.......Designers and reasons that has influenced........my project work

Strong influences from designers such as; Thierry Mugler, Alexander McQueen, Cavalli, Bendelisi, Rowland around the 1970-1980's and hints from the new Romantic bands showing glimpses of elegant confidence with tribal face painted influences, feathers and victorian refinery showing full sleeves and layers.

I visited the Hobby Crafts Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch show at Harrogate in October where there were demonstrations, fashion shows with some approaches towards the eco-aware society. Couture Designers and Teachers had amazing displays to inspire me. I also visited the site htlm: http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/AZDesigners.

For my projects, because of the "Green Issues"I have decided to use natural vegetable dies and products such as;

• Leather
• Snakeskin
• Organic Cotton
• Feathers
• Bamboo
• Hemp
• Silk
• Fur

The reason I have chosen Bamboo is:

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, it is a sustainable grass that could become the new "cash crop" of our future. Growing to its maximum height in about 3 months, reaching maturity in approximately 3-4 years and can spread rapidly over large areas of ground. Bamboo is good for the world, as it requires no pesticides or fertilizers, releases oxygen into the atmosphere and is 100% biodegradable. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, so can kill almost all bacteria. This makes bamboo clothing more hygienic and healthier to use, as clothes stay fresher and odour free for longer. Bamboo fabric is incredibly soft and because of its breath-ability, it draws moisture away from the body, allowing it to evaporate, and so keeps you drier and more comfortable. Bamboo clothing is also anti static and also UV protective and so protects you from harmful sunlight and doesn’t stick to you. Because of Bamboo's porous nature, it keeps you cool in hot weather, warm in cool weather and is easier to dye than cotton-please see the bamboo test video that I have enclosed.

Leather pieces will be included with a tribute to tribal and safari influences, with embossed animal inprints touched with soft feathers and bamboo fringes. I am pleased to see that other designers have already included some of these trends that I have also predicted but in different seasonal colours, please see http://www.trendhunter.com/photos/feather-fashion-cocky-hairstyles/4



I have sourced some of my exotic and leather skins from the companies below. Claytons are a major Derbyshire Tannery that has existed since 1880, as well as chemical manufactured leathers which only take 1 month to produce whereas natural dyed skins can take a year and a day to produce a quality piece, hence expensive price tag but without the added toxins!

G.H Leathers are one of the cheaper wholesalers that I have bought from situated in Norfolk. sales@leathermerchants.com. John Garley is one of the director's and has said that he will give Derby University a free lecture in tannery and exotic skins.
This site will also show other different types of exotic skins that can be purchased on line.

http://www.genuineostrichhides.com/snakeskins.html?gclid=CLqpvv2R05ACFQ5OQgod6GuMXg
Clayton Leather of Chesterfield - Specialists in Production of Heavy Leather