Meet India Moore, Sheffield Hallam University Catwalk Show Highly Commended at GFW22. India studied Fashion Design at Sheffield Hallam University.
How do you feel about winning a GFW22 award?
I feel so grateful and fortunate to have been recognised for an award! Having such a positive response to my project makes me feel proud of the work I’ve produced this year.
What was the inspiration starting point for your award-winning FMP?
The inspiration for my work came from exploring my small-town roots and how growing up in a tight-knit family unit has influenced my mindset as an adult. I love the idea of hand-me-down clothing from siblings that are falling apart at the seams, but so sentimental that they can’t be thrown away – I wanted to achieve this slightly imperfect and hand-repaired style within my collection.
What skills did you learn and develop during the production of your FMP?
I am a big fan of CAD and spent hours playing around with the Illustrator software whilst creating my technical drawings, as I find this is the best way for me to learn.
What were some challenges that you faced in producing your FMP and how did you overcome these?
At the beginning of my FMP I was not a confident pattern cutter and dreaded the day I started drafting for my collection! Fortunately, I had a great mix of staff and fellow students as a support network throughout the year, where everyone would muck in and help each other out where needed. This, combined with lots of practise, allowed me to enjoy the process and build confidence – since leaving university, I’ve found a hobby in developing my own patterns and making clothes.
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?
The message I would like people to take away from my project is to take pride in your heritage, as it has led to be who you are today.
What is an aspect of the fashion industry that you want to help improve or have a positive impact on?
As I’m sure many designers will feel the same, sustainability is perhaps the biggest problem to tackle. I think it would be positive for companies to encourage the repairing of garments, as well as reducing the amount of textile waste through clothing recycling schemes where these items can be repurposed.
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 is in the form of a menswear collection made of four looks. The idea for fabrications was to stick to classic and well-wearing cloths, such as cottons, corduroy and linens. Some of these fabrics were donated and others I was lucky to find on end-of-line rolls.
What are your plans for the near future (further study/ internship/ work?) now that you've finished your BA?
I'm hoping to secure a fashion job and start the next challenge within industry!
