Stephen Walters Student Competition

This student brief required three repeat designs suitable for jaquard weaving. I visualised my three designs as silk shirts suitable for a high-end womenswear collection. Inspired by the markings found on butterfly wings, the samples take an abstract approach to animal print. Through analysis of the high-end womenswear market, I was able to see how the use of animal print had evolved, making note of the use of abstract spots and painterly marks on relaxed silhouettes. I used a warm, nature-inspired colour palette suitable for an autumn/ winter release, allowing the wearer to feel unified with the natural world around them. The designs would be woven using one yarn type; 100% silk. This would ensure that the collection would be recyclable, promoting a closed loop cycle, a circular economy and sustainable production.