Meet Alexandra Atkins, Bath Spa University Catwalk Show Highly Commended at GFW22. Alexandra studied at Bath Spa University.
How do you feel about winning a GFW22 award?
I'm absolutely thrilled to be recognised for the catwalk appeal of my collection without the judges even knowing the details and sustainable design work that I tried so hard to incorporate.
What was the inspiration starting point for your award-winning FMP?
I started by looking at the working garments of the Newhaven Fishwives in 1901 and how their uniforms were not only practical but also an intriguing mix of stripe and pattern, creating geometric lines and busy detailed blocks, mixing this with some paper prints of seaweed from around the same time and practical workwear details to extend the usage and life of the garments.
What skills did you learn and develop during the production of your FMP?
My main focus of this collection was to design as consciously as I could from start to finish. Beginning with using deadstock and organic fabrics, to designing all the garments with size adjustability in mind, not just 'one size' which often isn't 'fits all'. Through this, I researched and developed multiple ways of adjusting trousers, coats etc without losing the overall silhouette of the collection which I felt was so personal to my aesthetic.
What were some challenges that you faced in producing your FMP and how did you overcome these?
Due to the adjustable features, I often couldn't use traditional manufacturing techniques and therefore went through trial and error multiple times until I found methods that worked for me and my collection. I also fought hard to stick with my passion for conscious design throughout degree, and particularly FMP, against resistance from many areas including the thoughts that it would be easier to continue without. I knew that this was something I would not continue designing without focusing on.
Are there any messages or major themes in your FMP that you want people to take away? If so, how did you choose to communicate with them?
Although it is fantastic that people are beginning to educate themselves on conscious design and sustainable living, we need to consider that one of the most important things to do within the fashion industry is supporting small designers who do limited production or just slow down and treasure the pieces you already have. Adjustability doesn't only mean that you only need to produce a smaller number of garments, but also means it can be treasured and shared between friends, family and generations to come. The pieces will last a lifetime of growing bodies and changing needs, as well as timeless design which can be treasured by generations to come.
What is an aspect of the fashion industry that you want to help improve or have a positive impact on?
I feel I may have preached it enough throughout, but extending the life of clothing to reduce the impact on the planet is so important to me as a designer and in my day to day life, as well as incorporating conscious fabric choices from the start of course, but thinking further on from that to mean that less fabric is being produced and eventually wasted in landfill.
What form does your FMP take? Is it a collection of clothing, book, presentation, etc? If relevant, how did you source the materials for the project?
My FMP resulted in a 4 outfit collection of 14 garments, which can be mixed and matched to extend the use of your wardrobe, and accessories including bags and headscarves to accompany these. The materials came from a range of sources including Offset fabrics who source deadstock and sustainable fabrics as well as a personal collection of fabrics which were passed down from my family. I also produced a 32 page lookbook to showcase the pieces.
What are your plans for the near future (further study/ internship/ work?) now that you've finished your BA?
Alongside my final year at uni, I designed and built a van conversion to live in for when I finished. I am now in the final stretch of this project and hoping to be setting off on my travels this month! I want to continue to develop my collection ideas and thoughts of stepping up sustainable fashion whilst travelling to find inspirations for design.
