'Signs of the Times'

Jess Coulson Morley’s eclectic collection ‘Signs of the Times’ has been inspired by her Yorkshire-Scottish heritage. She aims to celebrate the culture and migration that has made her family heritage, and society what it is today. A lively engagement with fabrics, textures and prints, paired with elements of Harajuku influence creates this whimsical collection. Fabrics were sourced locally where possible, to celebrate industry in Yorkshire and the United Kingdom. In terms of sustainability, she is conscious of waste in her design process, using deadstock sequins, remnants and repurposing scraps for accessories. Martin Parr’s documentation of British culture has been an important point of research throughout, particularly in ‘Signs of the Times’ which is the collection’s namesake. This photographic series by Parr depicts personal taste in British homes in the early 90s. In addition to this, personal family photographs were curated as primary research. Garments draw references from net curtains, faux fur upholstery, satin bedspreads and curtains - exploring the idea that ‘the pleasures of taste are never innocent of class’ (Jon Cook, 2000).