian Lacroise

I started my previous business using a Princes trust award and I won best small business award in the 1990's for all the business's sponsored by the Prince's trust. The price was a top trade show stand in London which started my lucrative wholesale business selling my products across the globe.
The following news reel and business documentary shows the early phase of my previous business which  gives a glimpse of previous working practice.

Career Achievements

·         Awards.Uk Business Award Princess Youth Business Trust. Courtauld’s UK Competition Runner up.

·         British Fashion Awards-Winner as a Freelancer designer manufacturer for Paul Smith special emphasis on Knitwear Accessories. French connection –Special emphasis on knitwear Accessories.

·         Bespoke knitted hat designs for Prince William and Prince Harry

·         Freelance work. Window Display Design-Selfridges London. High Street Windows.9-17

·         Freelance Costume design consultant-Rolling Stones Concerts 1995

·         Freelance Costume designs- Play house Nottingham. Freelance Costume designs-Spice Girls.

·         Showing Globally at international trade Fairs. Pret-a-Porter Paris.Sehm Paris. New York Coterie,London Show, Birmingham Menswear Trade fair,Harogate fashion fair.London knitwear Show.The London Show.

·         Overseas Marketing Missions-Osaka,Tokyo Hilton hotel .Japan

·         Overseas Trips Forecasting and buying Shows Fabrics yarns and forward trends Florence Italy.

·         Market Stall Camden Market London 1990-1997 Retail Sales knitwear -Mens, Ladies and Children

·         Retail Storesx2 Nottingham. Designer Clothing and gifts- Mansfield Road and City centre 1990-1993

·         Handle all merchandising, inventory control, ordering, cash control, and maintenance functions.

·         Coordinate special promotions and events. Hire, train, and co-ordinate a staff of 12,

I am currently studying a Master’s Degree at University Lincoln England where I am studying Design. My interest is in print making for home with some hardware detailing using different technique’s incorporating CAD, my theme is Natures Armour (outer protective casing, inner protective castings). This area would be hardware and I would attach metal and wood detail to fabric and paper to add uniqueness and tactile artisan detailing.
The name Natures Armour is feeling a bit too limiting some how. I looked online and there are sites that link to herbal remedies and this is not what I want the range to seem to be about.Also I have had a number of people ask me what Natures Armour means? .The hardware elements of the project to add elaboration links better to the title natures armour as it is fitting to use this theme for 3d or haberdashery detailing onto surface design to add detailing.
I have a broader themed title which may fit better and that is Evolution. It links to a development of design practice from fashion knit to print for home. It also still links to nature which is however a broader statement that links to natures glorious splendor through time and genetic developments scientifically explained in the meaning of the word Evolution: with a sub heading of :Patter-nation, Armour and Embellishments.