Meet GFF Talent, Madeleine Ryall, a fashion design graduate from De Montfort University. Madeleine’s final collection is inspired by her grandma, and a desire to rethink stereotypes about older generations by designing a bright, bold collection using upcycled clothing. Read more about Madeleine’s work below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
How to work in a team in a fast-paced, busy studio with everyone doing their own thing but working together as a group! But also how to get along with people from all over the country as well as people from overseas.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
I was looking at how I could start a project and create a collection that is a reflection of me and who I am as a designer as I feel throughout my degree I haven’t come up with a concept that relates to me so I looked at the bond between me and my granny and how I take a lot of my inspiration and my love for sewing and creating from her!
What form does your final project take?
My final project will be a 2 outfit collection that I have designed from my inspiration! I will also be making a look book to go with it.
What materials have you used and how did you source them?
I am repurposing knitwear, headscarf’s, tweed suits and shirting for this project along with some materials that I have bought. However, with charity shops closed at the moment, I am struggling to be fully sustainable and get a hold of garments to repurpose.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas and what have you learnt along the way?
Initially, I wanted to create a colourful and very clashing collection, however, since being back in uni and speaking to the teachers I have changed the fabrics I am looking at along with the initial garments that I designed. I am also looking more into the traditional granny instead of my cool granny but still taking inspiration from her for my prints and textile work.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
I am looking into the misconception of old people and how they are viewed in society. When originally describing my concept to my lecturers, they kept describing old people as weak, old, people who can’t walk very well, hunchbacks and people who have no necks. This shocked me as my granny is none of those so this made me want to tackle the stereotype that granny’s or grandad’s have!
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I am very passionate about sustainability and creating a collection that is as sustainable as possible however this is very tricky in the pandemic so I am looking at other ways of being sustainable!
What is your plan once you finish your BA?
My plan at the moment is to go back home and work in the job I currently have to get some money because I’m worried about not getting a fashion job because of the pandemic. I would also love to do a masters degree either in the uni I am currently studying or somewhere in London.