Meet GFF Talent, Mia Nutton, a fashion graduate from De Montfort University. Mia’s final major project is focused around sustainability. “I found some waste carpet on the side of the street, I thought it was a huge waste as I see this a lot in Leicester. There’s not much you can do with waste carpet over than throw it on landfill.” says Mia. Read all about it below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
Contraction and challenging myself to be more creative with silhouette. My course has allowed me to be more creative with sustainability which has been a huge driver for my final major project.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
I found some waste carpet on the side of the street, I thought it was a huge waste as I see this a lot in Leicester. There’s not much you can do with waste carpet over than throw it on landfill. So my main focus point of my final major project has been repurposed carpet.
What form does the final project take?
My final project will be in the form of garments.
What materials have you used and how did you source them?
Carpet (recycled and donated)
Yarn (eco-friends sourced)
Silk (donated from my work placement which is deadstock)
How has it evolved from your initial ideas and what have you learnt along the way?
I have learnt the challenges of working with non conventional materials and how to finish them in the most professional way.
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?
My project is based on the working class, many groups in society are glamorised except the working class. Looking at worker men etc the people who help us live out day to day lives.
I grew up in a small neglected town up north and I would always feel judged by many people, especially when moving down to London and working in the fashion industry. I didn’t have a family member in the industry, my dad was a joiner and my mum was a garment factory worker so I didn’t have a great starting point.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I would like to change the boundaries around menswear, using feminine colours in my garments to demolish male stereotypes. I would also like to change the treatment of young professionals in the fashion industry, I was an intern (working for free) for a year and a half in london and last year and the treatment I got from a lot of professional was very disheartening for me.
What is your plan once you finish your BA?
I would like to focus on menswear.